Our team

Impeccable listeners and skilled innovators

Tilley Harris
Tilley Harris Co-Founder, Head of Business Development

Tilley brings over a decade of expertise in impact measurement, human-centered design, and community engagement. She specialises in translating local insights into actionable strategies, ensuring communities feel empowered to influence how their environments are designed and developed. A natural connector, she builds strong relationships between stakeholders—helping businesses, policymakers, and local groups collaborate effectively. Her work has driven meaningful change for clients like Transport for London, Santander, and the Greater London Authority, always championing inclusive, data-driven decision-making.

Alex Pielak
Alex Pielak Co-Founder, Head of Product

Alex blends over a decade of expertise in social impact research, UX design and community co-design. His ability to turn complex data into accessible, engaging stories means community feedback is always effectively shared with stakeholders. Through strong leadership, he’s driven impactful collaborations for Transport for London, the Greater London Authority, Socius, Santander and more – always focusing on the connection between data, people and positive change.

Martin Finn
Martin Finn Chair

Martin brings a wealth of experience to Akou having been a business founder, with a partner, who built and sold a social impact communications business, EdComs, to a US educational technology business. He worked for major clients in the UK and internationally with commercial, government and third sector organisations. He has extensive experience across sales, client management and programme delivery as well as all aspects of running a large international team. He now works in a non-executive role for a number of businesses, supporting growth, organisation and value-building.

Roshni Sharma
Roshni Sharma Data Analyst and Insights

Roshni is a skilled Research Lead with expertise in inclusive, mixed-methods frameworks. She ensures our social impact research is accessible to underrepresented communities and amplifies their voices. With experience analysing complex data and managing large-scale collection, Roshni maintains exceptional data quality. She has worked with clients like Lambeth Council, School for Social Entrepreneurs, Glitch, and Eggtooth.

Tom Ashenden
Tom Ashenden Project Associate

Tom has an impressive background in social and public-sector research, specialising in impact measurement and ethnographic studies. His expertise in public policy and risk management ensures evaluations align with environmental and social justice goals. He plays a key role in executing research, from data collection to reporting, ensuring inclusivity and accuracy.

Hasmita Chavda
Hasmita Chavda Facilitator and Impact Consultant

Hasmita has over 14 years of experience working with charities and social enterprises. She’s skilled in designing and delivering programmes, developing fundraising strategies, managing grant budgets and implementing impact frameworks. Recently, she focused on building CRM systems for the impact sector, furthering her ability to support organisations with their digital and impact needs.

Our Collaborators

Rob Thatcher
Rob Thatcher Freelance Head of Operations

Rob is a coach and consultant specialising in helping teams and businesses grow through problem-solving and confidence-building. With a background in IT leadership and DevOps transformations, he now supports founders, startups and career switchers. Rob’s collaborative approach fosters stronger teamwork and streamlined processes. By prioritising agility and adaptability, he ensures meaningful results for people and businesses.

Seven Eleven Agency
Seven Eleven Agency Branding, Design and Creative Direction

Seveneleven, the creative agency behind our brand, website and storytelling, works with us to communicate the Akou vision with clarity and impact. With expertise in rebranding, content strategy and brand guidelines, it brings fresh ideas and innovative solutions to every project. Its experience in the social impact sector ensures its designs are not only visually striking but also meaningful, which helps us connect authentically with our audience.

Cari Jolaoso
Cari Jolaoso Head of content

Cari is a freelance head of content with over a decade of experience in branding, marketing, creative and UX copy. As Akou’s tone guardian, she crafts compelling content and ensures consistent messaging across all platforms. Cari translates complex ideas into digestible stories for diverse audiences, from communities to stakeholders. She also manages our website content and develops strategies to extend its reach.

Passionate about creating change?

Join the Akou team and let’s build better communities together.

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