SHINE welcomes Michaelene Welsh as new Trustee
Michaelene brings to SHINE 25 years of experience across educational institutions, non-profits, and charities.
SHINE is delighted to welcome Michaelene Welsh, an internationally respected leader in strategy and fundraising, as our newest Trustee.
Michaelene brings 25 years of experience across educational institutions, non-profits, and charities.
She recently returned to her Scottish roots after a career that has taken her around the world.
“I come from a household of educators, and my childhood was spent living across the globe,” she said.
“My parents were teachers, and we moved with them to places like Northern Canada and Papua New Guinea and then on to places like Boston and France”.
Wherever Michaelene lived, her parents ensured she and her siblings were enrolled in the local education system.
“It was a very privileged background in many ways. I got to see different countries and experience a wide variety of education systems,” she said.
“What’s become abundantly clear to me in doing this is that access to educational opportunities, and the quality of those opportunities, is a huge determinant of where young people end up, how they perceive themselves, and how they view their future prospects.
“I also came to realise that one size does not fit all. Every child responds differently to different teaching methods.”
Michaelene went on to work in senior roles at English universities, giving her further understanding of these disparities.
She was also Director of Development at the International School of Geneva for 11 years.
For the past decade, Michaelene has worked for the Kofi Annan Foundation, firstly as Head of Partnerships and latterly as a Retained Advisor, through the agency she founded in 2016, Bright Red Thread.
The foundation seeks to build on the legacy of the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, promoting peace by advancing democracy, youth leadership and international cooperation.
Since 2019, Michaelene has also served as Trustee of WRAP, a climate action NGO working around the globe to tackle the causes of the climate crisis and give the planet a sustainable future.
Michaelene’s diverse career has provided her with a deep understanding of the critical role education plays in shaping young people’s futures. This insight was a driving factor in her decision to join SHINE as a Trustee.
In addition to this, Michaelene highlighted three key aspects of the charity that she has valued in other organisations she has worked with throughout her career.
Firstly, Michaelene values SHINE’s evidence-based approach, noting that it’s crucial for innovation to be backed by solid data.
“SHINE’s practitioners garner information and quantified and measurable information about what works and what doesn’t work, what has impact and what doesn’t have impact.
“It’s very easy to innovate, but it’s not so easy to determine the innovation is achieving the outcomes that you want.
“I really like the fact that SHINE puts such a priority on making sure that the evidence is there that that the actions that you’re supporting or enabling are actually going to deliver positive outcomes for young learners.”
“I also appreciate that SHINE is focused on testing and scaling solutions. The best idea in the world isn’t worth very much if it’s not reaching people and it’s not being implemented effectively.
“Lots of organisations want to fund innovation, but very few organisations have that staying power to help deliver the extension and the implementation of that innovation.
“I like that SHINE has got that determination to remain with things that proven to be working.
“Thirdly, I would say that SHINE – and I use the term advisedly – fosters a nurturing environment and approach.
“There is a strong emphasis on facilitating networking and collaboration rather than reinventing the wheel. SHINE brings together those who have expertise in different domains, allowing them to work out amongst themselves, how do we best make this work?
“This also aligns with my expertise in fundraising, securing grants, and engaging new donors to ensure the necessary resources are in place.
“So those three things attracted me to SHINE, alongside the fundamental mission about improving learning outcomes for young people.
“And if I can bring what I know about resource mobilisation, fundraising, and engagement with philanthropists to assist in that, it would be something I’d be proud to do.”
SHINE works closely with philanthropists, connecting them directly to talented teachers and great schools. Michaelene sees this hands-on partnership approach as key to impactful philanthropy.
“I think, particularly with individual philanthropists, they need to truly believe in what they’re supporting,” she said.
“It’s usually a much more emotional process than people assume. At its core, philanthropy is driven by a deep commitment to a cause and a genuine desire to create change. Of course, data, facts, and figures are essential, but beyond that, there needs to be a strong emotional connection – an understanding that this is an organisation that is both professional and human, with a mission that is deeply caring.
“Individual philanthropists want that balance. They need evidence that you can deliver – they need to trust in your competency as an organisation. Can you actually make this happen?
“At the most fundamental level, they ask themselves three questions: Do I align with this mission – is this a cause I genuinely want to support? Is this organisation competent and capable of delivering on its promises? Do our values and cultures align – do I have a personal relationship of trust and ease with them?
“With philanthropy, it’s crucial to focus on all three when engaging with potential supporters and building relationships.”
Michaelene says she is excited to be joining SHINE.
“I think it’s an organisation that has got its head screwed on right, but also has the humility to realise that there’s always scope to improve how you’re doing things.
“Ultimately, what I hope to gain is the opportunity to contribute meaningfully, to strengthening and amplifying its impact. If I can wake up each morning feeling like I’m truly making a positive difference, that would be deeply rewarding.”
SHINE’s CEO, Fiona Spellman, said: “I’m delighted that Michaelene will be joining the Board of SHINE. She brings a wealth of experience in developing purposeful partnerships which are driven by the right long-term strategy. Her passion for SHINE’s cause and her extensive experience will be a huge asset to our charity and I very much look forward to working with her.”