Advance
Vanessa Penzo is an accomplished finance and operations professional with extensive experience in various leadership roles within the finance sector. Currently serving as the Director of Finance and Operations at Advance since September 2023, Vanessa previously held similar positions at The Culture Trust Luton and the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama, among others. With a strong background in finance, governance, and administration, Vanessa has contributed to organizations such as the National Centre for Circus Arts and SOAS University of London. Vanessa's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Boğaziçi University and a Master of Science in Development Management from The Open University, alongside professional qualifications from CIMA.
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Advance
Advance is an innovative charity that helps women and girls who have experienced trauma through domestic abuse and the criminal justice system to rebuild their lives. We do this by providing practical and emotional support, wherever and whenever a woman or girl wants it. They are often facing multiple challenges at once, such as with their housing, mental health and personal safety. We run services across London and the south of England in safe, women-only spaces like our Women’s Centres. We also work collaboratively in key locations, such as police stations and hospitals, so that women and girls can get help at the earliest opportunity. We work closely with a variety of partners offering different kinds of specialist support, including for Black and minoritised women and those from LGBTQ+ communities. We know from our 25 years of frontline experience what works to help women and girls rebuild their lives and prevent further trauma. We use this knowledge to campaign for a safe and equal world for all women and girls.