Emilie Akselsen – Secretary
Emilie (she/her/capricorn) is the Secretary of The Alphabet Collective. She moved to the UK from Norway 8 years ago to attend uni, obtaining a BA in Criminology and an MA in Gender Research with special interests in hate crime, queer theory, and masculinities. Currently an EDI Manager in the mental health field, she brings her experience and drive to help the AC grow to its full potential. Emilie’s forever obsessions are science fiction, video games, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Lisa Simpson.
Annie Herbert – Chair
Annie (she/her) is the Chair of The Alphabet Collective. By day, Annie is a Research Fellow specialising in antibiotic drug discovery, and by night she is a volunteer in the charity sector supporting LGBTQIA+ people. Annie has previously chaired Leeds LUU LGBT+ Society and Leeds Youth Stop AIDS, and has held the position of Chair of the Alphabet Collective since its founding in 2023.
Ben Metcalf – Treasurer
Hannah Poklad – Co-Founder & Lead Youth & Community Worker
Katie Toulmin – Co-Founder & Lead Youth & Community Worker
Katie (she/her) is a Co-Founder & Lead Youth Worker at The Alphabet Collective. Katie has been involved in the charity and voluntary sector for over ten years in many different fields, including disability, rehabilitation, mental health and LGBTQIA+ youth work. The Alphabet Collective grew out of a shared passion for creating inclusive and supportive spaces where people can be themselves, and have the freedom to explore safely.
Having experienced firsthand how transformative volunteering can be, Katie is dedicated to helping others gain confidence and grow through similar opportunities and is leading on our developing Volunteer Network.
Outside of her work, Katie loves yoga, cooking and reading (arranging her bookshelves meticulously by book colour!) – all of which bring her joy, escapism and balance.
A Cattermole – Support Worker
Get Involved
We are actively recruiting for Volunteers and Trustees, and seeking Mutual Aid.
If you think you’d like to help us out, get in touch.
