Nasreen qualified as a Solicitor in 2004. She has practiced as a solicitor in the areas of immigration, family and criminal law. She is accredited under the Law Society Immigration and Asylum Accreditation Scheme. Nasreen has worked in private practice and for non-governmental agencies representing clients in high profile cases up to and including at the High Court.

Irmak relocated to London to pursue a Master’s degree in Politics of Conflict, Rights & Justice at the SOAS University of London. Her research interests lie at the intersections of displacement, gender and politics. Her last project engaged with the experiences of immigrants and asylum seekers from the Global South.

Michael came to the UK as an asylum seeker and co-founded the Cotton Tree. He has extensive experience of sharing his story with others (Young Vic, Parliament, British Museum), and leads our successful schools programme. He facilitates the weekly Heal & Grow workshops--a space for friendship and reflection on the refugee experience.

Claire has worked as an art psychotherapist in the NHS and independent sector. She co-founded Studio Upstairs, a working arts studio and therapeutic space. She helps members to materialise their feelings in clay and colour, and facilitates staff reflections on complex emotional issues.

Marischka has volunteered for many years in administration with the Jesuit refugee services in London, and with other charities in Birmingham and Manchester. She is volunteering with The Cotton Tree, bringing her support to the weekly Heal & Grow workshops and different activities.

Ruth is a founder member of the Cotton Tree Trust and Honorary Senior Research Fellow at UCL. Her decision to study philosophy many years ago was influenced by her father Jack, the son of impoverished refugees. Throughout his life, Jack pondered the nature of love and wisdom, and Ruth’s book Cherishing and the Good Life of Learning was influenced by his ideas. The Cotton Tree Trust inherited Jack’s living philosophy, as well as the rapidly diminishing funds that have sustained us.

Michael co-founded the Cotton Tree. A tribunal judge for over 18 years, he has a wide range of legal experience.

George has travelled extensively in his business life and is chair and co-founder of an international development NGO. He has 20 years’ experience working with economic and internally displaced migrants in Nepal.

Judith came to the UK as an asylum seeker and is a co-founder of the Cotton Tree. She works with a refugee and asylum seeker charity and is involved with several other voluntary organisations.

Shreya is a development professional and a policy enthusiast, with five years of experience engaging with civil society organisations, donors, partner organisations, and policymakers at the sub-national and national levels. She has previously worked at the grassroots in India with women, young people, and diverse stakeholders from their communities towards generating a discourse at the intersections of social livelihoods, gender equality, and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Kevin relocated to London to pursue a career in banking and treasury management. He holds a BSc in Finance from the American University of Sharjah and is pursuing an MSc in Applied Statistics at the University of Strathclyde. He brings a wealth of international experience having previously lived in France and the UAE. Kevin has a multicultural background, stemming from roots in Algeria and Madagascar.