MEET OUR ROLE MODEL NETWORK
Behind every young person is a community of people who believe in them. Our Role Model Network is made up of mentors, speakers and ambassadors who volunteer their time, share their experiences and use their influence to help young people grow in confidence, discover new opportunities and believe in what's possible.
YOUTH MENTORS
Our Youth Mentors volunteer their time to support young people through one-to-one and small group mentoring. By building trusted relationships, they help young people develop confidence, overcome challenges, raise aspirations and work towards their personal goals.
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LEAH WALLACE
Leah is a young person who pivoted careers and restarted her journey, evolving from an aspiring animal care worker to Marketing Director at Next Gen. She inspires young people by leading real-world projects and teaching digital skills, proving that success comes from carving your own unique path.
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SIMON INGRAM
Simon Ingram is a passionate advocate for opportunity, integrity, and community. As Managing Director of Mountjoy and Chair of Politely Rebellious Next Gen CIC, he combines leadership experience with lived resilience to inspire others. A true people-first leader, Simon mentors young people and shows that success is built on determination, integrity, and lifting others as you climb.
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JADE SANSOM
Jade Sansom draws on her childhood in the care system to bring honesty, empathy, and resilience to her role. Now a mum and trained mentor, she is a trusted presence in our VOYCE cohorts, offering real connection and support. As a Next Gen role model, Jade shows young people that their past does not define their future, inspiring them to believe in their own strengths.
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KIRSTY HILL
Kirsty Hill is a Portsmouth-born Royal Navy veteran with a passion for empowering young people and communities. Now at Mountjoy, she draws on her experience in education and outreach to connect schools, employers, and partners, creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation. A strong advocate for inclusion and resilience, Kirsty uses her lived experience to mentor, inspire, and show that careers are rarely linear, proving that determination and self-belief can open unexpected doors.
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CHARLOTTE SIMONSEN
Charlotte Simonsen is a Graphic Designer and Brand Strategist with over a decade of experience helping businesses show up confidently and authentically. Known for creating bold, impactful brands, she combines creativity with strategic thinking to help businesses connect, grow and stand out. Through her work and personal journey, Charlotte empowers young people to build confidence, express themselves creatively and recognise their potential, showing that creative skills can be a powerful pathway for the future.
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REECE MATTHEWS
Reece Matthews is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Hewitt Matthews Group (HMG), a Portsmouth-born agency he launched in his late teens that has grown into a multi-million-pound national group. Passionate about mentoring young people, Reece uses his lived experience of building a business from the ground up to encourage confidence, challenge limiting beliefs and open up pathways into entrepreneurship, technology and leadership.
ROLE MODELS
Our Role Models use their experiences, careers and achievements to inspire the next generation. Through assemblies and workshops they share valuable insights and real-life stories that encourage young people to think bigger and believe in their potential.
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KOSHITA SHENGAMO
Koshita Shengamo, known artistically as StillDSG, is a Portsmouth-based rapper and Deputy Youth Centre Manager who uses music and lived experience to empower young people. Having grown up across the UK before settling in Portsmouth, he understands the challenges many face and channels that into creating safe, inclusive spaces. As a Next Gen role model, Kosh champions creativity as a tool for confidence and growth, showing young people that their voices matter and their futures are theirs to shape.
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JOEL KIRBY
Joel Kirby, raised in the care system and shaped by his time in the Royal Navy, embodies discipline and resilience. As a Next Gen Role Model, he empowers young people to build confidence, focus, and purpose, helping them unlock their full potential and believe in their ability to succeed.
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KESHIA STEWART
Keshia Stewart is an award-winning entrepreneur who transformed her early challenges into a driving force for success and empowerment. Now a dedicated mentor and advocate, she inspires young people to overcome obstacles, recognize their potential, and believe that with determination and support, anything is possible.
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RICKY HARDING
Ricky’s journey from foster care to success highlights the power of resilience and self-belief. As a Next Gen Role Model and youth mentor, he inspires young people to overcome challenges and seize opportunities to build better futures.
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JIM ROBERSON
Jim Roberson is an experienced educator, mentor and speaker whose work is rooted in the belief that education can transform lives and create opportunity. Drawing on his journey from New York to becoming a respected Assistant Headteacher and coach, Jim delivers honest, impactful training that builds discipline, resilience and self-belief. Through his experience and genuine care, he empowers young people to recognise their potential, raise their ambitions and achieve what they are truly capable of.
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JAKE O’CONNOR
Jake O’Connor is a Cognitive Hypnotherapist and NLP Practitioner from Portsmouth whose journey is a powerful example of change. Once excluded from school and caught in negative cycles, travel and self-reflection helped him rebuild his life. Now, Jake supports people to overcome addiction with compassion and without stigma. As a Next Gen role model, he shares his story to give young people hope and belief in their own ability to change.
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LUCAS BALLINGALL
Lucas Ballingall, a professional boxer from Portsmouth, turned his early challenges into a story of discipline and perseverance. As a Next Gen Role Model, he inspires young people to pursue their passions, embrace resilience, and believe that success is possible no matter their background.
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MICHAEL MCKINSON
Michael McKinson, known as "Mikey The Problem," is a professional boxer from Portsmouth whose journey from humble beginnings to over 20 wins highlights the power of hard work and perseverance. As a Next Gen Role Model, he inspires young people to channel their energy positively and believe that with determination and self-belief, anything is possible.
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JOE STEWART
Joe Stewart is a wellbeing practitioner whose own journey with health and resilience shapes his work. Founder of JK Wellness and a qualified personal trainer, he helps people take control of their wellbeing. As a Next Gen role model, Joe inspires young people to face challenges with strength and resilience, showing that personal growth is key to success.
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LEANNE CASSELLA
Leanne Cassella is an experienced and chartered leader at AtkinsRéalis who uses her professional expertise and lived experience to drive meaningful change. As a Next Gen Role Model, she empowers young people to explore healthy relationships, empathy and respect, helping create safer, more supportive futures through honesty, courage and compassion.
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LUKE DELAHUNTY
Luke Delahunty is a former RAF Regiment Gunner and double Invictus Games athlete whose journey is defined by resilience and determination. After a life-changing accident left him paralysed, Luke found new purpose through sport, competing in rowing and hand-cycling at an international level. Through his lived experience, he inspires young people to reframe adversity, build self-belief and understand that setbacks do not define their future.
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KATE OKORO
Kate Okoro is a Certified Mindset Coach and Speaker based in Southsea, dedicated to helping individuals break free from limiting beliefs and unlock their potential. With a community of over 175,000 followers, she shares practical tools and insights to build confidence, overcome self-doubt and take purposeful action. Through her coaching and lived experience, Kate empowers young people to develop mental resilience, reshape their thinking and realise that lasting change starts from within.
BRAND AMBASSADORS
Our Brand Ambassadors are passionate supporters of the Next Gen mission. As respected members of the community, they help raise awareness, champion our work, create opportunities and use their influence to advocate for young people and positive change.
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LINVOY PRIMUS
Linvoy Primus MBE is a former professional footballer and mentor, best known for his time at Portsmouth FC. Through speaking and coaching, he delivers impactful sessions that build confidence, character and positive decision-making. Drawing on his lived experience, Linvoy supports young people to overcome challenges, take responsibility and realise their potential.
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ANDY MOSS
As Role Model Development Lead, Andy leads the support and growth of our role models, helping them build confidence and authenticity. His focus is on creating a strong, values-led community where individuals feel empowered, aligned, and able to show up with purpose.
