Board Members

Ali Al Mokdad is a seasoned strategic senior leader with extensive cross-functional experience and a proven track record of launching innovative programs in challenging global environments, including remote, hard-to-reach areas, and conflict zones. Renowned for his leadership roles within International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs), United Nations (UN) agencies, the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement, and donor institutions, Ali excels in strategic planning, operations management, and driving organizational transformations. His expertise spans governance, organizational psychology, and strategic nonprofit management.

Ali Al Mokdad has successfully managed operations across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, including countries such as Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon, Nigeria, Kenya, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. His global experience includes leading and overseeing international teams across a network of over 40 countries.

In addition to his operational expertise, Ali serves as a strategic advisor on the boards of NGOs and companies with both international and local reach. He is deeply committed to fostering diversity, practicing inclusive leadership, and harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and technology to enhance NGO operations, humanitarian efforts, and drive innovative programming. 

As Chairperson - Chair of the Board for We Hold a Hand, Ali Al Mokdad is dedicated to advancing strategic governance, fostering impactful partnerships, and driving sustainable solutions to amplify the organization's global mission.

An all-round business professional at senior Director level, with more than 35 years of extensive and diverse experience in marketing, strategy development, commercial and customer operations, revenue growth management, and finance, including P&L, budgets, and Opex. A strong team player with a passion for people, driven by both professional experience and personal journey.

Coached and mentored young talent to success; Created, developed, and optimized organizational design emphasizing inclusive practices and wellbeing; Led complex negotiations achieving win-win outcomes while ensuring ethical considerations and human impact remain central.

Committed to mental health advocacy through personal experience as a parent of a child with ADHD and having lost a young family friend to suicide. These experiences have shaped a dedication to improving mental health support in universities and communities, particularly for young people.

A holistic and constructive thinker who combines commercial expertise with social impact initiatives. Actively involved in mental health advocacy programs, leveraging business acumen and negotiation skills to improve access to mental health services in disadvantaged communities. Graduate of Non-Executive Director (NED) Onboard Accelerator Programme.

Extensive exposure developing strategy and presenting to senior management, including large Blue Chip Companies such as The Coca-Cola Company, Shell, and Procter & Gamble. Also experienced in helping startups grow and flourish, as well as working with a number of different Universities in countries, such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia, as part of the Erasmus+ European programme.

Dieter Dratwa has 23 years of experience in digital strategy and corporate transformations with a computer science and tier-1 management consultancy background. 

Dieter is passionate about mentoring and has a strong track record of guiding start-ups and young professionals across sectors. 

His mentoring approach focuses on efficient corporate structures, fostering innovation, strategic thinking, and leadership skills. He is fluent in English and German and enjoys exploring new cuisines, traveling, DJing, and photography. 

Mercy Jacob is a dynamic and driven professional whose career seamlessly blends her
expertise in biotechnology, business development, and project management with a deep
passion for youth empowerment and innovation.

With about a decade of experience, Mercy has honed her skills in navigating complex business landscapes, fostering growth, and making a lasting impact in the organizations she serves.

In recent times, Mercy is channeling her passion for business development in her role as the Global Business Development Manager at AIESEC International, as well as the Business Development & Programs Manager for The Nest Innovation Technology Park, where she has managed partnerships across continents and governments like GIZ and the European Union.

Mercy is not just a leader; she is a catalyst for change, a mentor, and a visionary committed to making the world a better place through the power of communication, innovation, and youth leadership.

Nisaa is a qualified psychotherapist with over ten years’ experience working across schools, prisons, NHS facilities, and charitable organisations, specialising in supporting Global Majority communities through culturally grounded and trauma-informed care. Her career has been shaped by witnessing the profound inequalities that affect access to meaningful mental health support, particularly for those whose cultural identities and lived experiences are often overlooked within traditional systems.

In her work within the NHS and wider statutory services, Nisaa has not only supported individuals navigating acute and long-term mental health challenges, but has also actively challenged systems that fail to recognise the nuanced needs of Global Majority clients. She has been a vocal advocate for culturally responsive practice, pushing for systemic change that honours identity and the realities of those disproportionately affected by trauma and structural barriers.

A significant part of Nisaa’s practice centres on trauma work. She has supported individuals coping with complex, developmental, and intergenerational trauma, as well as those affected by community violence, discrimination, and collective traumatic experiences. Her therapeutic approach emphasises on culturally attuned support and creating environments where clients can process their experiences without judgement and reclaim a sense of empowerment and belonging.

Across educational settings, secure environments, community organisations, and the NHS, Nisaa has consistently championed accessible, compassionate mental health care rooted in cultural understanding. She is committed to addressing the gaps that leave many Global Majority individuals feeling unseen, misunderstood and unsupported.

As an Advisory Board Member for We Hold a Hand, Nisaa brings her clinical expertise, her experience navigating and challenging systemic inequities, and her steadfast commitment to equity and inclusion. She contributes to strengthening the organisation’s strategic vision, ensuring trauma-informed and community-centred support for underserved populations.

Nisaa’s mission is clear, to help build a future where mental health care is culturally relevant and empowering for all, especially those whose voices have historically been ignored or marginalised.

James specialises in helping nonprofit and mission-driven organisations secure the funding they need to grow and deliver meaningful impact. 

Alongside this, James works with a leading UK-based AI consultancy in a business development capacity, helping organisations, especially nonprofits, strengthen their digital readiness and incorporate practical AI tools that make their operations more efficient and scalable. 

Mental health advocacy is important to James because he has seen how easily people can be overlooked or unsupported, especially in communities where services are stretched or simply don’t exist. In underserved areas, the challenges people face - financial pressure, social instability, lack of access to care - can make mental health struggles even harder to manage.

James believes that everyone deserves the chance to be heard, supported, and given the tools to recover and thrive. Advocacy and proactive support help break down stigma, create safe spaces for people to speak openly, and bring much-needed resources to those who would otherwise go without. Supporting this work matters to James because strengthening mental health strengthens whole communities and creates long-term benefits for future generations as well. 

Martyna has a strong background in marketing and recruitment, with several years of professional experience supported by a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a Master’s degree in Film Production. Her work centres on communication, relationship-building, and helping organisations connect effectively with people and communities.

Alongside her professional career, Martyna is in the process of establishing a local taxi service focused on improving safety and comfort for women passengers by creating opportunities for women drivers. The business is designed to support employment and economic growth within her local community, while responding to a clear and practical need for safer, more inclusive transport services.

Mental health advocacy is important to Martyna due to personal and family experiences that have given her a strong awareness of how mental health challenges can affect individuals and those around them. These experiences have shaped her belief in the importance of early support, compassion, and accessible services, particularly for people who may otherwise struggle to be heard.

Martyna’s own journey of personal development has strengthened her commitment to wellbeing, resilience, and community support. This has led her to become involved with We Hold A Hand, where she is motivated by the opportunity to contribute positively to others’ lives while continuing to grow both personally and professionally.

Martyna believes that thoughtful advocacy, open conversation, and practical support play a vital role in improving mental health outcomes. She is committed to using her skills, lived understanding, and values to support initiatives that strengthen individuals, families, and communities over the long term.