OUR TEAM
Jess Mullen - Chief Executive
Email: jess.mullen@ayj.org.uk
Jess is the Chief Executive at the AYJ, working with the board to set our strategy and leading the AYJs work to drive positive change in youth justice and towards being a more diverse, engaging, sustainable and effective organisation Jess has 20 years experience working in the voluntary sector to challenge systemic injustice by supporting and empowering people who are marginalised or discriminated against to make their voices heard and to advocate for their needs. She was previously CEO at Collective Voice, the alliance of drug and alcohol treatment and recovery charities. Prior to that she was Director of Influence and Communications at Clinks the national charity for voluntary sector organisations working in criminal justice. At Clinks she led influencing activity to promote the role of the voluntary sector in criminal justice, to tackle racism and discrimination in the justice system including youth justice, and to highlight the impact of probation reforms on the voluntary sector.
Okala Elesia – Communications & Engagement Manager
Email: okala.elesia@ayj.org.uk
Okala is the Communications & Engagement Manager at the AYJ, responsible for developing and implementing strategic communications, content creation and engaging with our members. With a background in the charity and publicly funded arts sectors, Okala has previously worked at UNHCR, Greenpeace, Arvon and Spread the Word.