Kawika Solidum

Kawika Solidum

Head of Region (North West) - CSJ Foundation

I work at the CSJ because I care deeply about social justice and social mobility, born from my experience being the first in my multi-ethnic, first-generation immigrant family to go to university. At the core of my career is a commitment to improve the lives of young people and marginalised communities – often by strengthening the capacity of portfolios and networks of charities.

I joined the CSJ in February 2021 as its first Head of Region based in the North West. My role is to harness the knowledge of frontline poverty-alleviating charities to ensure CSJ’s policy work reflects the real experiences of the communities in this region.

Day to day, I cultivate relationships with impactful charity leaders and social entrepreneurs who can offer their perspectives to develop stronger policy recommendations that fight poverty. I also advise and support philanthropists to direct investment where there are specific opportunities to drive greater social impact.

My work at the CSJ leverages my blend of experience: previously as director of engagement at London Youth, chief executive of social enterprise BeyondMe and deputy communications director at Impetus. Today I am also a trustee of The Funding Network, a charity that produces live-crowdfunding events and experiences to help small charities reach new donors.

I am married and have two young boys and we live in Manchester (having previously lived in London, New York City, Washington DC and Austin, Texas).

Something you might not know about me

My claims to fame are: that I have walked 100 kilometres non-stop, won a pizza-eating contest at university, and during my year abroad my peers voted me as the winner of the “Most Likely to Benefit Humanity” award.