Power2 is delighted to announce its new Chair of Trustees, Nicci Russell!

Nicci takes over from Marc St John, whom we would like to sincerely thank for his many years of guidance and leadership on the Board of Power2.

Nicci joined Power2 as a trustee in 2021. In her day job she is Managing Director of UK water efficiency campaigners Waterwise, the product of 20 years’ experience in the water sector. She lives in North Shropshire with her husband, three children and their dog.

Julie Randles, CEO of Power2, said: 'I’m absolutely delighted that Nicci is becoming our Chair. She has exactly the right mixture of skills and expertise needed to help steer Power2 through our exciting next phase, and I know she’ll be a huge support to me and the rest of the organisation.'

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Nicci writes:

'It’s an incredible honour to become Chair of Power2, and I’m so grateful that this amazing organisation has put its trust in me to help pilot the next stage of its journey. When I was interviewed by Power2 Young Leaders Blessing, Princess and Rahul as part of the selection process, I came off the call absolutely buzzing and full of joy and hope. I knew I’d chosen the right place.

'My own story feels as if it’s been bringing me to the Power2 Chair role for my entire life.

'Social justice has always been my key motivation, and Power2’s mission of empowering young people and children to release their potential, to improve their own lives and others’, is close to my heart. Arriving at Cambridge University as a working-class teenager into a majority public school cohort affected my confidence for decades, which I’ve only recognised in recent years. Despite my white privilege, this impact was huge. I’m keenly aware of how systemic biases can impact on young people’s lives, and I aim to be part of the solution – I’m a feminist, I try hard to be an active anti-racist ally, and I’m educating myself on ableism, for example. I also know that young people care so much about issues like the climate emergency and being represented in government by people they trust. 

'Social justice has always been my key motivation, and Power2’s mission of empowering young people and children to release their potential, to improve their own lives and others’, is close to my heart.'

'Professionally, I lead an environmental campaigning organisation, and I have significant leadership and governance experience in the water sector, in education, and in government and regulation – I’ve been collecting and honing skills and experience over my 30-year career and am looking forward to bringing them to Power2.

'Power2 is making a really positive difference to so many young people, every day. I’d like to pay tribute to Marc, my brilliant predecessor, and to Julie, our fantastic Chief Executive, for their skills, resilience and personal qualities, and for steering Power2 to such a strong position. I look forward to working with our outstanding team of trustees, Julie and the team, our ambassadors, our funders and our stakeholders to help us broaden our impact and make this difference to the lives of even more young people.

'If you're reading this and you're not yet involved in Power2 in any way, do have a look around our website and find out about the various ways you can support us. I promise you that you will feel inspired by every interaction with us. 

'I try and wear my privilege lightly. In this new role as Chair of Power2, I will do a lot of listening. I will honour Power2’s trust in me – and can’t wait to get started.'

Nicci Russell is Chair of Power2’s Board of Trustees.