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Talat Yaqoob is a consultant, campaigner & leader on anti-racist, feminist policy, research & politics, and is a third-sector leader, writer and campaigner, focused on equality issues across politics, public life and the labour market championing women, communities of colour and migrants. As an independent consultant she provides policy, public affairs and research expertise to the third and public sectors. Talat was the Director of Equate Scotland, the national expert on women in science, engineering, technology and the built environment. She is co-founder and chair of the campaign group Women 50:50, advocating for fair representation of women in politics, which won a Herald Diversity Award in 2017. She is a member of the First Minister’s National Advisory Council on Women and Girls. 

Tabitha Nyariki is a Glasgow-based advocate for racial equality in education, currently working at Glasgow Caledonian University to address racial issues in higher education. A former student leader dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion, she has continued her commitment to social justice beyond campus life. Tabitha also champions child literacy through her Kenyan NGO, Kosi Africa, which works to empower young learners and their communities. In addition, she serves as Treasurer on the Board of Trustees for Scottish Fair Trade, contributing to ethical trade initiatives in Scotland. Recognized for her work, Tabitha brings a strong passion for equity, education, and global sustainable development.

Bruce Crowther was originally a vet by profession, and is an experienced activist who began campaigning for Oxfam in 1984. He formed the Garstang Oxfam Group in 1992 and was Chair until 2002. The Oxfam Group was instrumental in making Garstang, UK the worlds’ first Fair Trade Town in April 2000 (officially recognised in November 2001 by the Fairtrade Foundation). Garstang also developed a community link with the Fairtrade cocoa farming community of New Koforidua in the Ashanti region of Ghana, where Bruce has been made a sub chief for the village.

Bruce worked on Fairtrade Towns with the Fairtrade Foundation from 2003 to 2012, including inspiring and supporting the development of Fair Trade Towns internationally. Bruce helped to set up the Fair Trade Way six day walk connecting Fairtrade Towns between Garstang and Keswick in the North West of England. Bruce set up the FIG Tree International Fair Trade Visitor Centre as a social enterprise in Garstang in 2011, which converted to a member owned cooperative in 2017.

In 2007 Bruce was included in the former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s book ‘Everyday Heroes’, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of ordinary people. In 2009 Bruce was awarded the MBE for services to Fairtrade and Oxfam, and in 2021 he self-published his book entitled ’Not in My Lifetime – A Fair trade Campaigner’s Journal’ telling the story of Fair Trade Towns through his own life story. Bruce now serves as Executive Director for the FIG Tree supporting the international Fair Trade Towns movement, running Fair Trade workshops and making and selling FIG Tree bean to bar chocolate.

Bernard Outah is a passionate advocate for fairness—in trade, opportunity, dignity, and sustainability. As Regional Director of the World Fair Trade Organization – Africa & Middle East, he leads initiatives that connect small producers to global markets, promote ethical business practices, and strengthen communities across the region. With more than three decades in development work, Bernard’s career has taken him from the crowded informal settlements of Nairobi to the international Fair Trade stage, where he champions policies and practices that give marginalized groups a genuine chance at prosperity. His work has consistently bridged grassroots realities with global advocacy, ensuring that community voices influence decision-making at every level. Bernard holds a BA in Communication
and Community Development and is pursuing an MSc in Development Studies, focusing on building a sustainable SME ecosystem. His vision: a future where trade is truly fair, communities are resilient, and development is sustainable for generations to come.

Emihle Ayakha Mbuli is a passionate advocate for ethical business practices and youth empowerment through Fair Trade. At just 20 years old, she is pursuing a Bachelor Degree in Accounting at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) while serving as Financial Manager for CPUT Fair Future—a position she earned through proven leadership and a commitment to advancing fair economic systems.

Emihle’s journey with CPUT Fair Future began as a volunteer, but her dedication and organizational skills quickly propelled her into a key leadership role. Today, she oversees the club’s financial planning and ensures the successful execution of events and programs that promote sustainability, equity, and youth-led change.

Guided by a vision where Fair Trade principles are not just taught but lived, Emihle works to equip young people with the tools to transform their communities—building a future where business serves both people and the planet equally.

Elena Fernandez-Lee is the Education Campaigns Manager at the Fairtrade Foundation, leading the organisation’s engagement with schools, universities, and colleges. She inspires young people and educators by developing innovative resources, activities, and campaigns that promote Fairtrade and sustainability. Elena manages the Fairtrade Schools Award Scheme, supporting students and teachers to take meaningful action for a fairer, more sustainable world, and oversees the Fairtrade University and College Award to deepen higher education institutions’ commitment to Fairtrade principles. Working collaboratively with internal teams and external partners, Elena shapes campaigns that connect education with climate and social justice. With a background in teaching and sustainability, Elena brings a passion for empowering young people as active campaigners and changemakers.

Luis Heller is Sustainability Manager at Allpa, where he manages the Fair Trade and Certifications areas within Allpa, and the partnerships with artisans workshops. Allpa is a Peruvian Guaranteed Member of the World Fair Trade Organization. He was a member of the global WFTO board and regional WFTO Latin America board. Before working at Allpa, a socially responsible private company with 39 years of existence, he worked in the international business world as an Administrator for many years, with studies in social and political sciences and business administration. Luis is also an active member in the International Campaigns of Fair Trade Cities and a member of the Steering Committee of International Fair Trade Cities.

Frances Guy is the CEO of Scotland’s International Development Alliance, a network of members in Scotland working to advance global sustainable development. She brings extensive international experience, having served as Gender Team Leader at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) regional office in the Arab States from 2017 to 2021, and as UN Women’s Representative in Iraq between 2012 and 2014. Earlier in her career, Frances spent over two decades in the British Foreign Service, including roles as Ambassador to Yemen (2001–2004) and Ambassador to Lebanon (2006–2011). Her career reflects a deep commitment to gender equality, diplomacy, and advancing sustainable development worldwide.

Sophie Tack was elected as President of World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) in September 2024, the global network of over 300 organizations committed to fair trade. She has been working in Fair Trade for more than 25 years. Sophie works as a director at Oxfam-Magasins du monde (Belgium), where she heads the Awareness-Advocacy and Communication department. She was also a board member of the Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) for several years and chairs the Fair Trade group within Oxfam-International. She studied international politics and development cooperation at Ghent University (Belgium). To her, inequalities and injustices need to be tackled, and Fair Trade is a wonderful tool to make a difference.

Laura Cave is the Founder and Director of Just Trade, a leading Fair Trade jewellery and accessories brand focused on empowerment through making. Trained at the School of Jewellery, Birmingham, and the Royal College of Art, London, Laura combines design excellence with Fair Trade business practices. Since founding Just Trade in 2006 to support Hope Jewellery Peru, she has built long-term partnerships with artisan groups across Peru, Ecuador, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Just Trade prioritises capacity building and collaboration, creating commercially successful products that celebrate craftsmanship. The company has developed bespoke product ranges for leading UK heritage sites, including National Galleries Scotland, Kew Gardens and the National Trust. Laura also served as Chair of the BAFTS Fair Trade Network UK for several years, steering the organisation through the challenges of COVID and Brexit. Just Trade has been a guaranteed member of the World Fair Trade Organization. 

Cristina Sotomayor is a Peruvian social entrepreneur and Director of Hope Jewellery, where she leads a team of 45 female artisans from Lima and the Andean regions. A passionate advocate for Fair Trade, Cristina focuses on capacity building and creating fairly paid work opportunities for women in marginalised communities. Under her leadership, Hope Jewellery has become a hub for skills development in traditional crochet and metalwork, enabling artisans to support their families and build more secure futures. In partnership with Just Trade, Hope Jewellery has collaborated with institutions such as St Paul’s Cathedral, the Royal Ballet & Opera and Manchester Museum. Most recently, Hope Jewellery and Just Trade partnered with Oliver Bonas on an exclusive range—bringing Fair Trade production into the mainstream retail space.

Hyeonjin An serves as a board member and the National Coordinator of the Korea Fair Trade Towns Committee. Since 2019, she has been actively championing the Fair-Trade movement in South Korea, working to promote and expand Fair Trade Towns and Communities nationwide. Her work focuses on building strong networks and raising awareness about the importance of Fair-Trade principles in achieving social and environmental justice. Hyeonjin’s dedication reflects her passion for empowering communities to create fairer, more sustainable futures.

Alissa Hultman is a recent graduate of International Relations from University of Glasgow with a particular interest in feminist perspectives in politics and climate justice, now working as Campaigns and Social Media Intern for Scottish Fair Trade. In her work, she has been leading a Young Advisors group to create a Fair Trade campaign by young people and for young people. She will also be leading other youth projects, including Wear It Fair and Fair Futures, which will give young people in Glasgow the space to use art to understand and share the connection between the message of Fair Trade and climate justice. Alissa will be continuing her path in education, joining the Political Communication Master’s programme at University of Glasgow in the coming year.

Merel Wulteputte (25 years) is a Youth Ambassador for Faire Gemeente in Flanders and lives in Antwerp. She is part of the Youth Ambassadors Program, a project that aims to actively involve young people in Fair Trade, both in Flanders and internationally. Merel recently graduated from the postgraduate program in Sustainable Development, where she focused on the SDGs, Fair Trade, climate justice, and human rights. During her studies, she researched the impacts of rising sea levels on low-lying island states.

She is actively committed to conscious consumption, from food to second-hand items and the clothes she wears, to both protect the environment and contribute to a more socially just future. Through her participation in the Youth Ambassadors Program and the International Fair Trade Towns Conference, Merel aims to turn her knowledge and passion for sustainable development into concrete actions in her own community.

Evelina Ciobotaru is a fresh graduate of a Master’s programme in International Relations, with several years of volunteering experience in projects related to fair and sustainable food systems. Evelina has been a Young Fair Trade Advocate for 3 years and had the chance to advocate for ethical trade practices and work on recommendations for policymakers on this topic, together with other passionate young people.

Giorgia Dal Fabbro is a young, passionate Fair Trade advocate, and an activist with experience across different levels of the movement and in various countries — from volunteering in local Fair Trade shops to interning at WFTO Europe. She co-founded and now co-ordinates Altromercato’s Laboratorio InnovAzione, a group of ten young activists that represents younger generations within Altromercato and helps carry forward its activist spirit. Giorgia has also worked directly with producers in Italy, Peru, Kenya, and Ghana, gaining first-hand insight into the diverse realities of Fair Trade on the ground. Currently, Giorgia is pursuing a PhD in International Development at the University of Oxford, where she researches the intersections of Fair Trade and climate change — and immediately sought out ways to connect with and support local Fair Trade initiatives.

Martin Rhodes is the Labour Member of Parliament for Glasgow North, first elected in July 2024. He previously served as a Glasgow City Councillor (2012–2022), where he was an Executive Member and Labour Group Spokesperson for Communities. A long-time advocate for ethical trade, Martin was Chief Executive of Scottish Fair Trade before entering Parliament. He now chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Fairtrade, working to promote fair trading practices at a national level. In the House of Commons, he is also a member of the Environmental Audit Select Committee, focusing on sustainability and climate-related issues.

Imogen Suett Imogen is a passionate advocate for sustainability and social justice. She recently graduated from her degree in Politics and Philosophy at the University of Bristol and is set to begin a Law Conversion course in September, as she wants to pursue environmental and animal rights law. Her Fairtrade journey started in childhood and has grown into her role as a Fairtrade Youth Ambassador, where she has led and aided educational initiatives, including webinars and resources for students on anti-racism and deforestation. Additionally, as a keynote speaker at Fairtrade’s 30th anniversary event, Imogen has demonstrated her commitment to the movement on a national level and actively participates in parliamentary lobbying to promote Fair Trade practices and policies.

Dr Magdalena Śliwińska, PhD is an Associate Professor at the Institute of International Business and Economics, Poznan University of Economics and Business (PUEB). Her research focuses on European economic integration, EU competition and trade policies, and sustainable markets, particularly Fair Trade. She is the author of numerous research papers and books, including Fair Trade and Sustainable Development. Dispersed Hybrid Markets (Routledge, 2024). Magdalena actively engages students through the Student Sustainable Business Chapter and contributes to public discourse via national newspapers, radio, and press interviews. She is a member of the Polish Economic Society, EIBA, Evaluation Committee of EU Cities for Fair and Ethical Trade Award 2021, granted by the European Commission and International Trade Centre and she is a member of the Board of Directors of Fair-Trade Advocacy Office. 

Sagwata Manyike is an experienced urban planner and local government practitioner from South Africa. He currently works for the South African Local Government Association as a Senior Advisor for Economic Growth and Investments. Sagwata supports municipalities in areas such as local economic development, small-town regeneration, and spatial planning. Previously, he worked at the South African National Biodiversity Institute, where he contributed to integrating biodiversity and ecosystem services into municipal planning and decision-making processes. Sagwata is passionate about strengthening the role of local government in driving social and environmental transformation, and he actively participates in regional and international dialogues on equitable and resilient development.

Peter Gilchrist is the National Digital Project Lead for YMCA Scotland, working directly with groups of young people to co-design new pop up digital maker spaces and creative programmes. Peter’s CV includes heritage projects, arts festivals, housing charities and community service design.

Lena van der Kamp is a Campaign Manager at Fairtrade Germany, where she empowers young people to take action for Fair Trade. She leads the national campaigns Fairtrade-Universities and FairActivists. Through Fairtrade Universities, she works with students, staff, and the wider campus community to ensure Fair Trade becomes an everyday part of university life. With the FairActivists, she supports a diverse network of 18- to 30-year-olds who design their own creative projects, raise awareness, and play an active role in Fairtrade Germany’s campaigning and advocacy work.

Before joining Fairtrade, Lena gained extensive experience in sustainability management, climate protection, and development cooperation, particularly in the municipal context. Her passion lies in giving young people the tools and opportunities to make their voices heard and to shape a fairer future.

Felix Tetteh is a dynamic Fairtrade International Youth Ambassador, a young Cocoa Farmer, and Compliance Officer with Asetenapa Cooperative Cocoa Farming and Marketing Union Ltd. in Ghana. With over six years of experience in sustainable cocoa production, certification systems, and youth advocacy, Felix is dedicated to building a fairer trade future by empowering young people at the grassroots level. A graduate in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Ghana, Felix combines academic insight with practical field experience. Felix has represented youth voices at global forums such as Fairtrade Change Day in Germany and the Cocoa Producers Living Income Summit in Abidjan. Through his work, he demonstrates how active youth participation can sustain and transform the Fair Trade movement, making it more inclusive, forward-thinking, and resilient.

Christine Kikombo serves as Programme Coordinator for Gender Mainstreaming and Women Empowerment under the Right to a Dignified Life and Sustainable Livelihood – Phase II initiative. In her role, she works closely with Fairtrade-certified producer organizations and farming communities across Africa to advance inclusive and sustainable development. Christine focuses on empowering women and integrating gender perspectives into agricultural value chains, ensuring equitable participation and benefits for all. With a strong commitment to social justice and sustainability, she supports capacity building, advocacy, and community-driven initiatives that promote resilience and dignity among farming families.

Theresa Ameyaa is a dedicated Ghanaian cocoa farmer and community leader from Jinijini in the Bono Region of Ghana. Theresa is an active member of the Asunafo North Municipal Cooperative Cocoa Farmers and Marketing Union, where she currently serves as Chairperson of the Premium Committee. A graduate of the Fairtrade Africa Women’s School of Leadership, Theresa has distinguished herself as a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and inclusive leadership within her cooperative. In her role, she ensures that Fairtrade Premium funds are managed with transparency and directed toward impactful projects that uplift farming communities.

Beyond her leadership, Theresa serves as an inspiring role model for women both within her cooperative and across society. Her unwavering commitment to sustainable farming, gender equity, and community development continues to motivate others. Her story is one of resilience, service, and a deep passion for building a brighter future for cocoa farmers and their families.

Basma Barham is the International Public Relations representative for the Holy Land Handicraft Cooperative Society (HLHCS). Originally from Beit Sahour, Palestine, she spent her early years in Lima, Peru, where she pursued her education. After marrying, she returned to Beit Sahour and worked in the private sector for 17 years before dedicating herself to Palestine’s handicraft industry. At HLHCS, Basma supports artisans to thrive despite economic and political challenges. She promotes Fair Trade principles, advocating ethical labour practices, gender equality, and sustainable opportunities. In 2012, she served as Chair for Africa and the Middle East on the WFTO Board. Her work is rooted in the belief that Fair Trade can provide artisans with dignity, stability, and a future in their homeland.