Our Patron and Trustees
Our Patron is a wonderful supporter and ambassador for Kyra Women’s Project.
Our Trustees give their time voluntarily to govern the charity and set its direction and strategy.
Our Patron
Dame Penelope Wilton
Patron
We are so pleased to have actress Penelope Wilton DBE as our patron.
Penelope who was presented with an Olivier Award for her role in the west end play Taken at Midnight has starred in many roles on stage and in film and television. Her credits are many and include playing Jean Ainslie in The Second Best Marigold Hotel, Isobel Crawley in Downton Abbey and Harriet Jones in Doctor Who.
Our Trustees
Nicola Winter
Chair of Trustees
I work for Experian as an IT Risk and Controls Manager and outside of work I volunteer as the IT support for the City of York Hockey Club, as well as being Ladies 4s Captain and Ladies Club Coach.
As a mother to two amazing teenage girls, it’s important to me to give them the best start in life, by listening and being present in their lives. I believe that every woman should have support and compassion from others at all times but especially when they are feeling lonely, confused or vulnerable.
I am absolutely thrilled to be a trustee of Kyra as the outcomes that are achieved for the woman who participate in the available activities are brilliant. I want to ensure Kyra is around to support women long term.
Nicola
Chris Baines
Vice-Chair of Trustees
After over 30 years in HR, working for SMEs and a women’s charity, preceded by a stint managing finance and administration in a family business, I have now retired and am delighted to be able to join Kyra as a trustee.
I have long had an interest in how and why societal expectations and stereotypes impact women’s lives and in supporting women to achieve their ambitions, which led to my concentrating on the study of sex differences in my first degree, including studying children’s beliefs about male and female roles and how women interact with the criminal justice system. I also worked to counter prejudice in recruitment in the various companies I worked for and to increase the number of women in non-traditional roles.
Joining Kyra offers me the opportunity to translate some of my interests into practical support and I look forward to being able to contribute to the wonderful work Kyra does to help women to fulfil their potential.
Nicola Shepherd
Trustee
I have worked in Marketing for over 20 years across both the private and the not for profit sectors in addition to volunteering as a Mentor to young Marketeers and running my own business as a Family Celebrant.
I live with my two rescue cats Oscar and Jack who bring me joy every day and the occasional mouse!
I feel it is incredibly important that women are able to access the support and intervention they require, when they require it and I am delighted to be a trustee of Kyra, working with the team to ensure that we achieve outcomes for women that have a positive impact on their lives and help them to fulfil their potential.
Nicola
Nicola Clemmit
Trustee
As a careers and coaching professional with over 10 years experience in learning and development, people development, programme design and leading projects I love to help empower others to be more of who they are and move towards what is meaningful to them.
Social mobility is a key driver of mine and I work hard in my career to contribute it’s progress.
Supporting and empowering women to make positive change in a safe environment and in a holistic way is close to my heart. I’m proud to be working with Kyra to support and drive this mission forward.
Nicola
Helena Pinto
Trustee
I am an academic and I have been teaching Finance in UK Higher education since 2005. I currently work at the University of York having worked at several other Universities like Manchester, Strathclyde and Bradford. Throughout my academic career, I have balanced teaching, research and leadership roles. It is my privilege to join Kyra’s board of trustees, and I aim to contribute to Kyra’s inspiring mission to support and empower women.
Emma Rollason
Trustee
Emma is a highly experienced professional within the areas of engagement, sales, events, and marketing, most notably for York Theatre Royal, a multi award-winning tourism organisation and most recently York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. With over nineteen years’ experience, ranging from leisure and tourism to business and corporate engagement, working for charities and organising events.
Devina Sissons
Trustee
With over 20 years professional experience in Finance, I have worked in both the private and not for profit sectors.
I’m really keen to use my skills to contribute to the impact that Kyra has within the local (and not so local) areas.
