Shannika Greene- My name is Shannika Greene I am 20 year old, I am currently in the Technological University of the Shannon in Ireland, I am studying am currently in a studying a Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree in Social Care Practice. Shannika is now CAIM Empowers Irish Programme Manager. Saoirse Hayden- Hi my name is Saoirse I’m 19 years old and I’m in my final year of my bachelors degree in History and Sociology, I was the co lead alongside Shannika for the National Young Carers Conference in Dublin. Kellie McDonnell- Hi, my name is Kellie. I am currently studying at Level 8 for a Bachelor’s Honours Degree in Social Care Practice. Claire Perrie- My name is claire Perrie-Connor and I’m 18 year old foster care leaver and transgender young person. I’m also a spokesperson for the rights of LGBT youth alongside young carers and a strong participant in social change initiatives Miki Greene- My name is Miki I am 18 years old, I am a young advocate and project contributor with a strong interest in ensuring young people’s voices are heard and valued. Through my involvement in youth-led projects, I have contributed to discussions around young carers, inclusion and young people’s rights. Anthony Ojoi- Hi, my name is Tony. I’m currently studying Culinary Arts and I’m also a clothing brand owner, where I’m involved in designing and developing my own streetwear brand. I’m passionate about creativity, business and developing new skills.

Rebecca Lacey is a social epidemiologist at City St George’s, University of London. Her research focuses on young carers, examining how caring responsibilities in childhood shape mental health, education and health inequalities across the life course. Anne McMunn is Professor of Social Epidemiology at University College London. Her research explores how social circumstances across the life course influence health and wellbeing, with expertise in ageing, caring, work, family life and social inequalities. Alison Nicol is a Research Fellow at City St George’s, University of London. Her work focuses on social inequalities, longitudinal data analysis, and the health, education and wellbeing of children and young people, including young carers. Alejandra Letelier is a Senior Lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University. Her research examines health inequalities across the life course. She specialises in longitudinal data analysis, social determinants of health, and using research to inform policy and practice.

Courtney Kagarise is Vice President of Programs at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, leading the Hidden Helpers Coalition and national caregiver initiatives. She brings 15 years of multi-sector leadership experience in strategic planning and cross-sector partnership building.

Helen Leadbitter is a Social Worker who has been working in development and campaigning for young carers in the charity sector for over 25 years, has recognised specialist knowledge of young carers and the growing young carers sector both nationally across England and internationally; provides consultancy work and is a research fellow of the Open University Carers Research Group.

Natasha Hunziker has more than 12 years of experience as a young carer, starting at the age of 8 when her mother faced mental health issues and cancer. In 2025 she founded Caring4YoungCarers with the aim to share her experiences and knowledge to help for other young carers in Switzerland and beyond.

Emily Farquharson is a Social Research Degree Apprentice at Race on the Agenda (ROTA), with experience across grant-making, governance, research and voluntary advisory roles. Her work explores race equity, community knowledge and more equitable approaches to policy and decision-making.