Andrea Antoniou is a doctoral researcher in refugee studies. She holds a BA in English Literature and a Master’s degree in Intercultural Communication and International Development both from the University of Sheffield.

She is currently a PhD student in the School of Languages and Cultures and Urban Studies and Planning at the University of Sheffield, researching the power of intercultural dialogue to create a sense of belonging in refugee camp communities in Greece.

She also has interests in migration and cultural policy, having worked at the Small Planet Institute (in Cambridge, Massachusetts) on developing a culture of welcome, renewing democracy and supporting human rights in the American context.

She has also worked as a Greek language teacher and a Scout leader in two Greek refugee camps.

Firas is from Iraq. He is a City of Sanctuary Sheffield volunteer, welcoming, registering and sign posting people coming to the Victoria Hall Wednesday drop-ins. 

As a founder member of the Open Kitchen Social Club, he leads a team providing meals at events and regular Tuesday lunchtimes at the Sanctuary.

Hasnain is a medical student at the University of Sheffield. He was the President of the Sheffield MedSoc 2020-21, the largest society at the university, representing approximately 1,500 medical students.

He led a South Yorkshire Covid-19 medical student volunteer scheme where over 200 students volunteered in hospitals, GPs, hospices and babysitting services for NHS staff, supporting vaccine efforts across the region.

He has a clinical interest in Burns and Plastic Surgery and has academic interests in leadership and management, medical education, and research. He also has an interest in, and experience of, health policy development.

John is a founding member and Company Director of Stand and Be Counted Theatre, the UK’s first Theatre Company of Sanctuary.  

He is the Producer at Sheffield Theatres, one of the UK’s most prominent producing theatres and largest complex outside of London. He is a Senior Manager, responsible for the management of all production staff, in-house productions and artist development.  

John is an established producer who is an expert in producing large-scale community productions, community practice & talent development. He has a first class BA (Hons) degree in Media and Performance from The University of Salford. 

Sallyann has worked in the FE Sector for over 22 years working across the 16-18 and 19+ landscape – 16-18 Foundation Learning, ESOL, International and Employability. Having worked as a lecturer, Learner Recruitment Co-ordinator, and Head of Academy she has extensive skills in college operation and management.

Currently, she is the Assistant Principal – Adult Skill – English, Maths and Essential Digital Skills, Part Time ESOL, International English and Employability at the Sheffield College working with a wide variety of external partners across the sector.

Sallyann is passionate about ensuring that everyone can access high-quality Teaching, Learning and Assessment to achieve their academic and personal aspirations. Inclusivity, Equality, Fairness, Respect, Diversity and Engagement are her personal values.

Sallyann is a trustee of The Sheffield City of Sanctuary and spearheaded Sheffield College to become one of the first Colleges of Sanctuary. She also sits on the National College of Sanctuary Board.

Sophie works in charity communications, currently focusing on digital content at Amnesty’s International Secretariat. She has a background in fundraising, having previously worked on corporate partnerships and events as well as brand and communications for the Helen Bamber Foundation and Asylum Aid.

Sophie is passionate about creating a more inclusive and welcoming society and the importance of healthy organisational cultures.

Tom became a  trustee at City of Sanctuary Sheffield in February 2020. He is a manager at the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) Head Office in Sheffield where he’s worked since 2001.

Tom is a statistician, and manages teams of analysts; his current job is Head of Business Strategy Analysis; using analysis and evidence to shape DWP’s future strategy.

He used to be a Teacher of English as a Foreign Language in Japan, and as a volunteer TESL teacher in Sheffield. He is married with 2 children; twins aged 15.

He likes sport, particularly football which he still plays once a week and is a Portsmouth supporter—they used to be good, but aren’t any more!