We are delighted to announce the appointment of three new Trustees to the Board.

Sue Corbett – Chair of Trustees – on their appointment:
“We are delighted to welcome three new trustees to Breaking Barriers.  Hani Kablawi is Chairman of International at BNY Mellon, Julia Onslow-Cole is Partner at Fragomen LLP and Prudence Mazili Mwanza is a Quality Management Practitioner and Life Coach. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge of the refugee experience, employment and charity governance to the board.  We all look forward to working with them to support Breaking Barriers to support more refugees into jobs and education during the most challenging time of our history so far.”

Full profiles of each of the Trustees are listed below:

Hani Kablawi

Hani Kablawi is Chairman of International. Hani is a member of BNY Mellon’s Executive Committee and serves on its European and UK Bank boards. As Chairman of International, Hani oversees the regional management teams across EMEA, Asia Pacific and Latin America and leads strategy development, execution and delivery of enterprise priorities across these regions. Hani is Deputy Chairman of the Advisory Council for the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum (OMFIF), the independent financial think tank for central banks and public investment. Since joining The Bank of New York in 1997, Hani has held a number of leadership roles in New York, London and the UAE. Hani previously worked for HSBC in New York.

“I was born to Palestinian refugees in Liberia and have lived in Lebanon, Kuwait, Dubai, Iowa, New York, Abu Dhabi and now London. I know first-hand the challenges faced by those looking to establish a new life of safety and belonging.  I truly believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to be supported into stable and fulfilling employment, to come to work in an environment that encourages inclusion and belonging at every level, and that utilises their skills, knowledge and experience to fulfil their potential.”

Julia Onslow-Cole

Julia Onslow-Cole is a Partner of Fragomen, an international immigration firm . Julia is in the Government Immigration  Strategies & Compliance team which supports clients and Governments around the world. Prior to joining Fragomen Julia was the Head of PwC’s global immigration practice. Julia has more than 30 years experience in the area of immigration law and practice. “

“Throughout my career I have been heavily involved in many organisations and projects relating to human rights, the rule of law and refugee protection and employment. I am delighted to join Breaking Barriers as a trustee to support their excellent work in this area .” 

Prudence Mazili Mwanza

A Quality Management Practitioner and Life Coach, who has also worked in different sectors and held various roles, home and abroad.  Possessing an entrepreneurial acumen, she founded a charity, GOLD (Golden Opportunity Links for Development); for extreme poverty alleviation in Zambia and Elsewhere.

“As one who shares the values of this organisation, I am tied to the conviction that Refugees can bloom and make a positive contribution, wherever they are planted.  This can be made possible given the right kind of support, and if they themselves valued what they have.  I feel humbled and privileged to be part of this important work.“