Welcome to our new Work Experience Project Coordinator, Ilana Estreich!

We welcomed Ilana to Team Switch this month as one of our new Project Coordinators for our Work Experience programme. Ilana has joined alongside Dominique Hegarty from the Charity Works scheme, they will be continuing to develop and manage our newly returned Work Experience offer.

Find out more about Ilana:

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m originally from London, and I love so much about this city. I’ve just graduated from university, where I studied Social Science, Community Development and Youth Work. I love being in green spaces and I would love to be able to speak all the languages in the world!

Where did you work before The Switch?

I’ve just finished university, but before that I worked at Spitalfields City Farm (not far from The Switch!) and in other community gardening projects. I’m excited to be back in Tower Hamlets!

What are you looking forward to working at The Switch?

I’ve always loved working with young people and I’m excited to work somewhere that makes a difference to the lives of young Londoners. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to expand the worlds of both young people and the adults and organisations that will meet them and realise their huge potential.

Any hobbies?

I love singing, especially with other people (I’ve been in a few choirs in my time). I also play guitar and piano and always want to learn to play more instruments. I enjoy reading, and usually have at least one fiction and one non-fiction book on the go. I love being in the sea and in water and have recently become a bit more confident swimming, so have been to a few outdoor swimming spots, which I want to do way more!

What is one thing you have learnt over the last few years of adversity?

The importance of care, community, and solidarity. Almost everyone has had a rough few years, but the pandemic exacerbated a lot of existing inequalities and many people were much worse off than others. We can’t just rely on people in power to shape the world we want to live in. None of us would be here without the support and care of the individuals and communities around us. I think it’s so important that we become this for others, in whatever capacity we are able.

Meet the rest of the team