Our people

Shane, who is President (non director) of the Board, is the lead volunteer and figurehead of YouthAction NI. Shane is a dedicated exponent of the work of YouthAction NI in improving the life chances of young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, those with challenging mental health issues and those who need one on one support to gain employment or education. Shane leads the way in connecting the Board and the various youth governance groups.

Pamela Ballantine is a renowned TV and Radio presenter. Pamela has worked in the media for over 35 years. She is currently a freelance presenter for UTV and its radio station U105, as well as a columnist for the Belfast Telegraph. Pamela brings a wealth of media, corporate sector and arts skills and knowledge to the Board.

Cathal is the partner of one of Northern Ireland’s largest accounting practices. As an experienced professional in the world of finance, his knowledge and expertise are greatly utilized by YouthAction NI, an organization that prides itself on being prudent and transparent in all areas of financial management and governance. Cathal regularly provides guidance on sound financial practice and robust managerial accountancy to the Chief Executive. Cathal also plays an active role in building relationships with YouthAction NI and the Northern Ireland private sector.

Alex is a Senior Consultant specialising in Data Quality projects. Her role takes her across the globe, but here in Northern Ireland, she participates in a number of networking groups including Junior Chamber International, Women into Business and the EAcademy. Alex is an active member of the fundraising committee and has an interest in all the various aspects of YouthAction NI’s work, particularly with ‘hard to reach’ young people.

Dirk Schubotz is Professor of Youth and Social Policy at Queen’s University Belfast. A native of Berlin, he has lived and worked in Northern Ireland since the start of this millennium. Dirk worked as a full-time youth worker himself before embarking on an academic career, where his research now informs policy making with and for young people, in areas such as education, gender-based violence, good relations, physical, sexual and mental health, young people’s rights amongst others.

JJ is Company Principal at JJH Advisory and has more than six years of leadership at HCA Chartered Accountants. JJ specialises in corporate finance, business advisory services, and financial forecasting.  His company provides bespoke accountancy and business advisory services designed to meet the unique needs of each client. By fostering collaboration and trust, the organisation focuses on enabling optimal outcomes and long-term financial success for its clients.

Crystal is a Criminology graduate of Queen's University Belfast working towards a Master's degree in Youth Justice and is intrigued by the way institutions in our society function. Particularly, our Youth Justice System and the manner in which this reproduces biases and negative attitudes towards marginalised and disadvantaged young people. She has worked in many customer facing roles and is a passionate advocate for the well-being of people and animals alike.

Saorla is a dedicated children’s rights advocate and community activist, currently in her final year of Law at Queen’s University Belfast. She serves as the Northern Ireland Activism Representative for Amnesty International UK and volunteers at her local community centre’s Homework Club. Her experience includes a range of organisations committed to improving the lives of young people from youth arts to policy and research. Saorla has contributed to the research of the UNCRC NI Country Report and has helped devise youth strategies for leading human rights organisations. Saorla is deeply committed to improving the lives of children and young people in NI and ensuring that young people’s voices are heard in decisions that affect them.