The Board

The YEM Executive Board is elected by our members on an annual basis. Its role is to drive the growth of YEM. It oversees the administration of our organisation, co-ordinates campaigns, forges partnerships with other organisations, and supports our branches. If you'd like to stand for election to the Board, sign up for a membership here.

 

 

President

Alfred Quantrill

I joined YEM because I wanted to make sure every young person knows that the EU, rather than America or China, is the only world power that will work with the UK to promote and preserve our shared values as an equal partner. I’m glad to be returning as President of YEM for another term, with a focus on developing our network of local branches, and growing our presence on social media. Over the past year, I’ve been lucky to get to collaborate with YEM’s partners at European Movement, the Young European Federalists, Europe House, and elsewhere, and I look forward to bringing those partnerships further.


 

 

 

Head of Policy and Political Engagement

Cameron Thompson

Coming from Liverpool, a city that is the exemplar about lighting a path forward against all odds and being the exemplar for change, that is the kind of spirit I want to bring to YEM.

Over the past years, I have been crafted by my experiences at the LCR Combined Authority as a young advisor, worked closely with the European Union Delegation to help form their Youth Engagement Initiative, being an active cog for over 3 years, now conducting a Masters of Public Administration & Policy at the University of Liverpool under the most prestigious local government policy lab in the country, the Heseltine Institute.

I'm excited to join YEM as Head of Policy & Political Engagement and bring that Liverpool energy needed to make this movement a real catalyst for change on the behalf of the millions of Youth counting on us; to be bold, persistent and unapologetical in this.


 

Head of Brand Identity - Shirin Bagherpour

My name is Shirin and I’m the one making the little graphics you see on social media and more (head of branding)! I’m actually an International Relations student and as you can probably tell, from my involvement in YEM, I’m very passionate about Human Rights and Youth Advocacy. 

I’m also working to bring back our Manchester branch, am a national councillor for European Movement UK, a part of the UN Women community, still in uni, getting my drivers license, studying a third language, and work in politics. So basically, sometimes I can be difficult to get a hold of, but I’m usually down to hangout whenever I can! 

I feel extremely privileged to be YEM’s Head of Branding because it allows me to not only contribute to providing opportunities to young people and build a community, but also to do so using art. 

I grew up in a generation that was promised a future filled with opportunities, environmentally friendly initiatives, and a community empowered by diversity. While this isn’t the world we live in today, YEM advocates for such a future, rooted in collaboration with youth at its core. I am extremely grateful to be a part of such an extraordinary family and have been selected as the vice-president. I believe that together we can build a better world.

 

 

 

Head of Diversity and Inclusion

Dürdane Öz

Based in Glasgow and shaped by my Turkish background, I understand how important it is for young people from different communities to feel represented in conversations about Europe, belonging, and the UK’s future.

Through my legal studies, research on gender justice and minority experiences, and volunteering with organisations supporting women and diverse communities. I have seen that inclusion must be more than a value we speak about. It has to shape how we listen, organise, communicate, and create space for active participation in European youth politics.

I’m excited to join YEM as Head of Diversity & Inclusion and to help build a movement that is accessible, representative, and welcoming to all young people. I want to amplify underrepresented voices, support inclusive campaigns and events, and ensure that YEM reflects the diversity of the young people it seeks to represent.


 

 

Head of International Partnerships 

Jonathan Suanders

I am in the second year of a master’s degree in History of Political Thought and Intellectual History at University College London and Queen Mary University of London. I have been politically engaged for as long as I can remember and have a background in communcations, but it has only been since joining the Young European Movement towards the end of 2024 that I have found a cause that has given me a purpose and a conviction that a different world really is still possible. I have been the Head of International Partnerships for a year now, a position that has given me the privilege and the opportunity of a lifetime to travel so far to Belgium, Germany, France, Denmark, Georgia, Serbia, Hungary, and North Macedonia. I have met the most incredible people from countries across the globe on this adventure so far, and this past year has shown me that the only way we can beat nationalism is if we do not just give young people the right to travel, study, and work across Europe - but the confidence to explore everything it has to offer.

 


 

 

 

Head of Communications

Henry Oliver

I am currently the Head of Communications at YEM UK, leading the organisation's campaign for a UK–EU Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) and communicating the tangible benefits it would deliver for young people across the UK and EU. I took on the communications brief having spent the past year as Head of Events at YEM UK.

With over twenty years of active campaigning for the Liberal Democrats — primarily on Parliamentary and Council elections across the Southwest — I bring deep experience in grassroots, community-driven politics at both national and international level. I’ve lived in London for over a decade, and my professional experience spans communications, market research and campaigns.


 

 

Head of Social Media

Agnès Morgan

Coming from France, I have seen first-hand the value of the European Union and the opportunities it creates. Studying in the UK has also shown me how vital a strong and cooperative relationship with the EU remains, particularly for young people navigating education, work, and their future.

I believe the UK needs to rebuild and strengthen its collaboration with Europe, and that this begins with changing how younger generations understand and engage with the EU. Social media is one of the most powerful tools we have to do this. It allows us to break down complex political issues, challenge misconceptions, and create a sense of connection and shared purpose.

As Head of Social Media, my aim is to develop a clear, engaging, and accessible digital presence that resonates with young people. I want to highlight the tangible benefits of EU collaboration, amplify youth voices, and encourage informed discussion. Most importantly, I want to help build a movement where young people feel empowered to advocate for a closer, more cooperative relationship between the UK and Europe.


 

 

Head of Local Branches and Sponsorships

Seb Shelmerdine Pérez

Being half English and half Spanish, I can’t help but say that I was a little hurt when the UK voted for Brexit. I am a big fan of the European Union. It’s a good place, and a place that I think is largely underpriced by the market.

I have been Chair of the London branch for a year and a half, and have been grateful for the opportunity to foster a community that champions EU values in such an international city as London. It is why I am excited now to be joining the committee as Head of Local Branches & Sponsorships, and co-ordinate with our regional branches to replicate this success, and grow pro-EU sentiment nationally.

I would like to see a day where we, the UK, ask to rejoin the EU. And the EU says that we are more than welcome back into Europe. Where we can embrace that relationship again, and move forward in co-operation with our closest neighbours.


 

 

Head of Events

Olya Kuznetsova

My background spans capacity-building training at IOM, E+ youth exchanges and training, and a programme delivered jointly with JEF Europe on gender, peace and human rights. As Vice Chair of an NGO, I also know what it takes to keep an organisation running behind the scenes. I am a Chevening Scholar, holding an MSc in Entrepreneurship and Management from the University of Nottingham. Belarus born, London based.

I am excited to join YEM as Head of Events because I believe YEM deserves to be far more visible among young people in the UK, and events are one of the most powerful ways to make that happen.


 

 

Head of Finance

Alexander Anderson

I’m Alexander! I’m originally from London and have recently graduated from UCL. It has been my honour to have served the past two years as YEM’s Head of Finance. Outside of YEM, I’m involved in youth policy and political journalism. I’m the founder and president of CISES, a student think tank. I have been committed to increasing transparency and trust in YEM’s work while supporting the exciting wave of initiatives our new Executive is planning. Excited to help grow a stronger and more engaged community of young Europeans.


 

 

Youth Engagement Officer

Madeleina Kay

I am an artist and activist who has been an active member of the pro-EU movement since the Brexit referendum in 2016, using colour and creativity to campaign for the UK to return to its rightful place at the heart of Europe. I have written and illustrated 10 books, performed at events and festivals across the UK and Europe, and achieved my Masters of Fine Art (Central Saint Martins) in 2025. In recognition of my creative campaigning for Europe, I was awarded the ‘Young European of the Year’ award by the Schwarzkopf Foundation in 2018 and the ‘European Charlemagne Youth Prize’ by the European Parliament and the Karlspreis Foundation in 2020. It is unfathomable to me that Brits voted to take away rights and freedoms from themselves, and as European Movement’s Youth Engagement Officer, I am committed to fighting to restore those opportunities to British youth.