Ayan brings with him over 24 years of experience in both private and publicly funded immigration, asylum, and public law matters. He is accredited as a Senior Caseworker and Supervisor by the Law Society Immigration and Asylum Accreditation Scheme and is regulated at Level 3 by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner. He has extensive leadership experience, having served as Commercial Director at a leading Legal 500 immigration firm and as Senior Director at a respected Band 1 Legal 500 law firm for 15 years.

Nasreen qualified as a Solicitor in 2004. She has practiced as a solicitor in the areas of immigration, family and criminal law. She is accredited under the Law Society Immigration and Asylum Accreditation Scheme. Nasreen has worked in private practice and for non-governmental agencies representing clients in high profile cases up to and including at the High Court.

Irmak relocated to London to pursue a Master’s degree in Politics of Conflict, Rights & Justice at the SOAS University of London. Her research interests lie at the intersections of displacement, gender and politics. Her last project engaged with the experiences of immigrants and asylum seekers from the Global South.

Michael came to the UK as an asylum seeker and co-founded the Cotton Tree. He has extensive experience of sharing his story with others (Young Vic, Parliament, British Museum), and leads our successful schools programme. He facilitates the weekly Heal & Grow workshops--a space for friendship and reflection on the refugee experience.

Claire has worked as an art psychotherapist in the NHS and independent sector. She co-founded Studio Upstairs, a working arts studio and therapeutic space. She helps members to materialise their feelings in clay and colour, and facilitates staff reflections on complex emotional issues.

Marischka has volunteered for many years in administration with the Jesuit refugee services in London, and with other charities in Birmingham and Manchester. She is volunteering with The Cotton Tree, bringing her support to the weekly Heal & Grow workshops and different activities.

Ruth is a founder member of the Cotton Tree Trust and a former research fellow in philosophy at UCL. Her decision to study philosophy many years ago was influenced by her father Jack, the son of refugees. Throughout his life, Jack pondered the nature of love and wisdom, and Ruth’s book Cherishing and the Good Life of Learning was influenced by his ideas. The Cotton Tree inherited Jack’s living philosophy, along with funds from a charity that he created.

Michael co-founded the Cotton Tree. A tribunal judge for over 18 years, he has a wide range of legal experience.

George has travelled extensively in his business life and is chair and co-founder of an international development NGO. He has 20 years’ experience working with economic and internally displaced migrants in Nepal.

Jan is a professor of philosophy of education at the UCL Institute of Education. She has extensive experience teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students. Additionally, she has taught within the post-16 sector and in teacher education. Her research interests include philosophical psychology and neurodiversity.

Corin is a housing and urban development professional, currently focussed on developing community investment partnerships and unlocking social value in collaboration with corporate partners and community organisations. His 13 years of professional experience have been across public, private for-profit and not-for-profit organisations in the U.K. and US, with all of these informing his approach to helping organisations surpass barriers to growing their impact.

Shreya is a development professional and a policy enthusiast, with five years of experience engaging with civil society organisations, donors, partner organisations, and policymakers at the sub-national and national levels. She has previously worked at the grassroots in India with women, young people, and diverse stakeholders from their communities towards generating a discourse at the intersections of social livelihoods, gender equality, and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Judith came to the UK as an asylum seeker and is a co-founder of the Cotton Tree. She works with a refugee and asylum seeker charity and is involved with several other voluntary organisations.