Driven by Purpose.
Led by Community.
We are a team of passionate professionals and youth leaders working together to create positive change in communities. We believe in the power of young people to shape their own futures.
Our Mission
To empower young people from underrepresented communities to become leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. We do this by providing the skills, networks, and opportunities they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Our Vision
A world where every young person, regardless of their background, has the confidence and capability to define their own success and contribute positively to society.
Meet Our Team
The dedicated professionals driving our mission forward.
Deji Adeoshun
Director & Co-Founder
Deji is co-founder of Change in Youth and has spent almost 20 years developing youth-led programmes that create real opportunities. He also trains organisations in leadership communication to shift workplace conversations. Outside work he’s a father of five, a football fan, and a regular podcast guest.
Jean Marc Okende
Co-founder & Director
Dedicated community leader with 8+ years advancing youth-driven empowerment. Builds strong partnerships that amplify local initiatives and create lasting impact. Centers young people in every project to ensure programs that are relevant, practical, and genuinely community-shaping.
Monique Smith
Project Coordinator
Monique is passionate about creating inclusive opportunities for young people. With years of experience in building partnerships, she ensures that programs reach diverse communities and deliver meaningful impact.
Angel Olusile
Director of Programs
Angel is the Operations Coordinator at Change in Youth. An entrepreneur, law student, and youth worker, she brings strategic thinking, legal analysis, and deep community insight to her role. She is valued for her organisation, innovative solutions, and reliability, ensuring operations deliver real impact for young people.
Cindy
Lead Facilitator
Cindy is passionate about empowering young people to find their voice and leadership path. With years of facilitation experience, she creates spaces that spark growth, creativity, and confidence among youth communities.
Charmain Humphrey Richards
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Charmain is the Safeguarding Lead at Change in Youth, bringing decades of experience in youth work and wellbeing. She ensures all young people are safe and supported, overseeing policy and guiding the team with a trauma-informed approach. Calm and intuitive, she is a trusted point of contact, known for building trust and leading with professional care.
Joshua Nwachuku
Web Developer
Joshua is a skilled web developer with a passion for creating user-friendly digital experiences. He leverages the latest technologies to build responsive and accessible websites that engage communities.
Rita Morales
Director of Communications
Rita manages storytelling, media relations and community engagement across campaigns.
Abigail Burland
Workshop Facilitator and Detached Outreach
Abigail is an experienced workshop facilitator and music artist in her spare time. She brings creativity and authentic connection to her youth work, inspiring young people through the arts.
Daniel Lawless
Social Media Preneur Lead
As our Social Media Preneur Lead, Daniel brings over 5 years of expertise, having served as a media and content strategy assessor for numerous household names. A content creator himself, he leverages his tangible skills to empower our participants to successfully launch their own businesses.
Our Journey
From a local initiative to a national award-winning organization.
Registered as a CIC
Change in Youth was officially registered as a Community Interest Company (CIC), founded by people with a deep passion to support young people in London.
First Funding Secured
Received our first funding through Rise Up East to deliver detached outreach in Hackney Wick, marking the start of our direct community impact.
Innovation Fund Award
Awarded funding from the Innovation Fund to pioneer a new approach linking detached outreach directly with employment support.
Positive ID Launch
Secured funding from Step Up Hub to deliver our signature Positive ID programme, focusing on identity and resilience.
Capacity Building
Secured funding from Do It Now Now to transition from a charity model to a sustainable business model, ensuring long-term growth.
Wellbeing Champions
Partnered with SNG to develop the first-of-its-kind Positive ID Wellbeing Champions programme, empowering youth to lead peer support.
Social Media Preneur
Launched our brand new Social Media Preneur programme, teaching digital skills for business. We continue to build and expand our reach.