top of page
Artboard 1-100.jpg

About Us

Set up in 2015, Social Ark empowers talented and resilient young people to use their lived experiences to create innovative social enterprises that address the issues they care about.

Asset 3.png
about mob.png

 #Inclusivity   |   #Trust   |   #Equity   |   #SocialArkFamily   |   #Respect   |   #Empowerment   |   

 #Inclusivity   |   #Trust   |   #Equity   |   #SocialArkFamily   |   #Respect   |   #Empowerment

IMG_3794.HEIC

Our Story...

We believe in the power of young people to lead meaningful change and provide the tools, guidance, and encouragement needed to transform their ideas into impactful initiatives that influence systems change.

Our bespoke social, entrepreneurial, and cultural youth programmes help young people recognise and build on their unique strengths. Participants grow in confidence, expand their networks, and form lasting friendships while learning to use their voices to lead the changes they want to see in their communities and beyond.

Inclusivity is at the heart of our work. We celebrate the individuality and creativity of young people, prioritising those with experience in the Criminal Justice System, Care settings, or as Young Carers. We work to transform their experiences into strengths and opportunities for growth while addressing systemic economic, class, and racial injustices.

The Social Ark Family includes supporters and alumni who shape and steer our work through roles on our board of trustees, youth board, and programme co-design teams. Many alumni also co-facilitate our programmes, ensuring that lived experience remains at the core of everything we do.

Social Ark has supported over 1,500 young changemakers, helping them grow in confidence, amplify their voices, and build a fairer, brighter future while realising and reaching their potential.

IMG_3E97AB410A58-1.jpeg

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower young people to harness their lived experiences and talents, with skills, confidence, and unwavering support, to lead transformational change.

Our Vision

Our vision is a world where every young person feels valued and has the opportunity to thrive.

Our Values

Our values guide everything we do. We are committed to inclusivity, equity, trust, respect, and empowerment for all, breaking down barriers of race, religion, class, and other social divides to build a fairer, more connected world.

PHOTO-2024-05-01-09-45-31.jpg

Social Ark is a brilliant example of how working class communities can use the social enterprise model to take back control in their communities.

Michael Sheen
Actor & Social Enterprise UK Patron

Social Ark is one of the hidden gems of East London. It's not just another programme to develop social entrepreneurs, it's a special community, a movement, a family that lifts everyone up!

Tony Colville

Social Ark mentor

I'm really proud to keep lending my support to Social Ark.
They recognise the value of young people's lived experiences and their 'no qualifications needed' policy is testament to that.

Unmesh Desai

GLA Assembly Member, City & East London

Artboard 1-100.jpg

Our Core Team

DSCF5284.webp

Lisa Stepanovic MBE

CEO & Founder

Lisa is a proud Eastender of Polish and Irish heritage, deeply rooted in the community she serves. Having lived and worked in East London all her life, she’s passionate about creating a safe, inclusive space for everyone. Lisa began her journey as a market trader, where she developed strong entrepreneurial skills from a young age. For over eight years, in a voluntary capacity she supported at-risk young people, particularly those facing legal challenges and school exclusions, advocating to ensure they could access the support they deserved. This work led her to found Social Ark, where she continues to champion young people affected by social injustice, helping them build brighter futures on their own terms.

FG2A9819_edited.jpg

Leadership Team

Katakyie brings a wealth of lived and professional experience to the team. A former participant of our Step-Up programme, he went on to manage our last Investment Ready programme and now leads on Operations and all Social Ark programmes. Passionate about justice reform, Katakyie is regularly invited to speak on panels, using his lived experience to influence systems change within the justice system. He is also the proud founder of Xconversation CIC, an organisation that supports young people at risk. Katakyie’s impact has not gone unnoticed, he is a multi-award-winning change-maker, recognised for his commitment to empowering young people and driving long-term, meaningful change.

Tasha.webp

Justice & Systems Change Lead

Tasha is a skilled facilitator and engagement lead with a strong background in criminal and social justice. Passionate about centring lived experience, she works with sector leaders to dismantle systemic barriers, redistribute power, and drive meaningful change. Tasha specialises in designing programmes that reduce serious youth violence and disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline, focusing on children and young adults. She also leads the national Parental Imprisonment group at Firebird Foundation, advocating for those affected by a parents incarceration. Drawing on her own lived experience, Tasha is a powerful voice for justice, using her platform to influence decision-makers and push for more compassionate, equitable systems.

6122e6aa-d5b3-4eef-a20c-052ad3a6d740.webp

Youth Lead

Brogan prides herself on being a relatable role model for young people in her community: “To see the change, you’ve got to make the change!” A fitness instructor and award-winning social entrepreneur, Brogan’s experience includes leading programmes at Box Up Crime and working independently with schools across Barking, Dagenham, and Redbridge. A proud graduate of Social Ark’s ‘Step Up’ and ‘Investment Ready’ programmes, she continues to give back as an active and inspiring Alumni. Brogan now leads on our schools and youth programmes for under-18s. She has worked with over 1,500 young people, many identified as at-risk, from marginalised backgrounds, or with special needs, empowering them to create lasting change.

AB615D4F-1964-4A48-B432-6571EB440209.webp

Leadership Team

Tiwa King is a multifaceted, award-winning social entrepreneur who uses her diverse talents to create meaningful impact. She is the Founder of Beyond a Song CIC, where she harnesses the power of music and voice to promote wellbeing in both companies and communities. A passionate advocate for parents of neurodivergent children, Tiwa also offers vital support and guidance within this space. After completing Social Ark’s Investment Ready programme, she joined the leadership team, where she now project-manages and mentors across multiple programmes. Tiwa’s creative and holistic approach has taken her around the world, establishing her as a sought-after consultant and change-maker within the social impact sector.

jr.webp

Leadership Team

JR is a visionary social entrepreneur dedicated to empowering young people through creativity. As the Founder and CEO of Sirlute, he has transformed the organisation into a vital gateway for young people from under-resourced backgrounds to access the creative industries and grow their talents. A Social Innovation Prize winner from the University of Cambridge and a qualified life coach, JR is passionate about mentorship and driving sustainable change. A proud graduate of Social Ark’s Step Up and Investment Ready programmes, he gained invaluable support as an Alumni. Now part of the Social Ark leadership team, JR leads on programme delivery and mentoring, helping the next generation of social entrepreneurs thrive.

bottom of page