Esther Baker

Born and raised in Newham, I am the Interim Head of Youth Empowerment and passionate about creating the conditions for young people to thrive. I lead, shape and curate programmes and spaces where young people can navigate adolescence with the support of trusted adults. One of my proudest achievements was helping to redesign and expand the Youth Empowerment Service in 2019, bringing back a full-time youth work team to the borough. I have also led the boroughwide Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, ensuring vulnerable children, young people and families had access to high-quality holiday provision and a nutritious meal during what could otherwise be long and isolating school breaks. Outside of work, I love travelling and exploring other cultures, taking slow walks around museums, and passionately debating why Jurassic Park 1 is, objectively, the best in the franchise.