Our purpose and home
Cugoano Changemakers is a programme at St James’s Piccadilly, open to people of all faiths and none. Its name connects creative and ethical practice to a continuing question about how people and institutions act.
Our roots
Quobna Ottobah Cugoano was an author and campaigner against slavery. Born in what is now Ghana, he was kidnapped and enslaved before being brought to England. He was baptised at St James’s Piccadilly in 1773.
In 1787, he published Thoughts and Sentiments on the Evil and Wicked Traffic of the Slavery and Commerce of the Human Species. His writing challenged slavery and the people and institutions that sustained it.
For a programme rooted at St James’s, that connection asks more than commemoration. How do we respond to challenge, and what are we prepared to change in our own practice?
Read about Cugoano at English Heritage
Understand how decisions are made. Notice who carries the cost. Find other ways forward. These capacities belong together, in the practical work of thinking, making and acting with others.
Our commitment
Cugoano Changemakers do not need to be the loudest voice in the room, but they remain accountable when the room goes silent.
People supporting the programme
Cugoano has grown through the ideas, challenge and commitment of people at St James’s, young advisers, facilitators and coaches. Their roles are different, but each contributes to the Fellowship.
St James’s Piccadilly · The founding vision
Lucy and Mariama first championed the idea for Cugoano at St James’s Piccadilly and helped make space for it to become a leadership Fellowship.
The programme is rooted at St James’s and welcomes people of all faiths and none.
Programme leadership & facilitation
Programme Director
Samantha brings around 30 years’ experience in humanitarian leadership, strategy and organisational development, including senior roles at Save the Children and as Director of Programmes at the Humanitarian Leadership Academy. She leads Cugoano with a relational, feminist and trauma-aware approach, drawing on systems thinking and coaching.
Programme delivery & facilitation
Deb has more than 30 years’ international experience in youth participation, child protection and humanitarian leadership, including over 20 years with Save the Children. She has led humanitarian leadership learning at Deakin University and brings expertise in inclusion, safeguarding and youth-led initiatives to the Circles.
Our Youth Advisory Board
Young people have helped shape Cugoano’s values, curriculum, recruitment and accessibility from the outset. The Youth Advisory Board brings challenge and experience into programme decisions and contributes directly to facilitation, not just consultation.
Members contributing to Circle facilitation include:
Youth Advisory Board · Circle facilitation
Moiz works at Rolls-Royce SMR across engineering testing and safety, and is studying science, technology and public policy at UCL. A former Derby Youth Mayor, he brings experience of youth participation, public policy, climate and mental health advocacy.
Youth Advisory Board · Circle facilitation
Ruby helps shape Cugoano through the Youth Advisory Board and is part of the Circle facilitation team.
Youth Advisory Board · Circle facilitation
Rosella works in public affairs, campaigning and advocacy, with experience spanning climate justice, gender equality, nature and youth participation. Her work has included CPRE and Camden Community Wealth Fund, bringing a strong interest in collaboration and practical change.
Youth Advisory Board · Circle facilitation
Abigail helps shape Cugoano through the Youth Advisory Board and contributes to facilitation of the Foundation Circles.
Programme coaches
Anita is an ICF Associate Certified Coach and Chartered CIPD practitioner who supports leaders and teams working through complexity and competing demands. Her coaching combines evidence-based approaches with warmth, clarity and accountability, helping people turn insight into sustainable change.
Shola is a facilitator and coach who creates psychologically safe spaces for people to reflect and make the changes they want in their lives. Guided by relationships, integrity, learning, beauty and impact, she brings curiosity, care and a belief in people’s capacity to grow.
Mano is a scientist-practitioner in leadership development and organisational psychology. He brings experience in applied research, programme design, facilitation and public speaking, and has worked across Asia, Europe and the United States.
Changemaker Champions
Confirmed Changemaker Champion
We are delighted to have Sir Stephen’s support as a Cugoano Changemaker Champion. Champions help build relationships and open doors to opportunities beyond the Fellowship.
Our first pilot was funded by The Rothschild Foundation and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Meet the Champions and supporters helping the work grow.
Governance and support
The programme sits within St James’s Piccadilly. Its Parochial Church Council holds overall institutional governance and oversight. St James’s publishes its governance information, complaints process and safeguarding contacts.
Governance and complaints Safeguarding contacts
Cugoano Changemakers is supported by The Rothschild Foundation and the Heritage Fund.
Funders, programme staff, coaches and Fellowship Champions have different roles.
Learning and accountability
The first cohort is preparing to begin in November 2026. Programme design is not evidence of long-term results. We will distinguish what people report, what has happened and what the evidence can reasonably show.
Future Fellowship connections and collaboration beyond the UK are ambitions to develop carefully, not a claim that funded overseas cohorts are operating.