The Idea
We were compelled to create Romodels because we began to see children in our own lives limit their aspirations.
It all started with a conversation...
The idea came about when the Founder, Laura Labonne’s, then four-year-old daughter Lillie came home from nursery upset, as her friend had told her ‘she couldn’t be a farmer because she was a girl’.
It just so happened that Laura had a female farmer friend that they could video call. When Lillie saw that she had red hair, just like her, her whole face lit up.
In that moment, she believed she could be a farmer and set about feeding her cuddly animals and building a tractor with Lego.
Our research
We realised from surveying educational professionals and other parents/ caregivers that this wasn’t a one-off incident and it was by chance that she had a farmer in her network of friends. So, Laura decided to bring together key experts from across her networks to create a new opportunity for children across Wales and hopefully in the future beyond.
95%
of education professional and parent/ caregivers believe their children would benefit from a Romodels learning experience.
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85%
of education professional and parent/ caregivers believe they want their children to learn about structural inequities.
The beliefs that guide us
We believe all children, regardless of their background, have the ability to realise their full potential.
We believe, that as a nation, it is our job to embolden a generation of children who are dreamers and doers -- who believe in their ability to grow and adapt to an ever-evolving world and who see themselves as leaders from an early age.
We believe it is only possible to unlock our learners’ full potential if we inspire them with role models they can relate to, provide them with an immersive journey of exploration of 21st-century career possibilities and build their belief in themselves.
This is why we created Romodels.
Who are we?
We are the people who ensure all children dream of their own possible future careers.
Romodels is driven by a dynamic team of experts and trustees with diverse knowledge and skills. With a strong foundation in education, careers, research, technology, marketing, finance, and product development, we're passionate about ensuring all children thrive. Together, we're ready to change the reality for primary children across the country, making our journey exciting and full of potential.
Laura Labonne
Founder
Laura founded Romodels after her daughter was told she couldn’t be a farmer because she was a girl — a moment that shaped her commitment to challenging stereotypes and raising aspirations early.
An alumna of McKinsey & Company and the World Bank, Laura brings experience in research-led strategy and social impact to her role, leading Romodels’ growth and partnerships across Wales.
Elin Hawke
User Experience Associate
Elin brings a strong understanding of user-centred design and digital experience. She is passionate about creating intuitive, accessible platforms that make it easy for teachers and learners to engage with content.
As User Experience Associate, she supports the ongoing development of the Romodels platform, ensuring it is simple to navigate, visually engaging, and designed around the needs of schools.
Kim Shann
Partnerships
Experienced consultant with expertise in high-value philanthropy, fundraising, and campaign strategies. Dedicated to empowering charities to maximize their impact.
James Darley
Trustee
Widely recognised by his sector as a leading expert in graduate recruitment, so an expert in what young people need to do to get the jobs they want.
Part of the Governments National Leadership Programme for the top 100 leaders in the Public Sector.
Dr Kerry - Ann Holder
Advisor
Consultant Clinical Psychologist with expertise in children's physical health and wellbeing. She is also a passionate advocate for gender and racial equality.
Dr Alyson Lewis
Advisor
Lecturer in Education Development , with expertise in early childhood and ensuring that teacher professional development is research and evidence informed.
Charly Cope
Project Manager
Charly joined Romodels as Project Manager, bringing a passion for making positive change for children and a talent for making things happen behind the scenes.
She oversees project delivery across Romodels, ensuring timelines are met, processes are embedded, and the right people are in the right place at the right time. From coordinating stakeholders and tracking progress to checking in with team members and maintaining momentum, Charly ensures projects move forward efficiently and effectively.
With a background in education administration and project management, and ten years spent living in Wales, Charly has long wanted to work with a cause that helps young people, and girls in particular, see that they can be whatever they want to be, and Romodels felt like the perfect fit.
Emily Jones
Illustrator
Emily is an award wining children’s book illustrator and recently illustrated the Roald Dahl sequels The Twits Next Door and Chaos at the Chocolate Factory.
Cate Noble
Chair
Advised multiple organizations in shaping and accelerating their work to make a difference through education.
Led a large foundation as well as playing senior roles in charities, commercial, and government organisations across the education sector.
Sara Piteira
Trustee
In depth experience of the social innovation sector.
Helped start-ups to build strong partnerships with corporates, governments, and universities across 30 + countries.
Dr Dafina Paca
Advisor
A university lecturer passionate about equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and committed to recognising and dismantling systemic and structural inequalities and barriers to accessing education and healthcare.
