Meet the Team Behind Synergy STEM CIC: Creating Opportunities Through Collaboration
Strong communities aren't built by one person—they're built by people who share a vision, work together and are committed to creating opportunities for others.
That belief is at the heart of Synergy STEM CIC.
As a Community Interest Company, our purpose is to make STEM education, employability, wellbeing and community engagement more accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. We believe every individual should have the opportunity to discover their potential, develop new skills and build confidence for the future.
Achieving that vision requires collaboration, which is why I'm proud to introduce the leadership team behind Synergy STEM CIC.
Colette Affaya – Founder & Director
As Founder of Synergy STEM CIC, my passion has always been bringing together education, industry and communities to create opportunities that have a lasting impact.
Throughout my career, I've worked across education, programme management, employer engagement and STEM outreach, building partnerships that connect learning with real-world careers. I firmly believe that collaboration is the key to tackling skills shortages, improving social mobility and inspiring future generations.
My vision for Synergy STEM CIC is to create an organisation that supports learners, educators, employers and communities through innovative programmes that make a genuine difference.
Paul Oliver – Director
Paul brings extensive strategic leadership and educational experience to our organisation.
His expertise helps shape the direction of our programmes, ensuring that every initiative is designed to deliver meaningful outcomes for learners, educational settings and community partners.
Paul's insight strengthens our ability to build sustainable partnerships and develop projects that have a lasting social impact.
Otman Affaya – Director
Otman brings a wealth of knowledge in science, mathematics and education.
His passion for STEM learning and curriculum development supports the design of engaging educational programmes that inspire curiosity, confidence and achievement.
He is committed to helping learners recognise the exciting opportunities available within STEM careers while ensuring our activities remain innovative, practical and relevant.
Joanne Walker – Director
Joanne brings valuable experience, community insight and a collaborative approach to the organisation.
She is passionate about supporting partnerships that strengthen communities and create opportunities for people of all backgrounds. Her contribution helps ensure that the work of Synergy STEM CIC remains inclusive, community-focused and responsive to local needs.
Joanne's commitment to partnership working plays an important role in helping us expand our reach and maximise our social impact.
Our Vision
Together, our Board shares one ambition:
To create opportunities that transform lives.
We want to inspire young people to explore STEM, support adults into employment, help employers develop future talent, strengthen communities through education and wellbeing, and create meaningful partnerships that deliver lasting social value.
We believe that education should never exist in isolation. Schools, businesses, charities, universities, local authorities and community organisations all have an important role to play in developing the workforce of tomorrow and building stronger communities today.
How Organisations Can Work With Us
We're always looking to build partnerships with organisations that share our values.
You can support our work by:
Sponsoring STEM education and community programmes.
Delivering social value through collaborative projects.
Providing workplace visits, mentoring or work experience opportunities.
Volunteering your employees as STEM ambassadors.
Supporting employability and skills development initiatives.
Collaborating on funded projects and grant opportunities.
Donating resources, equipment or expertise.
Partnering with us to develop innovative education and community programmes.
Whether you're a business, local authority, school, college, university, charity or community organisation, there are many ways we can work together to make a positive difference.
Looking Ahead
This is just the beginning of our journey.
We're excited about the partnerships we are building, the communities we will support and the opportunities we will create together.
If you believe in inspiring future generations, developing skills, supporting communities and creating lasting social impact, we'd love to connect with you.
Together, we can create opportunities, inspire futures and build stronger communities.
To learn more about Synergy STEM CIC or explore partnership opportunities, please get in touch. We look forward to working with you.
