Announcements
Published: 6 November 2025 by LRwatkins
This trustees’ week, LGBT Foundation are welcoming three new trustees to our Board: Valerio, Emma, and Claire! Below you can read their bios, hear about their motivations, and learn about our trustee updates.
Valerio is the Founder and CEO of Abatable, a climate-tech company working with global brands to scale high-impact sustainability solutions. He previously held leadership roles at Uber, Monzo, Google Health, and Meta, combining deep experience in technology, health, and policy. At Google Health, he led AI research with the NHS and Cancer Research UK; at Meta, he headed Global Covid and Vaccine Misinformation during the pandemic.
Valerio holds degrees in Economics and Finance from Bocconi University and HEC Paris. A passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion, he founded Monzo’s first Pride group, actively contributed to Pride@Google London, and volunteers with Diversity Role Models to deliver school workshops on diversity and allyship. He brings expertise in digital innovation, governance, and fundraising, and a lifelong commitment to advancing equality.
Emma is England Director at The National Lottery Community Fund, leading a team of over 300 people who distribute more than £500 million in grants each year to support communities across England. With a career rooted in the voluntary sector, she brings deep experience in governance, inclusive leadership, and equitable grant-making, and also serves on the Board of London Funders.
Based in Manchester, Emma is passionate about redistributing power, strengthening communities, and creating spaces where everyone can feel seen, respected, and able to flourish. She brings warmth, humour, and curiosity to her work, informed by lived experience and a belief in allyship as everyday practice. Outside work, Emma can usually be found listening to comedy podcasts, enjoying live music, coaxing reluctant plants into life, or providing adoring but inconsistent service to her cat.
Claire is a People Director with global and board-level experience across financial services, professional services, technology and retail. Passionate about inclusion and belonging, Claire has led large-scale transformation and developed people strategies that champion diversity, equity and wellbeing.
Grounded and authentic, Claire brings clarity to complex challenges and focuses on creating cultures where everyone feels seen, valued and able to thrive. With a deep commitment to empowering others, Claire believes in the power of community, allyship and representation to drive lasting change. As a trustee, Claire brings both strategic insight and a genuine belief that inclusive organisations not only perform better, but also make a difference in people’s lives.
Valerio: Growing up gay in southern Italy, I know how powerful visible role models and inclusive spaces can be. Joining LGBT Foundation is my way of giving back—combining lived experience with my skills in technology, governance, and partnerships to help strengthen and scale an organisation that uplifts and protects our community.
Emma: I became a trustee to help sustain an organisation that has been part of Manchester’s heart for decades. LGBT Foundation embodies inclusion, hope and joy — values I share deeply. It’s a privilege to support its mission and help ensure every LGBTQ+ person can flourish.
Claire: I became a trustee at LGBT Foundation to help create a world where every LGBTQ+ person feels safe, valued and able to thrive. I’m passionate about inclusion and equality, and wanted to use my experience in people, culture and change to support an organisation driving real social impact.
Valerio: I’m inspired by the Foundation’s unique blend of frontline service delivery and national influence—supporting people directly while shaping the systems around them. Its bold, unapologetic defence of trans and non-binary people, and its focus on digital innovation and equity, make it one of the most impactful charities in the UK.
Claire: What excites me most about our work at LGBT Foundation is seeing how we empower people to live authentically and with pride. Every action no matter how big or small, helps create a kinder, more inclusive world where individuals and communities are seen, supported and celebrated for who they truly are.
Additionally, we have some exciting trustee updates to share…
Firstly, a special thank you to Loic, for the fantastic services you have contributed to the Board. We are so grateful for all of the support that you have offered us, and the brilliant work that you have completed during your time here.
Secondly, a warm welcome back to the fabulous Jax, who has recently returned to her position as Chair of the Board. We are so excited to have you back with us, and can’t wait to see what the future holds!
During Jax’s absence, Jason acted as interim Chair. He has done an outstanding job leading the Foundation, and for that, we cannot thank him enough.
…And finally, thank you to the whole Board of Trustees. We value all of the essential support you provide to LGBT Foundation, ensuring that we continue to deliver consistently impactful work to LGBTQ+ people. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the help of each and every one of you.
Learn more about our trustees and their work on the Meet Our Trustees page.
