Board of Trustees

Chair

  • Benny is a highly regarded urban development expert and the Chairperson of Kanlungan, dedicated to driving social impact through effective governance. Currently a leading manager in community infrastructure funding at the London Borough of Lambeth, he specializes
    in ensuring development projects benefit the public. His background includes leadership roles at Praxis
    and ARHAG Housing Association, where he championing services for migrant and refugee communities.
    A former early volunteer for Kanlungan, Benny now uses his strategic expertise to guide the organization toward sustainable growth and equitable outcomes.

Board Member

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  • Patricia Miranda is a Bristol-based law and policy researcher and licensed attorney with over twelve years of experience in global health, human rights, and gender justice. She has led award-winning campaigns on women’s empowerment and contributed to landmark health reforms in the Philippines, including legislation on reproductive health and child marriage. Currently pursuing a PhD in Law at the University of Bristol, her research focuses on the intersection of mental health laws and the lived experiences of Filipino migrant women in England. As a migrant herself, she combines personal insight with academic expertise to advocate for the rights of people on the move. Since 2022, Patricia has served as a trustee for Kanlungan, leveraging her extensive background to advance the welfare of migrant communities in the UK.

Board Member

  • Alren is a registered nurse with extensive experience in public health and community-based care in both the Philippines and the UK. Since joining the NHS in 2020, he has served as a specialist nurse dedicated to high-quality patient care. Beyond his clinical work, he is the Chair of Migrante UK, where he advocates for the rights and welfare of Filipino migrants through strategic leadership and policy engagement. His background includes years of delivering essential medical services and education to underserved urban and rural communities. Alren’s unique blend of healthcare expertise and grassroots activism makes him a vital asset in addressing the social realities faced by migrant workers.

Board Member

Board Member

  • Phoebe is a longstanding advocate for migrant rights, particularly in the domestic workers’ sector. As the Founder and former Chair of the Filipino Domestic Workers Association (FDWA), she has over a decade of experience in community organising, campaigning, and supporting migrant domestic workers facing labour exploitation, immigration precarity, and gender-based violence. She has been recognised as one of the inspiring women in London through the “City of Women” London Tube map for International Women’s Day 2022—an alternative map renaming all 272 Underground stations after pioneering women and non-binary people—where Baker Street station was symbolically renamed “Phoebe Dimacali.” She has remained actively engaged in grassroots advocacy and maintains strong connections with migrant communities and partner organisations, bringing valuable lived and professional experience to support Kanlungan’s governance and strategic direction.

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Board Member

  • Sarah is an accomplished leader with extensive management experience across various social justice organizations, currently serving as the Managing Director of Bahay Kubo. Her career includes key roles at prominent organizations like the3million and Migrante International, where she has focused on social protection and labor rights. A dedicated community organizer, Sarah specializes in building solidarity networks and training leaders to mobilize their communities for policy change. She possesses deep expertise in developing organizational strategies, ensuring financial sustainability, and managing complex programs with diverse stakeholders. Driven by an unwavering commitment to migrant welfare, Sarah skillfully translates strategic vision into impactful action to create lasting societal change.

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  • Dr. Helen Brewer has over a decade of experience in migrant and climate justice, alongside strong expertise in research, strategy, and organisational development. Helen holds a PhD from Goldsmiths, University of London, where her work explored the complexities of migration and the UK’s hostile environment, and she continues to contribute to teaching and public discourse on migration, urbanism, and social justice.

    Helen has been actively engaged with Kanlungan since 2024, supporting community initiatives and contributing to advocacy work, including the COVID-19 Public Inquiry alongside partner organisations. In her professional role, she leads fundraising and partnership development at the Migrant Futures Institute, working closely with diverse stakeholders to build sustainable programmes and strengthen impact. Her experience in strategic development, fundraising, and research, combined with her deep commitment to migrant justice, will be invaluable as we continue to grow and strengthen our work.

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Board Member

  • Joshua Cobler is deeply committed to migrant justice, community organizing, and inclusive governance. Having recently completed a law degree and a Master’s in Politics at the University of Oxford, he brings a strong academic background in human rights and migration to his work. Joshua has held significant leadership roles within the Filipino diaspora, including positions with the Oxford Philippines Society and the Pilipino American Student Union. He is currently active in youth organizing in the UK, focusing on building community connections and advocating for migrant rights. His blend of strategic governance knowledge and grassroots experience aligns closely with Kanlungan’s mission to support and empower migrant communities.

Board Member

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  • Juliet Rice brings extensive experience in education, care, and community support. With over 20 years of experience as a Special Education (SEND) teacher, Juliet has dedicated her career to supporting children and young people with additional needs, helping them develop life skills, confidence, and independence in a compassionate and inclusive environment.

    Juliet’s appointment reflects Kanlungan’s commitment to community-led leadership and governance grounded in lived experience. As a former service user and long-time volunteer, she offers a deep understanding of the organisation’s work from the perspective of those it serves. She has also been a trusted voice and advocate for women survivors of domestic violence, offering insight shaped by lived realities and community engagement. Her combined experience in safeguarding, inclusion, and supporting vulnerable individuals strengthens our Board’s ability to remain accountable, responsive, and rooted in the needs of the community.