Our Board of Trustees, our Mission, Vision & Values Opoka offers free, safe, and confidential, non-judgmental service for survivors of domestic abuse. This is provided by bilingual professionals. Opoka strives to empower its clients to become more independent and our objectives are to help the most isolated and vulnerable to benefit from greater care, support, and justice and will our support improve their lives and integrate into the society. Objects of OPOKA Charitable Incorporated Organisation 1. Provide for the relief of women and their children or other persons who have been subject to physical or sexual violence; emotional, economic, financial, or coercive control: stalking; and/or misogynistic or other psychological abuse within an intimate or 'family' relationship ('domestic abuse') throughout the United Kingdom, not limited to: the relief of women and their children or other persons from within the Polish Community in the United Kingdom; the provision of specialist-supported housing and social housing and any associated amenities. 2. To advance public education, research, and training on understanding the issues of domestic violence and gender-based violence throughout the United Kingdom. Our Board of Trustees Joanna Szuryn, Chair of the Board of Trustees Joanna has worked in the field of Gender-Based Violence in the UK for over a decade and brings in unique expertise in designing, delivering, and leading interventions for families experiencing domestic abuse and perpetrators. Joanna is a qualified Independent Domestic Violence Advisor and a Domestic Homicide Review Chair. Joanna holds level 2 certification in Narrative Practice and has trained to deliver the Recovery Toolkit Programmes. Joanna also is an experienced educator and a Certified Safe and Together Trainer. Joanna's previous professional background is in teaching, training, and international business development. Joanna is a passionate advocate for the rights of all women and children and believes that by working together we will eradicate domestic abuse in our lifetime. As a Trustee of Opoka Joanna is proud to champion the right of Polish women and children living in the UK to safety, freedom from abuse, and happiness. Aneta Wrzos-Porada, Trustee Entrepreneur, financier by education, the soul of an artist by vocation. Privately a proud mother raising independently three wonderful children. Networking specialist in the health industry, combined with personal development and business has taught her to look at life from a different perspective and with more joy. Through the health industry, Aneta has become passionate about self-development and travel. Aneta loves to help others and believes that good deeds come back to those who do good to others. Aneta helps others achieve their dreams and build a better future. She is creating a community of independent individuals striving for health, happiness, and lifestyle change. Aneta completed Opoka’s recovery programs from domestic abuse and now she feels very passionate about helping other women escape from the hostile environment. Ela Wassell, Trustee Ela is a mum of two, a coach, facilitator, and trainer. After graduating with her master’s degree in politics and social sciences, she studied and followed a career in teaching English as a foreign language. She presented at international conferences sharing the stage with the best-known methodologists in the field of English teaching and worked at a language school in Oxford. Since having children, women's empowerment has become Ela's passion and mission. Since 2018 she has been a qualified and regulated coach and has continued her professional development at the University of Oxford. She is a member of the International Coaching Federation with more than 500 hours of coaching practice. Ela helps her clients to discover their natural female strengths and use them to achieve their boldest intentions. Among them, you will find busy mothers, teachers, corporate senior leaders, NHS workers, and founders of NGOs and charities. Sandra Paslawska, Trustee Sandra is an aspiring barrister, dedicated to the pursuit of justice and the provision of support to vulnerable individuals. She recently completed her law degree and Bar Practice Course and is currently pursuing a Master's in Pro Bono. Sandra has a keen interest in family law, with a particular focus on care proceedings. She is profoundly dedicated to confronting the intricate issues surrounding domestic violence. During her academic pursuits, Sandra also served as a clerk for a team of family law barristers. This practical experience bestowed upon Sandra an understanding of the nuances of family law and the pivotal role played in this domain. Witnessing the commitment and expertise required to navigate complex cases has motivated Sandra to contribute her own efforts toward supporting those affected by domestic violence. Milena Zepp-Suwara, Trustee Milena - a woman of many talents, akin to a woman orchestra! Over the past four years, Milena has been actively engaged in promoting the well-being of Polish women in Northamptonshire. This has entailed the organisation of networking events and the promotion of healthy lifestyles through the organisation of activities that facilitate socialising and physical activity, as well as social events. It is not uncommon for women to feel isolated and lonely due to the numerous responsibilities they shoulder, particularly when time constraints are a factor. In response to this, she established a group in Corby three years ago, called ‘The Corby Babiniec’. Her group is currently experiencing a period of significant growth and activity across Northamptonshire. Milena is a Community Champion with an unwavering commitment to achieving her goals, by joining Opoka, she aims to disseminate and advocate for the principles of healthy relationships and provide assistance to women affected by domestic violence. Her conviction that collective action is more impactful than individual initiatives enables her to transcend the limitations of conventional approaches. Milena is a highly compassionate individual, consistently demonstrating a willingness to assist those in need. Her contribution is of significant value across the spectrum of women's lives. She serves as a role model for many women whose beliefs and lives are undergoing a gradual transformation, largely due to her influence.