Trustees' Week: A Conversation with one of HealthProm's Trustees

This Trustees' Week, HealthProm wants to thank all of its amazing trustees working to enhance our charity and the lives of the individuals we serve. As Trustees' Week in the UK concludes, we direct our spotlight towards one individual who epitomizes the dedication and expertise embodied by trustees in the charitable sector.  

Introducing Natalie Bonnett, one of HealthProm's newest distinguished trustees. Born and raised in Odesa, Ukraine, Natalie’s academic journey led her to study Economics and International Business at LSE, followed by earning an MBA in Analytic Finance from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. With a background in management consulting and private equity, Natalie has had the experience of working with some of the world’s largest companies. Her experience extends across continents, where she successfully delivered complex projects, establishing herself as an expert in developing markets.  

Today, Natalie brings her skills and commitment to HealthProm, contributing significantly to our mission of supporting vulnerable children, women and families disadvantaged by poor health, disability or social exclusion. We asked Natalie to tell us a little bit about her motivation for becoming a trustee and what she's looking forward to in this new role. Read her insightful and inspiring responses below.

How did you decide to become a trustee?  

Volunteering and giving back have always held great importance for me; these values were instilled in me by my family from childhood. Over the years, I managed to seamlessly integrate volunteering into my studies, work, and my own family commitments. Initially, I believed that becoming a Trustee was a path reserved for individuals who had solidified their careers and raised families. 

However, the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine prompted a significant shift in my priorities. I dedicated the majority of my time to assisting the victims of war in Ukraine and the refugees in the UK. It was during this period that I became acquainted with HealthProm and witnessed the profound impact it has on the lives of those grappling with life-altering challenges. 

Motivated by the organization's transformative work, I decided to pursue a Trustee position. I saw an opportunity to leverage the skills I had cultivated through my experience in finance and management consulting to contribute meaningfully to this incredible organization. 

What are you looking forward to in your role as a trustee?  

I'm excited about applying my skills to make a genuine impact on the world. Being a Trustee is an opportunity to contribute to something greater than oneself, to positively influence lives, and to be a driving force for positive change. 

During my brief tenure as a trustee, I have been a part of exciting work on change, strategy and positioning - leveraging my expertise from the business world. I have always enjoyed finding creative solutions to complex issues and knowing that my efforts directly contribute to positive changes is very fulfilling. 

In the future, I look forward to becoming an empowerment advocate and being a voice for those who might not have one, thus giving them the tools to build better futures.