Meet the ECFL Executive Team
ECFL is proud to be led by a passionate team of volunteers who contribute their professional expertise, experience and time to support the charity’s mission.
FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR
Dr Laura Ricketts
Dr Laura Ricketts founded Empowering Communities For Life in 2016 following a visit to The Gambia that transformed her understanding of global inequality and the importance of community empowerment. Inspired by the resilience and warmth of the Gambian people, Laura returned to the United Kingdom determined to create a charity that would work alongside communities to improve educational opportunities, promote inclusion and support sustainable development. Beginning with the collection of donated educational resources and local fundraising initiatives, Laura established relationships with schools, community leaders and partner organisations that continue to underpin ECFL's work today. Laura is passionate about equality, education and creating opportunities for disadvantaged communities. She believes that sustainable change is achieved by investing in people, developing partnerships and empowering communities to become increasingly self-sufficient. Her long-term vision is for ECFL to inspire future generations of volunteers and leaders who will continue the charity's mission of empowering communities for life.
Project Manager
Ms Zemamnesh Campbell
Zemamnesh Campbell joined ECFL as a Trustee in 2020 following her participation in the 2019 volunteer mission to The Gambia. Having witnessed first-hand the impact of ECFL's work, she committed to supporting the charity's long-term development through effective project management and strategic planning. Drawing upon her professional experience in global project management, Zemamnesh leads the planning, coordination and delivery of ECFL's projects, ensuring that activities are delivered efficiently, responsibly and in line with the charity's strategic objectives. She plays a key role in strengthening organisational processes, supporting governance and developing sustainable systems that enable ECFL to maximise its impact.
Education Specialist and Senior Fundraising Research Lead
Mrs Siobhan Lam
Siobhan Lam brings more than a decade of experience within the education sector and provides specialist advice on educational practice, safeguarding and organisational accountability. She supports ECFL by ensuring that the charity maintains high standards of governance, policy development and programme quality. Siobhan also leads research into funding opportunities, helping the charity identify grants, trusts and partnerships that support the long-term sustainability of ECFL's work. Her understanding of education, child development and community wellbeing continues to strengthen the charity's ability to deliver meaningful and evidence-based programmes.
Our International Team
A defining strength of ECFL is our close partnership with dedicated colleagues based in The Gambia. Their local knowledge, relationships and lived experience ensure that our work remains culturally appropriate, community-led and responsive to local priorities.
LEAD CO-ORDINATOR FOR THE GAMBIA
Mr Kebba Darboe
Kebba Darboe plays a vital role in coordinating ECFL's activities within The Gambia. Having grown up in rural Gambia, Kebba possesses invaluable knowledge of local communities and the challenges they experience. His understanding enables ECFL to ensure that projects are shaped by genuine community needs rather than external assumptions. He oversees local logistics, community engagement and coordination of ECFL volunteer visits, acting as the primary link between the UK charity team and local partners. His commitment to improving opportunities for Gambian communities has been instrumental in the successful delivery of ECFL's programmes.
ADVISOR AND TOURISM GUIDE
Mr Foday Darboe
Foday Darboe supports ECFL through the coordination of transport, logistics and community engagement during volunteer visits. He is passionate about reducing poverty, creating employment opportunities for young people and promoting sustainable community development across The Gambia. His local knowledge and trusted relationships help ensure that ECFL activities are delivered safely, efficiently and respectfully.
Our Volunteers
Join our team of passionate volunteers and help us empower communities for life. Your time, skills and heart can change the world.