New Fellows
Meet some of our new Fellows
Sabeehah Mahomed, Garrick Jones, Dianne Whelan, Dan Poole, Dr Julia Stamm, Sandra Rizkallah, Lisa Ball-Lechgar, Ian Poitier, Jackie Duff
Sabeehah Mahomed
Sabeehah Mahomed is a researcher in AI ethics and policy at The Alan Turing Institute. She was recognised in the international list of ‘100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics’ in 2025 and has been endorsed by the British Academy as a ‘Global Talent’. Specialising in AI and children, Sabeehah has engaged over 250 children across the UK in co-design fieldwork and led impactful policy contributions, including organising the world’s first Children’s AI Summit in London, and international advocacy at UNESCO and the Council of Europe. She holds an MSc with distinction in Digital Humanities from University College London.
Garrick Jones
Garrick Jones is a Co-founder of the Ludic Group. He works with Fortune 100 companies, governments and the UN on digital transformation, large-scale systems change and collaboration. A Fellow at the LSE and the Royal College of Art, his research spans creative economies, decision-making and digital environments. Garrick has co-authored three books: the best-selling The Curious Advantage – the Greatest Driver of Value in the Digital Age, ALIVE and Digital Humans: Thriving in an Online World. Garrick also co-hosts the acclaimed podcast The Curious Advantage, in which he speaks with leaders in the arts, science, business and technology about ‘curiosity’, and is an accomplished pianist and composer.
Dianne Whelan
Dianne Whelan is an award-winning Canadian documentary filmmaker, photographer, artist, author and public speaker. She has written, directed, and produced three award-winning films, a three-part series for the Canadian Broadcast Corporation, authored two books and has exhibited her photographs in numerous art galleries. In August 2021, Dianne was the first person to complete the land and water trails of the 24,000km Trans Canada Trail, and this journey is the subject of her new Oscar-qualified film, 500 Days in the Wild. Previously, she released documentary 40 Days at Base Camp, shot on Mt Everest, and accompanied by her book about the experience, Base Camp: 40 Days on Everest.
Dan Poole
Dan Poole is an award-winning filmmaker and actor. His work spans theatre, film, documentary and voiceover. Trained at London’s Mountview Theatre School, he has performed internationally, including at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and at the oldest theatre in India. His credits include productions at the National Theatre, Royal Court, the Globe and the Almeida, and screen roles in Batman Begins, Valhalla and Dungeons & Dragons. He is the co-director of Muse of Fire and director of The Space: Theatre of Survival (Sky Arts). His production company, Timebomb Pictures, produces documentary films, including Dan’s seminal work Section 1591 – a project seven years in the making, about child trafficking in the US.
Dr Julia Stamm
Dr Julia Stamm is Founder and CEO of She Shapes AI, which champions women pioneers who develop and use AI responsibly for social good. An award-winning tech-for-impact leader with nearly 20 years’ experience at the intersection of science, policy, innovation and technology, Julia previously led The Data Tank and the Global Solutions Initiative, and founded The Futures Project to align innovation with societal needs. Julia holds a PhD in philosophy and is an adviser and international speaker who has held senior positions in organisations such as the European Cooperation in Science and Technology, the European Commission and the G20.
Sandra Rizkallah
Sandra Rizkallah is Co-founder and Executive Director of Peace Tracks and Plugged In Band Program, both based in Massachusetts. Peace Tracks is a virtual music and storytelling programme that unites learners around the globe. Learners collaborate to create original music that tackles global issues, promoting peace and inclusion. Plugged In Band Program is an inclusive non-profit music programme that educates musicians and provides performance opportunities. With over two decades of experience as a non-profit leader and advocate for equitable and inclusive education, Sandra has dedicated herself to sharing the transformative power of music all over the world.
Michelle Gialanze
Michelle Gialanze is the Founder of Women Directors Malta and an artist known for her distinctive use of natural, sustainable materials. Michelle is also the Founder of MIXA, a gallery and creative studio space in Malta. Formerly a consultant to Malta’s Minister of Education, Michelle transitioned to her full-time artistic practice in 2019 following a lifetime of painting. She has exhibited in Malta, London and France, and currently has paintings showcased at the World Expo in Osaka, Japan, reflecting her commitment to sustainability and cultural innovation.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar
Lisa Ball-Lechgar is the Director of Cultural Affairs and Business Development at Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation, a leading independent cultural body in the United Arab Emirates that runs the Abu Dhabi Festival’s education and community programmes. A strategist, curator, writer and trainer, she has worked in the performing and visual arts in Lebanon, Bahrain and the UAE since 2002 to foster creativity, grow artists and engage audiences. Lisa has also served on the committees of the UAE National Pavilion – Venice Biennale, Dubai Culture, UAE Ministry of Culture and sits on the advisory boards of several universities.
Ian Poitier
Ian Poitier is Senior Speechwriter and Policy and Communications Advisor to the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Hon. Philip Davis. His policy portfolio includes the establishment of the creative economy in the Bahamas. At the heart of the strategy is the launch in September 2025 of a new national Creative and Performing Arts School of The Bahamas (CAPAS), which will train students in the performing, creative and production arts. Ian and his team have partnered with United Talent Agency, one of the big three Hollywood agencies, to deliver the courses, attract productions to The Bahamas and help promote graduates for job opportunities in the industry.
Jackie Duff
Jackie Duff is a globally experienced executive and board leader with a career spanning fast-moving consumer goods, retail, international development and the non-profit sector. Most recently, Jackie was Senior Director EMEA and APAC at The Coca-Cola Company – where she led sustainability, partnerships and social impact initiatives in over 90 countries. Jackie has also worked with the UN, World Economic Forum, World Bank, IOC, FIFA and leading brands to drive systemic change and has served on multiple boards, including as an advisory board member to the US State Department and the Aspen Institute.
Discover Circle
Bringing Fellows together in collaboration on their innovations and our mission.
Browse all articles from this issue
Common wealth
Can intergenerational collaboration reshape capitalism for a better future?
Digital inclusion
On how closing the digital divide can boost Britain’s economy and improve lives
Far from home
How do we stop excluding the young and vulnerable from housing systems?
Good council: Ealing’s story
Guerrilla democracy
Transforming art into influence, conversation into consensus, and consensus into change
Minding the gaps
Reflections on missing identities and the artefacts that connect us
Anna Merchuk
On her passions and inspiration to create Ukrainian refugee charity, Nadiya
Healing arts
How creativity can promote neuroplasticity and help overcome isolation through connection
Rising to the challenge
Living university
Can the collective power of universities be channelled into creating a regenerative future
Ban
The progress made in women’s football since the 50-year ban was lifted