Young Lives vs Cancer celebrates arrival of new trustee Sathya Bala

Passionate diversity and equity advocator and leader Sathya Bala has joined Young Lives vs Cancer as a trustee.

The founder of My Skin My Story, and founder and CEO of True Change consulting has joined the charity, which supports children and young people affected by cancer, with a view to supporting its strategic targets in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB).

Sathya, the former Head of Global Data Governance at Chanel, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the charity, and said she was struck by its commitment to change and improvement.

“Words are important, being transparent and honest about what needs to change is important,” she said.

“Not all organisations or charities are putting their sincere efforts behind DEIB. This charity was showing me they were willing to do the work. Helping young people succeed and not be held back is so important to building a fairer world. This is one of my personal drivers, and I found this charity shared that drive.”

She praised the charity for its ambitions to continue improving its reach, ensuring its services are available to seldom heard audiences.

“Young people of all backgrounds should have access to the charity services they need and in the next five years we need to break any barriers to Young Lives vs Cancer.

“This work means finding the hidden pockets we aren’t servicing and why, using data to pinpoint any unconscious exclusion and then delivering targeted action to increase the charity’s reach and impact.

“This charity could also be a real beacon to bring various organisations together to lobby for change that will make young lives facing cancer easier in the long run.”

Rachel Kirby-Rider, Chief Executive of Young Lives vs Cancer, said: “We are delighted to have Sathya Bala join the Board as a trustee. She brings with her a huge amount of knowledge, expertise and skills and we look forward to Sathya supporting Young Lives vs Cancer to continue its journey to be a truly diverse and inclusive organisation where we work tirelessly to reduce inequalities.”

Young Lives vs Cancer recently released its own statement of intent for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, which is available here.

The charity’s recently released Impact Report, repeats its aim to focus on extending its reach, while celebrating supporting 6,500 families and providing 4,932 financial grants, totaling more than £1 million, in the last year. Read the full Impact Report.