OUR ROLE MODELS

Our Next Gen Role Models are leaders, changemakers, and everyday inspirations. Through their stories, they show young people what’s possible; proving that courage, resilience, and vision can create a better future.

SEE FULL ROLE MODEL BROCHURE HERE

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • JODIE GOODCHILD

    Jodie Goodchild overcame academic struggles and self-doubt to become a successful entrepreneur and leader. As a Next Gen Role Model, she inspires young people to embrace resilience, self-belief, and personal growth to build their own futures.

  • 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.

  • BECKI BATH

    Becki Bath is a former footballer and top scorer who now channels her passion into supporting young people in her community. As a Next Gen Role Model, she inspires resilience and dedication, using her experiences to guide and empower the next generation.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • HANNAH ROPER

    Hannah Roper is a multi-talented entrepreneur, coach, and musician dedicated to empowering young people, especially women, to turn their passions into success. As a Next Gen Role Model, she inspires resilience, personal growth, and confidence to help the next generation overcome challenges and pursue their ambitions.

  • RAUSHIA COLES

    Raushia Coles is a powerful speaker and qualified professional who uses her journey from adversity to empowerment to inspire young people. As a Next Gen Role Model, she champions resilience and self-worth, encouraging youth to break cycles and believe in their ability to rewrite their futures.

  • 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.

  • TOREY BLY

    Torey is a passionate advocate for body positivity who uses her personal journey to inspire self-love and confidence in young people. As a Next Gen Role Model, she empowers youth to embrace their uniqueness and challenge harmful beauty standards through her engaging workshops and authentic approach.

  • 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.

  • IAN KOROMAH

    Ian Koromah, aka Maxsta, is a successful artist and mental health advocate who uses his music career and experiences to inspire resilience and well-being. As a Next Gen Role Model, he empowers young people to harness creativity for personal growth, healing, and success beyond talent alone.

  • 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.

  • MARNIE WALLER

    Marnie Waller is a passionate leader with experience in workforce development and education, dedicated to helping individuals overcome barriers and build sustainable futures. As a Next Gen Role Model, she inspires young people to develop the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to create their own paths to success.

  • ROLE MODEL PODCAST EPISODES

    We’ve been lucky to sit down with some of our biggest role models on the Politely Rebellious podcast! Catch every episode now on YouTube and Spotify - @POLITELYREBELLIOUS
    WATCH HERE