Who we are
The Team
Tash Alexander
Founder, Director & Motivational Coach
Tash set up Head Held High to empower people from challenging backgrounds and help them redefine their selves, and not be dominated by their past actions, limited self-beliefs or environment. She has over 15 years of coaching experience and has created a highly interactive and motivational style of delivery, so that people start taking new action from the moment they meet Head Head Held. Tash aims to continue to reach as many people as possible and help them walk with their heads held high.
Tash wears many hats – she’s a motivational coach, a comedy writer and a comedian. She has written a comedy called Coach inspired by the work of Head Held High. Tash’s objective is to reach more young people with its message.
Overcoming personal challenges in her life such as spending time in her early 20’s on a psychiatric ward and soon after, becoming a single mother. Tash had to pull out her courage, perseverance, and sense of hope to keep moving forward. These experiences inspired her to encourage others to never give up, no matter what their circumstances were.
Devastated at how many young people the UK was losing to knife crime, she felt she could offer something impactful in the area of prevention. Tash set up Head Held High to enable young people at risk to not be dominated by their past actions, limited self beliefs or ego. We often wait to feel better before we take action, Head Held High says “Take action and then feel better”
Rona Hunter
Trustee
Rona Hunter is the Chief Executive Officer of Capital City Partnership, a charity which manages and invests over £10,000,000 per annum in third sector and community services to tackle poverty and inequality, through the lens of employability and income maximisation. Rona also takes a wider strategic lead role in developing new opportunities in response to emerging markets, including the response to the Green Economy and new skills required.
Clare Fernandes
Trustee
Clare Fernandes is an experienced CFO with over 25 years operating at a senior level, mainly within Tech and Transformation. She is passionate about child development and education, volunteering with charities and schools to support and develop disadvantaged groups. Clare has been working with Head Held High since 2021 and advises on finance and strategic matters.
Patrick Green
Trustee
Patrick Green is the CEO of the anti-knife crime charity The Ben Kinsella Trust. The Trust aims to prevent knife crime by educating young people about the choices and consequences of carrying a knife and by campaigning for change in the law and society. The Trust also provides resources for people to raise awareness and promote positive alternatives to violence.
Shelly Khaled
Trustee
Shelly Khaled brings over 20 years’ leadership experience of working in the youth sector, most recently at Let Me Know, an education charity working with young people to prevent domestic violence, relationship abuse and sexual assault. Shelly is an experienced foster carer who also volunteers as an independent panel member for two foster care organisations. He is passionate about empowering others to reach their potential and brings lived experience as well as a purpose driven approach to all his work with young people.