Learn a bit about who we are and where we’ve come from before joining our One World Together family.
No matter how radical, an idea is nothing without the people that come together to back it.
One World Together, and all the possibilities it offers for more impactful and community-driven development, wouldn’t be here without you. We might not have your picture here but we can’t wait to get to know you in our Community Space.
Niki and Chibwe met in the Reimagining the International NGO Social Lab and quickly bonded over the need to move beyond tweaking existing systems and build an entirely new one based on principles of trust, solidarity and equity. In 2023 they founded One World Together with the goal of putting a new generation of committed supporters of global development at the heart of radical change.
They are Company Directors, however they see their role in One World Together as stewards, working closely with the broader team and magnificent Youth Board to shape One World Together’s strategy, journey and learning. Employed by their Universities, neither Niki or Chibwe take any income from One World Together. You can learn more about them below.
Founder and Chief Co-Steward
Increasingly uncomfortable with researching development NGOs in a fundamentally flawed system, Niki set to work designing a radical new system of giving, free of the inequalities facing the broader charity sector. Working at the University of Manchester’s Global Development Institute she saw the potential of her passionate and committed students in making this a success. Outside of work she enjoys raising her own two Global Citizens, Benny and Maddie, and keeping fit in her local Crossfit box.
Feel free to get in touch at n.banks@oneworldtogether.org.uk.
Chibwe experienced the complexities and frustrations of the UK’s international charity sector first hand in her 18 years of working in it. This inspired her passion for a new system to overcome these challenges and One World Together draws upon her strong track record of building local, national and international charities.
Alongside working as a Lecturer for Queen Mary University of London’s School of Business and Management, Chibwe is a committed advocate for enhancing the role of African Diaspora in development, and sees One World Together as an opportunity to further foster African Diaspora’s contributions as powerful agents of sustainable development in their countries of origin and residency.
Feel free to get in touch at c.henry@oneworldtogether.org.uk.
Operations Manager
Skyler began her journey with One World Together as a dedicated member of the Youth Board, all while pursuing her Master’s in Global Development at the University of Manchester.
Driven by a passion for sustainable development, Skyler brings a wealth of diverse experiences in nonprofits management from her pivotal roles at US-based organisations, such as EARTHDAY.ORG and the Environment Education Fund.
In her down time, you can find Skyler finding solace through training at the gym or boxing, enjoying a movie night with her flatmates, or traveling to new places around the world!
Feel free to get in touch at s.colarusso@oneworldtogether.org.uk.
Community Outreach & Partnership Coordinator
Bridie has joined us in Manchester from the beautiful countryside of North Wales. Recently, she has completed her master’s in Humanitarianism and Conflict Response, with a focus on localisation and shifting power for more equitable outcomes—something Bridie’s deeply passionate about!
Bridie is also on the board of a grassroots NGO in Eldoret, Kenya, where she’s spent a lot of time working with the local community. This experience has fueled her advocacy for ethical, community-based organizations, which is why Bridie is so excited to be part of One World Together!
When Bridie’s not busy with my work, you’ll likely find her outdoors—hiking, canoeing, or camping—or enjoying Irish and folk music with her family.
Head of Individual Giving
Hailing from Manchester, Laura brings over a decade of fundraising and charitable technology experience to her role as Head of Individual Giving.
Her journey began during her Master’s in Social Policy and Social Development at The University of Manchester, where she collaborated with OWT’s co-founder, Nicola Banks, on research into NGO funding and donation impact. Laura spent five years with CanadaHelps, advancing digital literacy for charities and advocating for unrestricted funding to empower local communities.
Laura is also studying to become a Psychotherapist, working as a Student Counsellor! When she’s not working or studying, you’ll find Laura exploring Manchester’s food scene or local hiking trails.
A new generation of committed supporters of global development are at the heart of One World Together’s vision, so of course it is natural that they are our beating heart.
Our Youth Board have been critical to OWT’s launch and strategic direction, working with Niki, Chibwe and Kanika to design One World Together’s vision and values, community space, and our vision for a network of Students’ Union Societies across the UK. In 2023 they also launched our first Students Union Society at the University of Manchester.
Youth Board | Pakistan
Youth Board | Germany
Youth Board | United Kingdom
Youth Board | Turkey
Youth Board | Singapore