The charity is run by interim CEO, Tiffanie Darke, and a senior leadership team. They are supported by focused, energetic and ambitious staff who bring their different experiences to ensure we can do the best for our clients.
Tiffanie Darke, Interim Chief Executive Officer
Tiffanie Darke is the interim CEO of Smart Works, working closely with our senior leadership team to carry out our mission of giving unemployed women the confidence they need to unlock their potential, get the job, and transform their lives.
Tiffanie is a company director, author, speaker, journalist, and a long serving fashion industry authority. She also sat on the Charity’s Board of Trustees almost since the Charity’s founding, and stepped down after a full term earlier this year.
“Fashion is a formidable creative and economic force in our society, and no organisation expresses that more purely than Smart Works Charity. I feel very privileged to be asked to spend more time with this community during this transitional period, continuing the incredible work achieved by our previous CEO, Kate Stephens. Together with everyone in the Smart Works family, I look forward to strengthening our ability to empower others, to give women the belief they can unlock their own self-worth, find financial security, and determine the path of their own lives”
Mehala Manimohan, Director of Finance
Mehala has overall responsibility for the financial control and management of the charity.
”I joined Smart Works as the Head of Finance, to apply my finance and accounting skills in support of its mission. I am passionate about its goal of enhancing economic independence among women. My high light so far is the dedication and commitment of the team in working together towards achieving our objectives.”
Hemma Gooljar, Director of Communications and Marketing
Hemma provides strategic direction and oversight for the charity’s communications, brand and marketing. Collaborating with key functions nationwide, she is passionate about growing our reach and ensuring every woman who comes through the Smart Works door leaves feeling happy, confident and empowered. Hemma is also a Trustee for the RAF Museum and a panel expert for her home council’s VAWG strategy.
“It’s a total joy to see the simplicity of our service in action every day. Knowing that after two hours with our incredible volunteers, a woman will leave feeling lighter, brighter and happier, serves as a real inspiration. Thousands of women have benefited from our help, but we know there are so many more than need our support. With our passion, knowledge and expertise, I’m confident that we can reach them.”
The team set the highest standards and thrive on rolling up their sleeves, working together and above all, seeing every day the tangible impact of the Smart Works service on the women who come to our centres.
Meet the team
Curating the rails
Curating the rails
Our wardrobe assistant, Tyesha, curating our dressing room.
Raising funds
Raising funds
Rolling up our sleeves at the Smart Works pop-up in Bicester village.
Spreading the word
Spreading the word
A great time at the BBC spreading the word about our service.
Getting those miles in
Getting those miles in
Spending some quality time on the bike during our Cycle for Smart Works fundraiser
A moment to celebrate
A moment to celebrate
The evening we closed the doors to our pop-up shop in Bicester
Ringing off the hook
Ringing off the hook
Sandy busy answering phones and taking referrals for new clients
Packing up sale purchases
Packing up sale purchases
Victoria packing up sale purchases from our eBay shop
Piled high for clients
Piled high for clients
Sandy and Kate showing how many care packages we sent out to clients in one day
Sending a gift
Sending a gift
Sophie, our Outreach Manager, channelling the Christmas spirit for one of our clients
We love our logo
We love our logo
Our Director of Service Delivery, Rosie, showing her love for Smart Works.
Happy times in a lift
Happy times in a lift
The ultimate team selfie after our Smart Works Fashion Sale.
Fun at team events
Fun at team events
The team getting sweaty at our Cycle for Smart Works closing party.