Rumena is a dynamic and strategic leader with a clear vision for New Hope Global’s growth and sustainability. Since joining the charity in 2021, she has led significant organisational changes, introducing new systems, policies, governance improvements, staff development, and restructuring to strengthen operational performance. Working closely with the Chairman, Board of Trustees, staff, partners, and beneficiaries, she ensures the charity’s activities remain aligned with its vision, mission, and values.
With over 30 years’ experience across the voluntary, public, and private sectors, Rumena has extensive expertise in project management, partnership development, consultancy, and service delivery. Her career spans health and wellbeing, employment, skills and training, women’s enterprise, community development, and heritage. She is particularly passionate about empowering women, championing equality, wellbeing, and access to opportunities that enable individuals and communities to thrive.
A strong advocate for collaborative working, Rumena believes that effective partnerships are essential to achieving lasting impact and believes in TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More) working.
Throughout her career, Rumena has held senior roles with organisations including St James Community Support and Advice Centre, Birmingham Settlement, South Birmingham Primary Care Trust, and Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust. She played a key role in developing The Centre for the Aston Family and later managed health promotion services across 12 Children’s Centres in North Birmingham, leading programmes supporting children under five and their families. Having lived in Aston until 2006 and worked across Birmingham since 1995, she has developed an in-depth understanding of the city’s diverse communities and the challenges they face.
Her leadership contributed to achieving an Outstanding Ofsted rating for Health and Wellbeing services and achieved a Community Health Award for her work with Children’s Centres. In addition, Rumena has successfully established and managed several private businesses, including a crèche, a restaurant, and a project management consultancy. She holds a professional management qualification alongside a broad range of professional development certificates.
