Co-Founder & Director
Renae Burchell
Seeing potential. Challenging expectations. Creating change.
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Born and raised in Coventry, Renae is an experienced educator, programme designer and leader, holding undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications spanning English, sport psychology and strength and conditioning.
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Her career spans education, personal development, careers guidance and leadership across schools and national organisations, where she has designed and delivered programmes that challenge traditional approaches to learning, development and progression.
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Driven by a belief that representation, identity and belonging are fundamental to opportunity, Renae combines psychological insight, education and lived experience to challenge limiting narratives, amplify unheard voices and empower young people to recognise their worth, shape their futures and realise their potential.
Our Leadership Team
Meet Our People
Real people. Shared purpose. A passion for making a differenceÂ
Rebekah (Bex) Ardron
Turning experience into opportunity. And opportunity into progress.
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Born and raised in Leicestershire, Bex holds a Business degree and teaching qualification, bringing extensive experience in education, employability, operational leadership and organisational development across colleges, local authorities and national organisations.
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A passionate advocate for allyship, inclusion and trauma-informed practice, Bex believes that understanding people's experiences is fundamental to creating meaningful opportunities. She combines business expertise, educational leadership and a sharp eye for quality to challenge barriers, strengthen learning experiences and create environments where individuals feel valued, supported and empowered.
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At SWAG, Bex brings the strategic thinking, compassion and commitment to meaningful progression that help turn potential into lasting change.
people build confidence, develop skills and move forward.
Co-Founder & Director
Tesfa Lennox
Partnerships & Creative Engagement Manager
Connecting creativity. Building partnerships. Opening doors.
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Born and raised in Coventry, Tesfa brings experience across the music industry, business development and creative engagement, alongside work in the UK and Europe.
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With a talent for connecting people, ideas and opportunities, he combines industry knowledge with a passion for helping young people explore their creativity and develop practical skills.
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At SWAG, Tesfa builds partnerships, supports creative learning and helps young people discover opportunities beyond traditional pathways.
Looch
Lead Youth Development Coach & Pastoral support
Building trust. Inspiring confidence. Changing lives.
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Born in Coventry, Looch brings over 15 years of experience supporting young people across local schools and colleges through mentoring, pastoral care and personal development.
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Having also lived in the USA, he brings a broad perspective and a deep understanding of the challenges young people face.
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Combining his experience in education with his passion for music and creativity, Looch builds meaningful relationships, creates spaces where young people feel heard and helps them recognise their strengths and potential.
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At SWAG, Looch is a powerhouse in youth advocacy and community connectivity - watch this space!
Our Mentors & Volunteers
Margaret Henry
Creating safe spaces. Inspiring hope. Connecting communities.
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With extensive experience in the care sector, Margaret brings compassion, understanding and a lifelong commitment to supporting others.
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A passionate community advocate and connector, she is actively involved in initiatives that provide comfort, connection and safe spaces for vulnerable people.
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Margaret is particularly passionate about empowering young Black boys, helping them develop confidence, find direction and recognise the possibilities ahead of them.
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At SWAG, she brings warmth, wisdom and a belief that everyone deserves to feel valued, supported and hopeful about their future.
Youth Volunteer Mentor
Alayna Zaid
A pillar of strength. A voice of encouragement. A force for change.
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With undergraduate qualifications in Business Management and Health & Social Care, alongside training in mental health support, Alayna brings compassion, resilience and determination to supporting vulnerable young people.
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Passionate about safeguarding, personal development and empowerment, she provides guidance, stability and encouragement. She is particularly committed to empowering women affected by domestic violence, offering understanding, reassurance and a belief in their ability to rebuild and thrive.
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An entrepreneur with a creative mindset, Alayna uses innovative projects to break down barriers, inspire confidence and help young people recognise their potential.
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At SWAG, she brings kindness, strength and an unwavering belief that circumstances do not define your future.
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Youth Development Coach
Quarah Lennox
Youth Volunteer Mentor
Empowerment, Advocacy & Real-Life Perspectives
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Born in Coventry and raised in Birmingham, Quarah brings creativity, compassion and a powerful belief that no young person should be defined by their circumstances.
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With experience in hair and beauty, including Black hair artistry and bespoke wig creation, she understands the importance of identity, culture and self-expression.
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Passionate about challenging the glamourisation of crime and exposing the realities of youth violence, county lines and exploitation, Quarah recognises how the need for love, acceptance and belonging can leave young people vulnerable. She is particularly committed to empowering girls affected by domestic abuse and adversity.
Her vision is to build an army of once-misunderstood young people who find the strength to rewrite their stories and inspire others to do the same.
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At SWAG, Quarah brings realism, empathy and hope — reminding young people that where their story begins does not have to be where it ends.