Champions of inclusion creating change together.
Meet the people who bring lived experience, professional knowledge and powerful advocacy to Olivia’s World.
Our Ambassadors
Our ambassadors contribute across advocacy, education, creativity, public service, employment and community leadership.
Meet the ambassadors
Each ambassador brings a distinct perspective while supporting the same goal: a more accessible, understanding and inclusive world.
Chris Edwards
Chris works as a Health and Disability Programme Manager in Leicestershire, Cambridgeshire and Rutland. Chris has lived experience as a person with a severe visual impairment which has given him an understanding of his own disability and how the world views disabled people.
He has worked within the public and voluntary sectors creating and running projects to help people who needed extra support in Housing, poor life opportunities, anti-socoial and criminal behavour,. Chris is currently supporting programmes to help people with disabilities and health conditions to become work ready, gain appropriate work and put in place the approapriate adjustments to elp people thrie in work.
Odeth Richardson
Chair Of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.
Odeth was born in Jamaica and came to the UK in her early 20’s. She is a trained Occupational Therapist and is currently employed as Head of Occupational Therapy at The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals. Odeth has been appointed Chair of The RCOT/BAOT Council.
In her current role she chairs the Regional Race Equality Forum. Odeth is also a trained Cultural Ambassador, a role she undertakes alongside her role as Chair of the staff network. She sits on a number of Equality forums and is a member of The Great North Children’s Hospital Foundation. She volunteers for a number of organisations including Northumbria Police and The Angelou Centre.
She works closely with CCG’s, Social Services, Universities and other statutory and non- statutory organisations to ensure the voice of those who are disadvantaged in society gets heard. Outside of work she supports various charities championing the cause of disadvantaged people and continues to champion inequality wherever she finds it.
Sandy Iliff
Performer, Radio Presenter, and Disability Advocate
Sandy Iliff is an award-winning professional radio presenter and a vibrant force in the performing arts. With a celebrated career in musical theatre, Sandy has worked professionally as a Dancer, Singer, and Actress, captivating audiences with her dynamic stage presence and heartfelt performances. Her talents also shine behind the microphone, where her voice and personality have made her a beloved presence in radio broadcasting.
Alongside her work in entertainment, Sandy is a passionate advocate for hidden disabilities, with a special focus on autism and colitis. Her commitment to raising awareness, challenging stigma, and promoting greater understanding is driven by deep empathy and a belief in equality for all, Sandy is a Passionate teacher, and wants to create an inclusive space in the art, and believes that everyone has a talent for the create arts.
She is especially proud to serve as an ambassador for Olivia’s World, a cause founded by the inspiring Olivia Slatter. Olivia’s World is dedicated to improving autism awareness in the workplace and further education, with a focus on fostering inclusive environments that recognise and support neurodivergent individuals. Olivia's mission is practical, purposeful, and making real change—something Sandy is honoured to support and amplify through her own platform.
Sandy Iliff is a seasoned performer and creative force whose career in the arts spans decades and showcases an extraordinary breadth of talent and experience.She began performing professionally at the age of 12, earning recognition as a child star at the Haymarket Theatre in Leicester. During that time, she also recorded an album with Bob Mandel of the Leicester Haymarket at the renowned Pebble Mill Studios in Birmingham.Sandy’s career includes collaborations with some of Britain’s most iconic names. She worked with Sylvia Anderson, Co-Creator of Thunderbirds and the voice of Lady Penelope, and performed at the legendary London Palladium and many more.
In her free time, Sandy enjoys swimming, music and dance—both of which ground and energise her. Known for her warm spirit, strong work ethic, and eye for detail, she’s a happy, driven.
Ingmar Kamalagaran
Head of Education and Future Workforce, UK Space Agency
MeIngmar leads and coordinates interventions to support a diverse, resilient, and skilled workforce for the UK space sector, working in partnership with HMG, industry, academia, the education sector, and the European Space Agency.
Ingmar draws on a lifelong fascination with space, science and technology, his extensive experience of youth work as a STEM Ambassador, the skills and knowledge developed through his master’s degree in Astronomy, the technical and industrial expertise from 3 years leading investments into satellite communications innovations, and extensive experience of marketing, events, arts, music and touring logistics in the creative and music industries. Coming from a diverse background, Ingmar is passionate about improving opportunities and culture.
Khadija Hussain
Ambassador, Multi Schools Council
Hello, my name is Khadija Hussain, I am a practising Muslim.
I was bullied and mistreated when I was in primary school and after being bullied I have found my life purpose which is to help people with SEN and struggling with mental health which has also made me passionate about making the world a better place for everyone but especially for people with SEN and who are struggling with mental health.
I am professionally diagnosed with global development delay (physical and speech), additional learning disabilities and hypermobility at age 5 and autism spectrum disorder (ASD, Asperger syndrome) at age 10. I also have microcephaly but it's not a professional diagnosis the doctors do say that I had it when I was 5 (I think).
I hope to achieve an understanding of awareness of different Sen in particular autism and how it impacts mental health especially if someone is being bullied and being misunderstood.
I also wanted to achieve for young people to have a voice as I was not when I needed to when I was being bullied and mistreated by everyone really but my school especially and how to make things more accessible and give them the right support (as I was not when I was bullied) for other whether that is small like a small adjustment or a big accomplishment for people with any impairment.
It put this in a nutshell: I want to make the world a better place for people with SEN who are struggling with mental health and empower it with other human rights. I am most proud of my accomplishments as an ambassador for the Multi Schools Council and its Olivia's World.
Kellie Barker
Founder & Director, Born Anxious; Autism Peer Support Trainer (Trainee) & Parent Advocate
My name is Kellie Barker, I’m 45, I live in Kent and I have three children 21, 15, and 9.My youngest son has a complex diagnosis of Autism & SEND, I grew up in a house that fostered with my birth family and many children coming and going throughout my childhood. My Parents are and were great advocates for all children and as a young carer myself, I have taken this engrained belief from my early years into adulthood, I have one birth sibling Daniel, he too is a fierce advocate and works globally advocating for children.
Who would know that our own birth children would develop such skills as young carers years later, they definitely all have advocating in their blood - it is natural to them .I love a bargain and a good rummage round the shops when I get time. My latest addiction is Vinted, the online recycled clothes app, and have vowed to buy less new things this year and start recycling what we have, to reduce waste, I’ve also started to drive an electric car.I love mint aero chocolate and ALL puddings .
Kate Campbell-Green
Advocate for Inclusive Music Education
A passionate advocate for inclusive music making and using music as a conduit for all educational outcomes, Kate has almost 20 years of experience as a qualified teacher and creating musical opportunities in the wider community. She obtained her undergraduate Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Glasgow and is currently Head of Tameside Music Service, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Good Vibrations Music Charity, and Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors for Whitfield St. James Primary School and a trustee for Band on the Wall.
She has written several commissioned articles for Music Teacher magazine and is a longstanding Associate Lecturer for Manchester Metropolitan University and the Royal Northern College of Music. Kate was diagnosed with AuDHD later in life, which has added a personal element to her interest in educational reform—more particularly, to ensure that education is reflective of the changing needs of all young people today and in the future.
Justin Donne
Disability Advocate and Strategic Leader
Chair, East Midlands Regional Stakeholders Network, Disability Unit
Justin Donne is a passionate advocate for disability inclusion, with over a decade of experience in leadership roles focused on amplifying the voices of disabled individuals and fostering inclusive communities. As the East Midlands Regional Stakeholders Network Chair for the Disability Unit, Justin advises the government on critical issues affecting disabled people, including transport, housing, and employment.
Justin’s commitment to disability advocacy includes his previous role as Chair of the Board for Autistic Nottingham, where he oversaw financial management and strategic planning, resulting in a 10x increase in funding and improved operational efficiency. His leadership has been instrumental in driving policy change and creating inclusive environments for individuals with disabilities.
Justin’s work is deeply rooted in his belief in equality and empowerment. He has served on various local authority committees and boards, including the Autism Strategy Group and Light Rapid Transport Committee, where he championed accessibility and inclusion. His ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders and his strategic vision have made him a respected leader in the disability advocacy community.
As an Ambassador for It’s Olivia’s World, Justin brings his expertise in strategic leadership, policy advocacy, and community building to support the organization’s mission of fostering joy, creativity, and inclusion. His dedication to creating meaningful change aligns perfectly with the values of It’s Olivia’s World, and he is excited to contribute to its vibrant and impactful initiatives
Guy Distad
Director and Advocate for Inclusive Representation
Television & Film Director, Inclusion Advocate
About MeGuy Distad has been part of various production teams from when his career started in 1987 as an intern on The Cosby Show and has continued to grow through over 825 episodes and 37 pilots, moving up through the ranks eventually landing in the Director’s chair. His expertise in video, television, and film production has been the cornerstone of a career marked by creative storytelling and technical precision. His team's dedication to excellence has flourished under his guidance by fostering innovation in not only multi-camera comedy but also on a variety of other programming formats.
One of the reasons Guy is joining us is his eagerness to try and be an ally for the disabled community and wants to help develop a fair representation on TV for people who live with both visible and invisible disabilities, including autism. He also looks forward to support organisations who want to achieve the same goals. Learning and understanding further to what autism is and how best to support a potential autistic actor or other crew member on set is also a priority of Guys. He is also and will continue to be a safe face on set to those who may have autism and disabilities, both visible and invisible.
Gemma Lees
Artist, Advocate, and Educator
Fine Art Installationist, Performance Poet & Disability Advocate
Gemma Lees is a Romany Gypsy, disabled and autistic fine art installationist, performance poet, comedian, facilitator and journalist from Bury. Her practise focuses on protest, advocacy, inclusion and telling the stories that no one else is. Last year she worked with: Arts and Homelessness International, Traveller’s Times, Headteacher Update, SEN Magazine, ACERT, Queer Britain, Turnpike, Cartwheel Arts, BBC Radio Manchester, Triple C, Warwickshire Libraries, CultureDale, WOW Fest, Factory International, CIJ and CRIPtic. A qualified post-compulsory teacher, she is a passionate advocate for GTRSB and neurodiverse inclusion in schools and wider education.
Maria Zani
Development Producer and Storytelling Advocate
Development Producer & Filmmaker
I am an Italian/Scot Development Producer, and a former mentee of the Sreenskllis 2021 mentee programme with BBC Studios.
My former mentor, a female BBC producer, had selected me. She saw something in me. She taught me to believe in myself and use my unique voice, and my lived experiences and she has learnt to embrace my unique superpowers.I'm on various spectrums I have dyslexia Dyscalculia ADHD I'm on the autistic spectrum recovering from an acute stroke and long covid I'm a polymath, yes that's a real thing!
One of my goals is to empower others to believe in themselves and represent my community through great storytelling I truly believe that the power of storytelling can change the world. I'm here to break down barriers.
In 2023 I was selected for the International Sheffield Doc festival for the top 35 filmmakers for the Banijay Media accelerator programme I have been selected for my first funded short film for Little Pictures and Screensjulls and GMAX filmed By collaborating we can change the world through the use of a human-certain approach.
Diana Elizabeth Jordan
Actor, Educator, and Disability Equity Advocate
Diana Elizabeth Jordan is an award-winning actor, solo artist, director, producer, artist educator, and disability equity consultant. Diana has worked in film, theater, and television, and she did her first Ted Talk for TEDX Sonoma in 2023. Diana is a member of SAG-AFTRA and Actors Equity Association, one of the disabled advocates for Women of Color Unite, and teaches acting at Performing Arts StudioWest. Whether she is portraying a character, sharing a personal story, directing, or producing a project, Diana is committed to transforming perceptions and normalising disability through the power of storytelling and improvisation.
Liz Jones
PIP Expert and Disability Advocate
Liz is going to be our PIP expert, filling in forms and teaching us about PIP. Watch her TikTok on disability awareness, fill out the PIP forms, and learn what to expect for PIP interviews.
Hey! I’m Liz, let me tell you a little bit about me! So I started my career at the age of 19 working in the care sector of elderly residential care. I was made redundant 16 years later and decided I wanted to do something different! I was amazed when I got a job with Rethink Mental Illness, a leading mental health charity fighting the stigma around Mental Health. I got the job with no official qualifications but lived experience. I was a Recovery Worker in the community, supporting people with mild to moderate mental health illnesses. This was the best eye-opener for me on a personal level, I learnt so much about myself and how to manage my mental health. A few years later I wanted another change, so off I went to work as a Homelessness project officer, working with people who were street homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. I loved this job, some of the most amazing people I ever met had absolutely nothing including a roof over their heads. I suffered some extremely challenging times personally during this period that completely changed my life. I moved 300 miles away from the people I loved the most out of safety for my own life and the support I required. I was experiencing the criminal justice system for the first as a survivor, and let me tell you it was not a pleasant 5 years! Which leads me to where I am today!I
never thought I’d be in the position I am, and am having to adjust, accept and process the huge changes takes time. I am no longer able to work full time in a regular 9-5 due to newly diagnosed health conditions. However, I will never stop finding a way to help others, it is in my DNA. I am here to help anyone I can, who is vulnerable, disabled and / or alone to navigate the system that is Personal Independence Payment disability benefit. My values are so important to me, I cannot bear injustice, discrimination or disrespect. So I will always fight for what is rightfully deserved.
Charly Shore
Advocate, Musician, and Supportive Friend
Charly Shore was a close friend of mine during my university years. We shared the same halls of residence and were the only two students with assistance dogs in the halls. Maisie, my dog, and Ziggy, Charly’s dog, were constant companions. We would embark on regular walks together, sharing valuable training tips and techniques for our canine companions. As members of the same charity, Charly recommended ‘Wild Spirit Canine’ for Maisie and I.
Charly and I engaged in frequent conversations, striving to make a positive impact on the world. We discussed a wide range of political and social issues. Additionally, I grappled with the use of ‘they/them’ pronouns, and Charly was incredibly supportive in helping me comprehend the nuances of nonbinary pronouns. I derive great pleasure from learning about diverse topics, particularly given the significant representation of my friends within the LGBTQ+ community.Charly was always ready to lend a helping hand and make time for those in need. He possessed exceptional musical talent and achieved high grades on most of his instruments. Furthermore, he held a respected position within the LGBTQ+ community and actively participated in university events alongside his supportive friends.
Despite facing challenges and disabilities, Charly maintained an unwavering positive outlook on life. His infectious personality radiated joy and positivity, filling every room he entered. I am deeply grateful for the privilege of knowing him and cherishing our friendship.
Dr Anna Kennedy (OBE)
Advocate and Founder of UK Autism Charity Anna Kennedy Online
UK Autism Charity Anna Kennedy Online is going from strength to strength supporting and sharing information with many families and adults diagnosed with in the Autism spectrum. Ever since I started my own journey with my own boys Patrick and Angelo and wanting to help and support those who like them have a diagnosis of an Autism spectrum condition I am frustrated and disappointed with the lack of facilities and support across the UK.
Of course, Autism spectrum conditions does not just affect children and teenagers this is a lifelong condition for many people who can often face perplexing problems such as behavioural difficulties and many overlapping conditions such as Dyslexia, Obsessional Compulsive Disorder etc. The facilities are beginning to improve however, with Local Authorities and Charities being hit with cuts it is an ongoing battle.
Families and carers need respite breaks, access to better educational facilities and help with finding employment for their children – it is difficult enough for all young people looking for work these days so having a diagnosis of an autism spectrum condition can make it even harder, and sadly for many they simply give up trying because of a lack of response and understanding from employers.
To find out more information click this link to Anna's page, her team are very helpful, and Anna is a sweet amazing human.
Become an Ambassador
Join our community of advocates and help create a more inclusive world for individuals with autism.