ASPIRE: Aspiree Blog Series – Sara Telahoun

“We already know the benefits and opportunities that inclusivity, equity and diversity are bringing into the workplace – for both individuals and organisations. It’s now time for boardrooms to change. I am excited to be involved in a pioneering programme helping to diversify the boardrooms of the charity sector.”



This is the first of a series of blogs from our twelve Aspirees’ sharing what they have learnt during ASPIRE, BeOnBoard’s diverse leadership project, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, that aims to break barriers and disrupt the leadership status quo by diversifying boards with People of Colour to increase representation across the VCSE sector. In this blog, Sara Telahoun shares what she’s learnt so far…


I’ve been wanting to take my decade of working in sustainability to support a non-profit organisation for quite a while now. I recognise my lived experience as queer woman of Ethiopian descent in the UK is unique and research has shown the environmental sector is one of the least racially diverse sectors in the UK. I’ve never had a formal mentor and I very rarely meet people of colour and queer people in senior positions. 

The analysis from BeOnBoard is clear – diversity is a huge issue for charity trustee boards. But how can this change? Well, it starts with understanding the barriers and putting in measures that help include and open doors for marginalised communities. This may mean providing more support and training than is needed for a typical board applicant. It could mean training all board members on practicing inclusive meetings.

I am new in my board career, though I do sit on the Advisory Board for Catalyse Change CIC, a community interest company supporting young women with skills for green careers. I previously sat on the Bristol One City Environment Board in 2020, supporting Bristol in its goals to be a carbon neutral and climate resilient city by 2030. Its fair to say that my experience largely reflects these findings, though organisations are now starting to make efforts to diversify board recruitment. The ASPIRE program has already helped make connections and form a network of experienced aspiring trustees of colour. Within the first two sessions so far, we have heard from experienced trustees and board members, exchanged knowledge and shared challenges amongst the group.  

Whilst we know diversifying boards has benefits, if the end goal is simply to improve numbers, this can lead to individuals feeling tokenised. Why have I been chosen? Was it to tick a box and make an organisation look better? Or do they really value my expertise? Clear communication and encouragement for individuals to bring their whole selves to the table can help with this. 

I am excited that I have been selected to join the Board of Trustees at Possible, a climate action charity with the ambition of a zero-carbon society, built by and for the people of the UK. My aim for this year is to take the learnings from the ASPIRE program into my career. I also want to inspire and encourage young people into trustee positions. Many organisations are looking to provide young people with opportunities to be involved in board positions to bring new perspectives which can also support their career development. 

As June comes to an end, I’m reflecting on Pride month – a fight against the long-standing oppression and marginalisation of the community. To me it’s also an acknowledgement, respect and empowering of all our differences. I hope to bring this spirit into the work I do and the spaces I’m fortunate to be in, opening doors for others and continuously learning how to breakdown society’s barriers.


ASPIRE is BeOnBoard’s diverse leadership project, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, that aims to break barriers and disrupt the leadership status quo by diversifying boards with People of Colour to increase representation across the VCSE sector.

To find out more about ASPIRE, visit our webpage HERE
Click HERE to read Olubodunrin Tokosi’s blog
Click HERE to read Sheika Johnston’s blog