Bringing People Together for Impact: Welcoming Elena

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Name: Elena Gil Gutierrez
Role: Community Fundraising
Team: Fundraising
Joined TKN: March 2026
Fun fact: Elena has anosmia, which means she has never been able to smell
Favourite food: Her mum’s croquettes!

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There are some people who arrive at TKN and immediately feel like they make sense here.
Elena is one of them.

She joins our fundraising team with a passion for people and creating meaningful connections – things that sit at the heart of how we work at TKN.

Elena grew up in the Canary Islands before moving to the UK for university, studying chemistry in Edinburgh and spending a year in Austria for her Masters. It was a path she enjoyed, but she found herself questioning what direction she should be going in next.

“I did really enjoy it, but I really wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life.”

It was during her gap year that things began to shift. As she travelled and worked, she noticed herself being pulled towards human rights, social impact and work that felt more connected to people’s lives.

Part of that perspective comes from where she grew up.
Growing up in the Canary Islands meant that migration was something she saw up close happening in real time, shaping conversations and experiences around her.

“No one wants to leave their own home unless they really have to. They’re risking their own lives.”

That understanding stayed with her. It shaped how she sees the world and the kind of work she wanted to move towards – something that contributes positively and connects to real lives and communities.
A short experience in a corporate role confirmed that instinct. She wanted something more people-focused. Something that felt meaningful.

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She had only recently moved to London when she discovered TKN –  for her a new city meant a new chapter, and a chance to think more intentionally about where she wanted to focus her energy.

While she was reading about our work, something clicked.
It brought her back to her own childhood when she was around 10, usually observing conversations more than speaking, and still figuring out where she fit.

“My confidence wasn’t really there. Looking back, if I had had a mentor, it would have positively impacted my life so much.”

It wasn't until she was a little older that she was able to experience that kind of support through her trumpet teacher, who created a space where she felt safe, encouraged and able to open up.

“I see exactly how mentoring can improve children’s wellbeing.”

Now, she brings that understanding into her role in community fundraising.

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As part of the fundraising team, Elena will be focused on building relationships with local people, businesses and supporters – helping grow the community around TKN so that more children can access mentoring if they want it.

For her, fundraising is what makes everything else possible.

“Ultimately, we cannot do anything without the money. It’s the foundation of the charity.”

But it’s the human side of the role that really stands out to her – the conversations, the connections and the chance to bring people into something that matters.

“I love the idea of interacting with people – encouraging them to join the cause or reminding them how big of a difference they’re making in children’s lives.”

She’s also excited by the creativity that comes with the role.

“I’m really looking forward to exploring new ideas. I love how creative this side of the job can be.”

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Since joining us, Elena has been getting to know how the TKN works from the inside out. One of the things that stood out to her early on was the care taken in how we communicate.

“I think it’s amazing how mindful TKN is. The way the charity thinks about language really stood out to me.”

This is something that reflects our wider culture – a team that is thoughtful, intentional and deeply connected to the work we do.

And like many people who join TKN, it didn’t take long for the impact to land.
One quote from a child has stayed with her:

“ He said he "likes his teachers a lot because they brought me to you." That made me smile. That’s so sweet.”

It’s a small moment, but it captures the trust, connection and the role of the wider community around each child.

For Elena, that’s what makes mentoring so powerful, especially in a city like London.

“I think people sometimes underestimate how much of an impact a stable, fun friendship with an adult can have on a child’s wellbeing.”

What TKN offers is simple, but powerful – a consistent relationship, a space outside of home and school, and time to explore, have fun and build confidence.

“I love that TKN is about fun and community and relationships. It’s not about anything else.”

That’s what makes it work.

Fun is not extra, connection is not secondary, and joy is not a distraction from impact. They are part of the impact.

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Looking ahead, Elena is excited about what she can build in her role and new ways to bring people into the TKN community.

“Being able to explore new ideas and connect with people – and help them see the difference they’re making – that’s what I’m really looking forward to.”

Outside of work, Elena spends her time doing things that keep her connected and grounded – yoga, runs, trying out salsa, and spending time with friends, whether that’s a picnic, a games night or a trip away.

Connection runs through everything she does.

“Working at TKN has reminded me that building genuine human connection is one of the most powerful ways to make a difference.”

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We’re so excited to have Elena on the team and can’t wait to see the energy, ideas and connections she brings to TKN.

Welcome, Elena 💛