Our staff

Meet the team

A team committed to values and social transformation through mutual support.

Founder & CEO

Magalys Noguera

I founded Roots for Change UK with one vision: to create opportunities, restore hope, and remind people that no matter their circumstances, they are never alone. After arriving in the United Kingdom from Nicaragua in 2020, I turned my own journey into a mission to serve others. Today, Roots for Change supports communities across the UK and is expanding its humanitarian work internationally, creating lasting impact through education, wellbeing, community support and compassion. I believe true leadership is measured by the lives we transform. My mission is to inspire change, empower others, and build a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Because real change begins when someone chooses to care.

Trustee

Tatiana Duarte

Tatiana Duarte, originally from Honduras and now living in the United Kingdom for the past five years, has a background in marketing as well as training in accounting and business. Her experience, together with her genuine passion for supporting others, has led her to volunteer with several organisations — something she values deeply as a way of giving back to the country that has supported her family. As a mother of two boys, she cares about creating positive and welcoming spaces where families can connect and thrive. Tatiana is delighted to be part of Roots for Change UK and looks forward to contributing to meaningful experiences and lasting impact within the community.

Trustee

Susana Escobar

Susana Escobar serves as a Trustee at Roots for Change UK, bringing empathy, compassion, and a strong commitment to supporting people and communities. Originally from El Salvador and now living in the United Kingdom, she understands first-hand what it means to rebuild a life and navigate change — experiences that have shaped her belief in kindness, dignity, and creating safe, welcoming spaces. In her role, she contributes to initiatives that offer practical support such as food, clothing, and education, as well as workshops, wellbeing activities, and opportunities for community connection, particularly for migrants and refugees.

Team member

Lukasz Charczenko

Lukasz Charczenko is dedicated and compassionate; he deeply believes in community, kindness, and mutual support. Originally from Poland and now part of the UK community, he brings empathy, responsibility, and a genuine desire to help others. His experience supporting people from diverse backgrounds has strengthened his commitment to creating positive social impact. Through Roots for Change UK, Lukasz contributes to projects that promote inclusion, wellbeing, and a sense of belonging for all.

Trustee

Jessica Calderon Ramos

I am Jessica Calderón, a trustee at Roots for Change, an organisation that embodies my values of love, connection, and service to others. As a dance teacher and practitioner of holistic therapies — including breathwork, ice baths, and yoga — I am passionate about supporting people on their journey towards wellbeing and transformation. After nine years living in Newcastle, I have found in this community a place where I can share my energy, spirituality, and deep belief in the light within every human being. Helping others is not simply something I do; it is a way of life.

Uganda Project Coordinator

Joel Odiya

Joel Odiya is a dedicated community leader based in Eastern Uganda with a strong passion for supporting vulnerable children, families, and individuals facing hardship. Through years of grassroots community work, he has helped provide support, care, and opportunities to orphaned children, vulnerable households, widows, and elderly people. As Uganda Project Coordinator for Roots for Change UK Uganda, Joel works closely with local communities to identify needs, coordinate humanitarian initiatives, and ensure support reaches those who need it most. Joel believes that every child deserves access to education, safety, dignity, and the opportunity to build a brighter future.

Life Coach

Alejandra Yakes

Alejandra is a Life Coach from Uruguay based in the United States with more than 10 years of experience supporting people through personal growth, life transitions, and emotional wellbeing. Passionate about empowering women and girls, she helps individuals build confidence, develop self-awareness, and create lives that reflect their values and potential. Alongside her coaching practice, she has been involved in humanitarian, community development, and advocacy initiatives since her teenage years, supporting children, families, refugees, animal welfare, and underserved communities. Her mission is to help people and communities discover their strengths, possibilities, and sense of purpose.

Communications & Community Support

Daner Alegria

Daner Alegría is originally from Colombia and is passionate about using creativity, communication and collaboration to make a positive difference in people’s lives. He believes that strong communities are built through inclusion, empathy and meaningful connections, and is committed to helping ensure that everyone has access to the support and opportunities they need to thrive. Through his work with Roots for Change UK, Daner supports the organisation’s mission of empowering migrants, refugees and local communities by helping raise awareness of its services, programmes and initiatives.

Be part of the team

Join us as a volunteer.

Choose a flexible role that suits your availability and help create positive change in our communities.

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