Meet the Team
A team committed to values and social transformation through mutual support.
Magalys Noguera
Tatiana Duarte
Susana Escobar
Lukasz Charczenko
Founder & CEO
I founded Roots for Change UK with one vision: to create opportunities, restore hope, and remind people that no matter their circumstances, they are never alone. After arriving in the United Kingdom from Nicaragua in 2020, I turned my own journey into a mission to serve others. Today, Roots for Change supports communities across the UK and is expanding its humanitarian work internationally, creating lasting impact through education, wellbeing, community support and compassion. I believe true leadership is measured by the lives we transform. My mission is to inspire change, empower others, and build a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Because real change begins when someone chooses to care.
Tatiana Duarte, originally from Honduras and now living in the United Kingdom for the past five years, has a background in marketing as well as training in accounting and business. Her experience, together with her genuine passion for supporting others, has led her to volunteer with several organisations — something she values deeply as a way of giving back to the country that has supported her family. As a mother of two boys, she cares about creating positive and welcoming spaces where families can connect and thrive. Tatiana is delighted to be part of Roots for Change UK and looks forward to contributing to meaningful experiences and lasting impact within the community.
Susana Escobar serves as a Trustee at Roots for Change UK, bringing empathy, compassion, and a strong commitment to supporting people and communities. Originally from El Salvador and now living in the United Kingdom, she understands first-hand what it means to rebuild a life and navigate change — experiences that have shaped her belief in kindness, dignity, and creating safe, welcoming spaces. In her role, she contributes to initiatives that offer practical support such as food, clothing, and education, as well as workshops, wellbeing activities, and opportunities for community connection, particularly for migrants and refugees.
Lucasz Charczenko is dedicated and compassionate, he deeply believes in community, kindness, and mutual support. Originally from Poland and now part of the UK community, he brings empathy, responsibility, and a genuine desire to help others. His experience supporting people from diverse backgrounds has strengthened his commitment to creating positive social impact. Through Roots for Change UK, Lucasz contributes to projects that promote inclusion, wellbeing, and a sense of belonging for all.
Jessica Calderon Ramos
Joel Odiya
Alejandra Yakes
Daner Alegria
Joel Odiya is a dedicated community leader based in Eastern Uganda with a strong passion for supporting vulnerable children, families, and individuals facing hardship. Through years of grassroots community work, he has helped provide support, care, and opportunities to orphaned children, vulnerable households, widows, and elderly people.
As Uganda Project Coordinator for Roots for Change UK Uganda, Joel works closely with local communities to identify needs, coordinate humanitarian initiatives, and ensure support reaches those who need it most. His commitment to compassion, integrity, and community development plays a key role in advancing the organisation’s mission across Uganda.
Joel believes that every child deserves access to education, safety, dignity, and the opportunity to build a brighter future.
I'm Alejandra, a Life Coach from Uruguay living in the United States, I have a passion for personal growth, wellbeing, and meaningful human connection. I support individuals as they navigate life transitions, build self-awareness, and create lives that feel more authentic and fulfilling. I am especially passionate about empowering women and girls to recognize their strengths, embrace their potential, and pursue their goals with confidence. Alongside my coaching work, I am involved in humanitarian and community development initiatives focused on supporting children, families, and underserved communities. My goal is to help people reconnect with their strengths, possibilities, and sense of purpose.
Daner Alegría is originally from Colombia and is passionate about using creativity, communication and collaboration to make a positive difference in people’s lives. He believes that strong communities are built through inclusion, empathy and meaningful connections, and is committed to helping ensure that everyone has access to the support and opportunities they need to thrive.
Through his work with Roots for Change UK, Danner supports the organisation’s mission of empowering migrants, refugees and local communities by helping raise awareness of its services, programmes and initiatives. He is proud to contribute to an organisation that creates opportunities, fosters a sense of belonging and helps people rebuild their lives with dignity, confidence and hope.
I am Jessica Calderón, a trustee at Roots for Change, an organisation that embodies my values of love, connection, and service to others. As a dance teacher and practitioner of holistic therapies —including breathwork, ice baths, and yoga— I am passionate about supporting people on their journey towards wellbeing and transformation. After nine years living in Newcastle, I have found in this community a place where I can share my energy, spirituality, and deep belief in the light within every human being. Helping others is not simply something I do; it is a way of life.