María José Pavez Larrea
Co-General Manager and Policy Officer
I started volunteering at GREC in 2019 and was lucky to be involved in several projects, including research and the Health & Diversity Network. I have been leading our policy influencing work since 2021 and moved into the Co-General Manager role in 2023. It is an honour to work collaboratively with a team that strives every day to challenge inequalities and have a positive impact on people’s lives in Grampian and beyond.
07443 960115
mjpavez@grec.co.uk
Ross Mackay
Co-General Manager,
Casework and New Scots Project Coordinator
I’ve been happily working at GREC since 2018, across various projects, beginning with the Language Café, then coordinating our Casework and New Scots projects, before moving into a Co-General Manager role in 2023. It’s a privilege to work here and contribute towards advancing equality and equity in the North East, especially as part of this team. 01224 57679907857180175 rmackay@grec.co.uk
Jackie Walker
Admin Manager
I reached my 30th anniversary with GREC in 2022, and can’t imagine having been happier or more fulfilled anywhere else. I work behind the scenes supporting my colleagues, providing tech advice, and handling all the details that keep GREC running smoothly. 01224 576793 jwalker@grec.co.uk
Gosia Kasprzyk
Volunteer Coordinator
I have worked at GREC since 2015, and I am very proud to support our fantastic and dedicated volunteers. Many of GREC’s projects would not be possible without volunteers, so I would like to say THANK YOU to everyone who has contributed their time and skills over the years. 01224 595505 gosia@grec.co.uk
Sophie Darley
In-Trans Service Manager
Having spent the last 20 years providing recruitment to a wide range of national and international organisations, I was delighted to join GREC in 2024 to manage and grow our In-Trans Service. It is a privilege to work with such a wonderful team of dedicated Interpreters and Translators to provide a high quality service to all our clients, whether in the Public, Private or Third Sector, or individuals. 01224 57679507517357298 in-trans@grec.co.uk
Savneet Kaur
In-Trans Assistant
I started volunteering at GREC in 2013, and since then I have worked as Admin Assistant for the Advancing Equality and Promoting Respect projects. Currently, I am providing administrative support to the In-Trans service. I really enjoy working for In-Trans, as it brings new challenges and every day is different. 01224 576795 in-trans@grec.co.uk
Vivian Tu
Counselling Service Manager
I have been volunteering at GREC as a psychotherapist since 2018, working with clients from different cultural backgrounds to navigate life’s challenges when confronted with discrimination and bias. I believe that mental health and counselling therapy should be accessible for all, and inclusion has the transformative power to move society. Managing the counselling service from February 2024 means I can assist marginalised communities in a broader and more practical way. 01224 576790 vtu@grec.co.uk
Adriana Uribe
Training Officer
Language & Integration Team Lead
Leading the Language and Integration Team, I am involved in projects that identify and work to mitigate the impact of language barriers among minorities in Aberdeen. This includes our well known language cafes in Aberdeen.
I also work as Training Officer to support and expand awareness about diversity, equality and inclusion. 01224 576797 auribe@grec.co.uk
Guillermo Medina
Language Café & New Scots Development Worker
I work in the Language Café, helping “cafetistas” gain confidence in their English skills and find support and fun activities in Aberdeen. I support New Scots by delivering digital inclusion projects for people seeking asylum. I also developed social cartography about the city, with an “Emoji Map” of New Scots’ feelings in Aberdeen. Working at GREC is a great opportunity to engage with different communities, helping them feel empowered and promoting a sense of belonging and inclusion in Aberdeen.07857180175 gmedina@grec.co.uk
Susan Bains
No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF): Tackling and Preventing Destitution Project Coordinator
I started volunteering with GREC in March 2022, teaching English to a small class of students. Before that, I did similar work in Lancashire with asylum seekers and refugees. In June 2022, I was very pleased to begin coordinating the new project, Tackling and Preventing Destitution, for people with No Recourse to Public Funds. It is an honour to work with the GREC team, who stand up for human rights and a fairer society for all. sbains@grec.co.uk
Nara Morrison
Coordinator, New Scots Active Citizens Project (Aberdeenshire)
I have a passion for inclusivity and supporting refugees and people seeking asylum. In my role at GREC, I make sure that newcomers in Grampian have the information and assistance they need to thrive in their new environment. nmorrison@grec.co.uk
Myshele Haywood
Development Worker
I’ve been at GREC since 2016. Among other things, I organise events, do research and training, support equalities groups, and work on the GREC website. 01224 576791 mhaywood@grec.co.uk
Gbemileke Majekodunmi
Grampian Health & Diversity Network Project Coordinator
It was a joy when given the opportunity to lead the Health and Diversity Network project. Through addressing barriers to accessing healthcare amongst members of ethnic minority groups, we work towards reducing health inequalities. Having participated in similar projects across Aberdeen, this role came as call to keep amplifying the voices of seldom heard groups. gmajekodunmi@grec.co.uk
Flora Kovacs
Caseworker & Financial Inclusion Outreach Worker
I joined GREC in April 2024. I’m very happy to be a part of this vibrant team to promote financial inclusion and empower ethnic minority and migrant communities in Aberdeen. fkovacs@grec.co.uk
Elahe Alavi
Communications Assistant
Language and Integration Project Worker
I have been freelancing with GREC as an interpreter since 2022, which has allowed me to get to know this amazing charity and its dedicated team. I am thrilled to have joined GREC as a part-time communication assistant and language and integration worker in December 2023. ealavi@grec.co.uk
Tomás Pizarro-Escuti
Rights Reps Project Officer
Since 2023, I’ve been collaborating with GREC and raising funds for their Me-Time Counselling Services. I began in October 2024, and it’s an honour to be part of an organisation that promotes equality, dignity, and empowerment in the North East. With a background in law and international relations, the “Hotel Rights Reps Project” aligns with my belief in access to justice. As a Project Officer, I coordinate efforts to raise awareness among asylum seekers about their legal rights, empowering the community to recognise human rights violations and offer peer-based support. tpizarro-escuti@grec.co.uk
Anne Esangbedo
Social Worker in Training
I am in my second year of the social work master’s programme at Robert Gordon University and am excited to gain practical experience through my placement at GREC. I am passionate about advocating for social justice and providing community support, and privileged to assist individuals in accessing essential services and to support GREC’s advocacy initiatives. Outside my studies and placement, I enjoy cooking, listening to music, and watching movies. aesangbedo@grec.co.uk
Santanah Eshitoli
Social Worker in Training
Erin Burton
Social Worker in Training
