Minaxi, a seasoned Human Resources expert and a member of the CIPD, joined LfL in 2007. She has over 25 years experience in HR, gained in the private sector, starting her career with the Ford Motor Company and then moving onto to gain experience in the Entertainment Industry (Thorn EMI). The last 16 years of her HR career were spent within the Logistics Industry (United Transport International, Danzas, Tibbett & Britten, and Exel/DHL.).

A British citizen, Minaxi is the daughter of Gujarati parents, and was born in Tanzania. She has a BSc Combined Honours in Science, from the University of London and an MA in Administrative Sciences, from the City University Business School. Since taking the decision to leave the Private Sector in 2006, Minaxi has worked in the Not for Profit Sector; undertaking a one year interim assignment assisting in the successful merger of two charities and becoming a Trustee of Greenwich CAB.

Although she takes on HR consultancy roles she prefers to use her time assisting LfL as pro bono Director and visiting projects when ever the opportunity arises.

Perosha was appointed Treasurer in April 2008. Perosha is a partner in a small Chartered Accountants based in Holburn that was established in 1984.

In September 2008 Perosha took part in our Paris to London cycle event, Cycle for Life, raising a huge sum for Learning for Life.

Shernaz's career in recruitment has spanned 25 years. She is the founder of Verity Appointments, primarily a legal secretarial agency, and then Verity Education, an agency which supplies permanent and temporary staff to schools and other educational establishments.

Having joined Learning for Life's board of Trustees in 2004, Shernaz is an active member of the European Federation of Black Women Business Owners and was EFBWBO winner in 2000. Shernaz was awarded the 'London Day Business Award' by Ken Livingstone in 2003 for making a difference to life in the Capital. She is Vice-Chair of Governors of Charlotte Sharman School in Southwark, a member of Bank of England Small Business Advisory Panel, and a board member of the Equal Opportunities Commission investigation into Pregnancy Discrimination.

Chris joined the board of Learning for Life in 2004. He is a barrister practising in the fields of medical law and catastrophic personal injury, and a Director of a charity supporting medial facilities and staff in Orissa, India. Chris was instrumental in developing the Cycle for Life event in 2008, a successful fundraising cycling challenge from Paris to London that we look forward to sponsoring for many years to come. Chris brings much enthusiasm to his role as trustee, and also as a fundraising participant himself!

Cyrus Todiwala is Chef Patron of Cafe Spice Namaste, the landmark Indian restaurant set up with his wife Pervin fifteen years ago. One of the most respected chefs and restauranteurs today, Cyrus is renowned for his commitment to sustainability and the environment, and for the diverse, groundbreaking cuisine and dedication to the culinary arts that continue to inspire successive generations of Indian chefs. Cyrus appears regularly on television and radio, and is a sought after lecturer and after-dinner speaker. He contributes pieces regularly to magazines and journals, and has authored three cookbooks, including the best-selling 'Indian Summer'. Cyrus and Cafe Spice Namaste have won a multitude of awards, but they are especially proud of the Highly Commended prize for Sustainable Food at the 2009 City of London Sustainable Cities Award, a Springboard Special Award and a Catey Education and Training Award. Already a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London, in 2010, Cyrus received an OBE for his contribution to the hospitality industry. Cyrus was invited to become a patron of Learning for Life for his remarkable contributions towards our continuing success in achieving our vision. 

Suniya first worked with LfL in 1998 as an office volunteer, when studying for her Masters Degree. At this time, she met the founding trustees Charlotte Bannister-Parker and Sophie Swire. After completing her Masters in Media and Cultural Studies, she worked in Print/Radio and Asian TV, dabbling in some work for the BBC World Service as well. From there she went into relationship management and marketing for a publishing house, often fundraising for LfL whenever an opportunity arose. SShe is currently working as a Strategy Advisor for the Department of Work and Pension and remains very passionate about the work of LfL. She is currently writing a short novel, and once published she intends to give part of the sales proceeds to LfL. Suniya joined our board of trustees in Spring 2008, and will be helping to increase our fundraising efforts. Suniya recently wrote, directed and produced a play, 'Chai aur Rishtas', which had a two night stint at a West End theatre, raising money for, and the profile of LfL.

Zaman joined Learning for Life as Programme Officer in April 2007. He has a degree in Humanities from Rajshahi University in Bangladesh, with work experience including The British Leprosy Relief Association, Disability and Development Partners, Health Link Worldwide and Handicap International to name a few. Zaman is responsible for developing, designing and managing projects, training and supporting our partner NGO's, strategic planning, and fundraising.

Rebecca joined Learning for Life as a volunteer in July 2006 after completing a degree in politics at the University of Warwick and returning from travelling across Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South America. Rebecca was employed as Programmes Assistant in January 2007 and as full time Programmes Officer in September 2007. Rebecca is responsible for the day-to-day running of LfL, fundraising, finance and programme management.