The We Speak team
Laura North
Founder and CEO
Laura has a long-standing fear of speaking in front of groups and feels passionately about removing this barrier for others.
She has been developing speaking confidence with young people and professionals for almost ten years. She was awarded a Fellowship at the University of the Arts London to research how to improve speaking confidence and won a Teaching Award.
Laura developed We Speak with the support of the School for Social Entrepreneurs, the Teach First Innovation Series and Cambridge Social Ventures. We Speak was a winner of Investec Beyond Business (2019), UnLtd Award (2021) and NatWest Star of the Future Award (2022).
"I've been terrified of speaking in front of groups for most of my life. I've come on a big personal journey with We Speak. I'm on a mission to remove this barrier, particularly for young people."
Patsy Isles
Training Lead
Patsy is a media skills trainer and has worked with major corporate companies such such as Metrobank and Thames Water.
She's also got years of experience delivering speaking confidence workshops in education and to university students across the UK, including Central Saint Martins, London College of Communication, Queen Mary's University, Middlesex University and Plymouth University.
Patsy works with We Speak to train the Student Facilitators, and delivers workshops for our university and corporate partners.
She also leads the programme of one-to-one coaching for professionals.
Kate
Programme Lead
Kate is Programme Lead for We Speak, and is at the helm of We Speak programmes and workshops delivery.
She is responsible for leading sessions for students, graduates, and mentors. Kate was previously an English teacher.
Kate
“I find speaking in front of an audience both exhilarating and terrifying in equal measure! The feeling of anticipation, and accomplishment, never diminishes no matter how many times you've done it!
I am inspired and excited by the idea of empowering young people to find their voice and develop their confidence.”
Sydney
Programme Lead
Sydney completed her degree in Fashion Design at the University of East London, after studying business in Chicago.
Sydney was one of We Speak's very first facilitators on the We Speak programme. Since then she's played a key role in programmes and operations, leading many successful programmes.
"I enjoy being part of an experience that helps young people to find their authentic voice.
I understand now that the only reason I ever felt confident being in front of crowds was because I had already found my own voice.”
Alanis
Programmes and Operations Coordinator
Alanis organises the programmes, including being responsible for the smooth running of training and workshops. She also coordinates operations, and develops systems and processes behind the scenes.
“I used to be terrified to speak to an audience, especially in school. Since then I have learnt that I have important things to say; I have found my voice and can keep my cool when having to speak in front of people.
I am looking forward to spreading my confidence to others and seeing them smash through the barriers that might have stopped them before.”
Emily
Communications Coordinator
Emily coordinates We Speak's written communications and looks after a team of writers. She also delivers communication training.
“I find speaking in front of an audience both exhilarating and terrifying in equal measure! The feeling of anticipation, and accomplishment, never diminishes no matter how many times you've done it!
I am inspired and excited by the idea of empowering young people to find their voice and develop their confidence.”
Facilitators and producers
Vashtita
Lead Facilitator
Vashtita works for We Speak delivering workshops and programmes to young people, and supporting corporate Mentor training.
"I have developed a confidence for speaking in front of an audience and it’s something that I also thoroughly enjoy.
It is an honour to be able to encourage, edify and inspire greatness in people and especially those who lack confidence, just through words."
Aisha
Lead Facilitator
Aisha is a recent graduate of Liverpool University, and is studying Law at the University of Law.
“I recently completed the We Speak programme and it was the best programme I had ever joined in terms of it actually helping with building confidence!
I'm really pleased to have now joined the team as a Facilitator."
Shereese
Lead Facilitator
Shereese studies Anthropology at Oxford Brookes University.
“One of the most beautiful things about being a facilitator is developing a young person's confidence and passions.
I have been on the We Speak programme and have experienced how it helps people regain their confidence.
I look forward to helping empower young people to do great things.”
Desire
Lead Facilitator
Desire recently graduated from MA User Experience Design at the University of the Arts London.
“Thanks to the We Speak programme, I have greatly increased my confidence and enthusiasm when speaking in front of large groups. The mentors were excellent at providing guidance.
I'm looking forward to working in a team that encourages and motivates other young people to reach their full potential and be the best they can be.”
Fazira
Lead Facilitator
Fazira studies Computer Science at Goldsmiths, University of London.
"Joining the We Speak programme has really helped with my confidence and self esteem.
I really look forward to helping young people find the courage and confidence to speak in front of an audience."
Kandice
Lead Facilitator
Kandice currently studies Biblical and Inter Cultural Studies at All Nations Christian College.
“I have built experience over the years in speaking to groups of various sizes. It's always a challenge but becomes more enjoyable with practice.
I'm passionate about working with We Speak to help students value and nurture their authentic voice, enabling them to overcome barriers and confidently access opportunities that give them a seat at any table they choose.”
Salem
Lead Facilitator
Salem is currently studying English with Creative Writing at Queen Mary University of London.
“Before I speak in
front of an audience, I usually feel a mix of anticipation and excitement which is replaced by relief and delight once I begin.
I'm excited to work with We Speak because it is a brilliant way of helping other young people who have been in the same position as me to develop their skills and I will be able to contribute in creating the same supportive environment that I experienced on the programme.”
Melissa
Lead Facilitator
Melissa studies Medicine at UCL.
“I enjoyed the informal nature of the programme and I’m getting more confident speaking in front of an audience
I think public speaking is such an important skill to have in life and I want to create a safe and fun environment for others to develop this skill.”
Ramya
Lead Facilitator
Ramya graduated from the University of Birmingham with an MSc Management: Leadership and Change.
“There were times when I avoided presentations and speaking in front of people due to the fear of being judged or saying the wrong things.
I empathise with students who have a voice, but struggle to articulate their ideas in a way where it will create an impact. I want to empower people and reinforce the idea that there is no limit as to what you can achieve!”
Tay-Ann
Lead Facilitator
Tay-Ann graduated in Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Leicester.
“Confidence is something we can learn and build up over time. I used to be very nervous and now I find it much easier, even enjoyable.
I believe there are many talented, creative, forward-thinking individuals who would greatly benefit from the We Speak programme and it is my honour to be a part of that.”
Joe
Lead Facilitator
“When speaking in front of a large group, I often feel nervous at first but then become more confident.
I enjoyed working with the other facilitators in the We Speak programme, and I feel inspired to help others find confidence in their voice after finding my own.”
Charday
Lead Producer
Charday studies Economics and Finance at the University of Sussex.
“I am very anxious talking in front of people, especially when I don’t have a script to read off. The programme definitely increased my confidence in speaking in front of an audience.
Confidence is an issue that many people struggle with so I’m looking forward to working with We Speak and helping people that are in the same position I have been in.”
Sundus
Lead Producer
Sundus is studying Computer Science at Goldsmiths, University of London
“I believe everyone has the ability to do anything, even if it is nerve-racking."
Having benefited from being a part of the We Speak programme, I look forward to helping others develop their confidence from within.
Noshin
Facilitator
Noshin is a recent graduate from Goldsmiths, University of London. They studied Computer Science.
“I used to feel anxious and nervous speaking in front of a group. After the We Speak programme, I started to feel more confident, and that allowed me to freely speak on topics I was passionate about.
I now feel better prepared and excited about speaking in front of people.”
Natalie
Facilitator
Natalie is a student at London College of Fashion. She is currently studying Fashion Design and Development.
“I used to be very shy and start to panic whenever I spoke in front of people, but after the We Speak course I’ve felt so much more confident talking in front of others.
Everyone on the programme was so lovely and positive and it really helped boost my confidence.”
Norah
Facilitator
Norah currently studies Bioveterinary Sciences at the Royal Veterinary College.
“I enjoyed the friendliness of all the mentors and facilitators.
I’m looking forward to working with We Speak as it will be nice to see the progress of people over the programme, similar to how I saw the facilitators be fully invested and supportive when I completed the programme.”
Angelique
Facilitator
Angelique graduated from Goldsmiths with an MA in Black British Writing.
“My confidence in speaking has improved a lot since being on the We Speak programme.
It will be great to work with We Speak and support other students in the way I was supported. The testament to the programme's result is my even being able to consider contributing as a facilitator. I would never have considered this before.”
Habiiba
Facilitator
Habiiba studies Media and Communications at Goldsmiths, University of London.
“I struggled with speaking confidently for a very long time so I would love to provide the help I was given to students who are in the same boat as I was.
I really enjoyed how encouraging the programme environment was. After the first session I felt as if I had the space to improve as well as make mistakes.”
Taiwo
Facilitator
Taiwo is currently studying Advertising and Marketing at University of Hull.
“I used to feel nervous speaking in front of large groups, but after partaking in the We Speak programme, I gained a lot of confidence.
I want other people to be confident, find their voice and show up like a Boss.”
Slavi
Facilitator
Slavi is currently studying an MA User Experience Design at the University of the Arts London.
“Overall, I feel pretty confident speaking in front of a large group or audience. I love meeting and collaborating with new people.
I’m excited to meet the new cohort of students and support them in their journey towards building their confidence in (public) speaking and hopefully see a meaningful tangible impact on their careers!”
Darko
Facilitator
Darko studies Business Management at St. Mary's University.
“I am very confident speaking in front of people as I have always enjoyed giving presentations and learning the art of grabbing the attention of the audience.
I want to work with people who lack speaking confidence and help them become their true selves by finding their voice.”
Anastasia
Facilitator
Anastasia currently studies Film and Screen Studies at Goldsmiths, University of London.
“I am a quiet introvert. I really wish that I had found something like We Speak when I was in my late teens or early twenties.
I enjoyed meeting people on the programme with different levels of confidence and learning from them. It really helped me to receive constructive feedback from the mentors. I'm excited to be a part of the programme that gives this vital support to someone like the younger me.”
Isha
Facilitator
“I’m completely confident speaking in front of people. I have participated in the We Speak programme and particularly enjoyed the warm and friendly environment that the programme provided.
I want to work with We Speak because I have confidence speaking publicly, and I am able to pull from my own experiences to provide effective feedback.”
Eleanor
Facilitator
Eleanor is currently studying Geography at University of Southampton.
“I enjoyed building connections with other facilitators on the programme, and now feel confident about speaking in front of a group.
I’d like to make a positive change in others’ confidence as I feel it is a skill that empowers me.”
Esohe
Facilitator
Esohe recently graduated from University of Westminster, studying Global Public Health Nutrition.
“The We Speak programme has equipped me with essential skills and techniques and I now feel confident to speak publicly.
I want to share my experiences and knowledge, and make a positive impact on the lives of others.”
Dominique
Facilitator
Dominique recently graduated from Diplomacy and Global Politics at University of Westminster.
“I feel comfortable speaking in front of an audience, and think my confidence can help others feel the same.
I’m happy to be mentoring and guiding students on this programme which I have been through myself!”
Iqra
Facilitator
Iqra is currently on a gap year, working part time.
“Being able to communicate ideas to large groups used to be something I found daunting, but with the We Speak programme, I learnt skills to help me find my voice and utilise it in the best ways possible.
I find speaking in front of an audience to be such a rewarding and positive experience due to the growth in my confidence and self esteem!”
Mina
Facilitator
Mina studies Biomedical Science at University of Westminster.
“I enjoyed the We Speak programme - everyone was friendly and amazing.
I want to work with We Speak to help students develop their speaking confidence, and feel empowered.”
Omotomiwa
Facilitator
Omotomiwa is a recent graduate from the University of Kent.
“Joining We Speak in June helped me build a great skill set and now I feel very confident speaking in front of a group or audience.
I’m looking forward to helping students go on the same journey towards confidence that I had.”
Assiya
Facilitator
Assiya studies Politics and Sociology at Queen Mary University.
“After taking part in the WeSpeak programme I have grown significant confidence in speaking in front of a group.
We Speak helped me to develop a vital skill of speaking in front of an audience. I want to help others become more confident in themselves.”
Alexander
Intern
Alexander studies French and Linguistics at the University of Southampton.
“I feel confident speaking in front of a group. The more you do it the easier it gets!
I want to work with We Speak to give back to the community and help others with their confidence.”
Sarah
Facilitator
Sarah studies Psychology, Clinical and Cognitive Neuroscience, at Royal Holloway University of London.
"It was such a great experience for me. I think the programme can help students at different levels feel more comfortable and confident talking.
It’s a beneficial programme to people at lots of different confidence levels. I would love to be part of someone’s journey!”
Vanessa
Facilitator
Vanessa studies MA Dance Movement Psychotherapy at Goldsmiths University of London.
“Finding my voice and being able to use it confidently was something very empowering for me, and I want to help others to do that too.
The WeSpeak experience has made a huge impact on my speaking confidence especially when delivering presentations.”
Yaman
Facilitator
Yaman studies Law LLB at Kent.
“I love mentoring, it is an amazing way to help others, and learn yourself. I get to meet amazing people from different backgrounds and enjoy tackling confidence barriers in any way possible.
I am super excited to work with We Speak. Even as a facilitator, I learned so much in a few months and intend to keep learning every step of the way.”
Email or phone us
laura@wespeak.co
020 7175 1610
Or leave us a message here
Unless otherwise stated, the information and resources on this website relate to English law.
By using our website, you agree to our use of web cookies. See our privacy policy for details.
We Speak Ltd
Company number: 12139770
Studio 4.08, Pelican House
144 Cambridge Heath Road
London, E1 5QJ
020 7175 1610
support@wespeak.co