Eddie Wright (Chair)

Hi, I’m Eddie, and I've proudly served as a trustee since 2016, bringing over 25 years of experience in the IT industry. I've successfully founded and managed three multi-million-pound IT companies during the 90s and early 2000s. I’m currently a consultant for a large multi-national software company. Growing up in the local area, I’m deeply connected to the community and committed to ensuring that Handsworth and the surrounding areas continue to thrive.

As Chair, I’m fully aware of the responsibilities and challenges that lie ahead. My focus is on ensuring HAOS has the capacity and flexibility to deliver life-changing projects and programs that will empower the next generation. We aim to build on our proud multicultural heritage, providing vital support to tackle issues like poverty, crime, racial discrimination, and access to health services. While I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, we cannot and will not rest on past achievements—we must continue pushing forward to make a lasting impact.

Ivora Ferreira-Bean (Vice-Chair)

Hello there, I’m Ivora. I currently work as a Locality Team Manager for Birmingham Children’s Trust covering the Handsworth Perry Barr District, managing the Family support service.

The Handsworth Association of schools has worked intensively to support children in Handsworth, especially those who are vulnerable. It is a pleasure and delight to sit on the board of trustees, with a fantastic group of people who share the same vision to support children to enjoy their education achieved and make a positive contribution to their community.

Olabimpe Odubanjo (Treasurer)

coming soon

Parveen Talwar

My name is Parveen Talwar and I am a long-standing, highly-experienced Health, and Wellbeing Specialist. Since founding Rucha Nutrition, a local nutrition practice, focused on delivering bespoke programmes to better improve nutrition and wellbeing in the private sector, I went on to found Communities Engage and Thrive (CET), a local, Birmingham-based social enterprise specialising in delivering diabetes, heart-health, obesity and mental wellness for grassroots, culturally sensitive groups in the West Midlands.

I am very proud to be a trustee for HAOS who work tirelessly to provide an invaluable service for the children in Handsworth and make a difference in children’s lives by building strong relationships in the community, providing access to education and emotional support. My hope for the future is that we will steer our organisation towards greater impact and increase our reach to create lasting change.

Sarah Smith

Hello, I am Sarah Smith and I am currently the Head Teacher of St James CE Primary School in Handsworth. Following a career in London in the financial sector, I chose to train as a teacher and began working in Handsworth in 2006. I am committed to ensuring that the children and families receive everything they deserve from their education and a school community. I am particularly focused on enriching educational experiences for children and ensuring that families are supported to breakdown any barriers to their success. Through collaboration and support the more schools that can work towards this the more we can improve opportunities in Handsworth. 

Eddie Edmead

Greetings, I’m Eddie Edmead. I am currently the Major Grants Manager for “Your Trust Charity”, which is the official charity for Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust.

Alison Taylor

Hi, I’m Alison Taylor. I have been part of Handsworth Association of Schools as an education practitioner for over 20 years and a member of the board since 2018. I am currently the Head Teacher at Cherry Orchard Primary School in Handsworth Wood.

I deeply appreciate the value of working with other schools and services for the educational benefit and wellbeing of all pupils and their families, and the development of school staff at all levels. The work of Handsworth Association of Schools in this respect led me to support as a trustee.

Bogusia Matusiak Varley

Hello, I’m Dr Bogusia. I am the owner of Bogusia TQM Ltd, the Director of Gulf Education Services and the founder and co-director of Top Quality Marque (UK) Ltd.

Shamala Antonio

Biography coming soon.