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 57679307857180175 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
Rosilda Panoni
In-Trans Coordinator
I was born in Brazil, and I moved to Italy and then Scotland in 2010. My passion is communication and working with people, so when I learned about GREC and In-Trans, I knew it was the right place for me. Today, I work with more than 160 interpreters and translators from over 50 countries. I am very proud of my team and the high-quality services we deliver. 01224 576795 in-trans@grec.co.uk
Mehrnaz Taheri
In-Trans Assistant
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 576793 vtu@grec.co.uk
Adriana Uribe
Language & Integration Development Worker
I run the language and integration projects at GREC, including the language cafés. These weekly sessions are great opportunities for people to practice English in a relaxed setting, while learning about life in Aberdeen and Scotland. Since 2017, we have welcomed people from more than 35 different countries, all ages and walks of life. 01224 576797 auribe@grec.co.uk
Molly McCall
Outreach Worker & Caseworker
I started at GREC in 2019, on the Outreach project, and now I also work on the Casework team. I love that every day is different at GREC, and it’s been inspiring to work directly with Aberdeen’s vibrant communities. 01224 576796 07999 488118 mmccall@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
Stefan Gheorghe
Communications Officer
My journey with GREC started in 2016 when I started working as an interpreter for the In-Trans service. As the years progressed, I have grown and evolved to become the Communications Officer. Being able to create and distribute information on GREC’s many projects is a very rewarding experience. 01224 576798 sgheorghe@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
Louise Henrard
PATH Project Coordinator
I started working with GREC in April 2022 as a coordinator for the PATH Project (Prejudice and solidarity Archived Through History). I am excited to be working with communities to highlight and celebrate their stories, which form Aberdeen’s diverse and inspiring cultural heritage. lhenrard@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
Miriam Nwugo
Grampian Health & Diversity Network Project Coordinator
I lead a team of dedicated Community Connectors and Health Champions, strategically operating across Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, and Moray. My prior experience includes working with the casework team at GREC during my placement. I am enthusiastic about contributing to the impactful initiatives that GREC consistently delivers for our community. mnwugo@grec.co.uk
Sendi Nanbam Akale
Caseworker
One of my responsibilities at GREC is to provide support, advice, advocacy, and mediation to individual clients, either at the language café or through general referrals as part of the casework team. Some aspects of my career have involved project support, coordination and advocacy for non-governmental organizations in West Africa. I am passionate about helping others achieve their goals and genuinely enjoy advocating for fairness and equality. sakale@grec.co.uk