Sally Alexander MBE – Chief Executive at Milton Keynes College Group

Sally Alexander became Chief Executive at Milton Keynes College Group in October 2022. Sally started her career in education as a teacher, supporting disadvantaged adults to develop both their skills and confidence to better engage with their communities and the world of work. Since then, Sally has worked across the college in a variety of roles.
The college is a driving force within Milton Keynes, and across its many geographies, driving growth through an inclusive approach and stakeholder engagement, and providing exceptional learning experiences to produce the skills needed to drive the city and the college’s communities forwards.

Shazna Muzammil-Cook – Councillor and Community Leader

Shazna Muzammil-Cook is a councillor and community leader in Milton Keynes, committed to education as a driver of opportunity and social mobility. Having fought for her own education, Shazna has become a strong champion for young people and lifelong learning.

She works at The Open University, where she has spent eight years supporting students across multiple faculties and gaining a deep understanding of inclusive education.

As a councillor, she focuses on practical outcomes, including leading a motion to secure work placements for looked-after children. In 2023, Shazna received a Global Award for Leadership in Social and Women’s Empowerment for her work supporting underprivileged communities in Sri Lanka.

Carol Tuncel – Department Manager Development, Communication and Democracy at John Lewis Distribution

Carol Tuncel has worked with the John Lewis Partnership for 25 years, across three divisions including, for the past 11 years, in various roles within John Lewis Distribution. Carol’s role focuses on partner wellbeing, partner engagement and social impact initiatives in both Milton Keynes and Northampton.

One of the partnership’s key social impact priorities is education and work, supporting people to access learning opportunities and employment in the communities where the business operates.

Carol is passionate about businesses and educational institutions working together to create experiences that help students thrive when they enter the world of work.

Tony Oyakhire – Chief Executive Officer of SIEVEMK Gateway

With a distinguished career spanning the voluntary, public and private sectors, Tony provides strategic leadership focused on long-term impact and sustainable change. He works in close partnership with schools, local authorities, businesses and community organisations to unlock opportunity and strengthen communities through education.
Under his leadership, SIEVEMK Gateway, a Milton Keynes–based charity advancing community empowerment, youth development and social inclusion through education, skills and wellbeing initiatives, SIEVEMK was selected as the Mayor of Milton Keynes City’s Charity for 2024–2025, reflecting a clear commitment to service, collaboration and social progress.

Supratim Mukherjee – Social Impact, Communications and Marketing – Santander UK

Supratim has more than 25 years’ international experience spanning financial services, government and the third sector.

In his current role at Santander UK, he leads the bank’s partnership with The King’s Trust, employee volunteering programmes and wider social impact initiatives focused on financial inclusion and social mobility. His previous roles include senior positions with the Scottish Government, RBS Group, ABN AMRO and anti-human trafficking NGO Justice and Care.

Alongside his corporate and social impact work, Supratim is also a part-time radio presenter with one of London’s largest South Asian radio channels, championing culture and community engagement.