Who We Are
Indigo Volunteers was founded in 2012 to challenge the exploitative practices of for-profit volunteering agencies.
These companies, otherwise coined as ‘voluntourism’ agencies, charge extortionate fees and seem primarily concerned with selling exotic experiences, rather than considering their actual impact on those in need.
We want to ensure that volunteering remains true to its core humanitarian purpose: people helping people. That’s why we partner with grassroots, non-profit charities that are positively dedicated to supporting displaced communities.
Read our full story below.
Our Story
Founded in 2012 by Holly Penalver, Indigo Volunteers came to be in response to the steep fees, dubious marketing practices, and questionable projects she had encountered whilst volunteering abroad. Holly was keen to find a more ethical way to get involved in volunteering since first coming across these malpractices back in 2009. While working as a paediatric nurse, she identified a small health clinic in Malawi and organised a non-profit volunteering placement for her and her colleagues. The trip confirmed two things: 1. Local grassroots projects had great interest in the assistance of independently placed volunteers. 2. Holly’s colleagues and friends were inspired by her experience and wanted to get out on the ground to make an impact for themselves. Back home, she realised that the core way she could influence the volunteer sector was to start a matchmaking organisation for volunteers and organisations built on responsible principles and ethical engagement. Thus, Indigo Volunteers was born. With the support of Holly’s dedicated friends and family, Indigo Volunteers identified several projects across East Africa and started organising placements for a handful of volunteer applicants. Gradually, more projects in more countries were added to the website and more aspiring volunteers signed up. The 2015 refugee crisis caused a sudden growth spurt and change in focus, yielding an unprecedented demand for immediate independent emergency aid on European soil. As a response, our team moved out to Greece in 2016 to provide on-the-ground volunteer coordination and project support at several crisis hotspots in Greece, Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Indigo has been present on the ground ever since, placing over 3000 volunteers to well-over 80 partner projects along the refugee route. Today, our team of volunteers and staff continue supporting over 50 grassroots organisations across Greece, France, Serbia, Poland, Moldova, Slovakia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Lebanon and Cyprus.
Our Team
The world is our office. Our small charity is run by a passionate group of volunteers from several different countries and a handful of full-time staff.
We coordinate our day-to-day operations from behind our laptops, enabling us to work alongside our partners in the field and onboard an ever-growing number of projects and volunteers.
Marina Kokkinou
Interim CEO
After two years of managing and coordinating Indigo’s volunteering, wellbeing and organisational development programmes, I am now leading our incredible team into its next chapter. A priority for me is to make sure that our wonderful team, partners and volunteers are well taken care of. It's been a joy to work in such an impactful organisation and within a committed team. After a long day, a walk in the city or playing the piano will always recharge me.
Holly Penalver
Founder and Advisor
My initial volunteering experiences - after completing my degrees in Psychology and Nursing - showed me the importance of responsible volunteering. I founded Indigo in 2012 to make volunteering abroad more accessible, ensuring that each project we support benefits the people it's intended to help. I'm now attempting the classic juggling of advising a charity whilst being mother to a 1-year old!
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Lama Swas
Head of Marketing
I am a storyteller at heart, blending creativity with strategy. Here to support, strategize, and inspire, drawing from my background in digital marketing, communication, and science. Beyond work, you'll catch me sharing science facts on YouTube or letting loose at improv acting classes.
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Effie Delimarkos
Head of Corporate Engagement
As the Head of Business Development, I build win-win partnerships that elevate Indigo’s partner organisations AND our corporate supporters because I understand both from my first-hand experience in the corporate and non-profit worlds. I believe nonprofits are the heart and soul of our society, representing the best of us, and companies are the muscle that can power us forward. My mission is to create opportunities for the two to come together so each can use their “powers for good.” Beyond work, I cherish time spent outdoors, near the sea or the forest, with family and friends - often indulging them with homemade treats.
Serena Toscani
Volunteer Coordinator
After experiencing Indigo's excellent work both as a volunteer and a coordinator in Greece, becoming part of this team was an incredible opportunity for me. I feel passionate about volunteering and enabling connections between people willing to donate their time and skills and organisations that work in the humanitarian field. As a volunteer coordinator, I take care of each volunteer journey ensuring that anyone is given the best support and care. I'm also a new mom and a passionate baker!
Liv Quick
Tech & Systems Coordinator
My role within Indigo includes managing the digital workspace, exploring new ways for our systems to run smoothly and supporting the fantastic team to keep doing what they do best! I have over five years experience working in the charity sector and many more years volunteering!
Ellie Condie
Corporate Engagement Associate
I studied law at university and went on to train as a Paralegal. I learned a lot about human rights and the international mechanisms which uphold them. I am passionate about volunteering and have been volunteering in the local community for the best part of 10 years in many different sectors. I am excited to use the skills I have gained during my previous roles within my position at Indigo. I really admire the work that Indigo and its volunteers carry out and, as a corporate engagement volunteer, I will be making connections to create advantageous corporate partnerships for Indigo.
Ramat Ojiah
Corporate Engagement Associate
I have always loved helping out with organisations that make a difference in people's lives and make the world better. I have volunteered with several groups and did a project in 2023 to understand the lives of illegal migrants in Europe. This made me want to use my skills to help migrants and refugees even more. When I learned about Indigo during my research, I was impressed by its amazing work and how it supports refugees through responsible volunteering. I knew right away that Indigo was where I wanted to be. Now, as a Corporate and Engagement Associate at Indigo, I'm super excited to join a team that's all about making a positive impact. I'm looking forward to learning a lot from this diverse group and helping make a real difference in the lives of refugees worldwide.
Suzanne Van Beek
Corporate Engagement Associate
Having traveled for many months in the Middle East, I have been welcomed warmly by so many people who helped me navigate new environments. After experiencing this and understanding how important it is for people to get help in new environments, I'm happy to join Indigo Volunteers as Corporate Engagement Associate in their mission to create a global community and empowering grassroots organizations that support refugees across the European Migration route.
Manon Vérité
Research & Grant Writer
Graduate from an International Cooperation master's program, I am glad to work back with an international human rights oriented charity after a few experiences focusing on the environment protection. Strong of this diversity I am looking forward to help Indigo maintain their great work supporting volunteers and charities around Europe.
Cem Auchinleck-Onal
Research & Grant Writer
I am really excited to be the new Research and Fundraising volunteer at Indigo. I have long held a strong desire to volunteer, especially overseas but have always found the extraordinary costs involved to be a barrier, and I know that I am not the only one. Indigo's commitment to providing an ethical alternative to for-profit volunteering is a breath of fresh air and makes me feel proud to play my part in such an organisation.
Ruth Holla
Research & Grant Writer
Having dedicated my career to public health and community development, I aspired to work with an organization committed to making a global difference. Indigo Volunteers and its enthusiasm for responsible volunteering made me realize that this was the perfect fit for me. As a Research and Grant Writer, I am thrilled to use my extensive experience in project management, grant writing, and program coordination to support displaced communities worldwide. I believe that I will learn a great deal from this diverse team and contribute to making a positive impact. In my spare time, I enjoy sharing mental health matters on my Facebook page, reading, and singing.
Jackie Beiram
Media Community Engagement
I am here to implement community-driven initiatives across our social media, fostering a sense of belonging among our volunteers and amplifying the positive stories that define our organisation. My goal is to work toward global justice, and I am so happy to help humanitarians reach them through Indigo. As a Marketing & Communications expert, I have successfully implemented many digital communication strategies and increased brands’ social media presence by producing high-quality targeted content. I’ve worked in the impact world for 4,5 years, having Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as a core topic.
Annya Speranza
Media Community Engagement
I’m currently finishing my bachelor in Communications and Media sciences with a minor in Digital Journalism and I am thrilled to be able to volunteer in Media Community Engagement with a humanitarian cause. I love to get involved in discussions about popular culture and representation of minorities, and how the media is constantly reshaping our world. I’m also an avid traveller and reader, I appreciate the opportunity to work alongside the Indigo team and make a difference through, what I like to call, the power of the internet.'
Eva Hennell
Events & Promotion Specialist
Throughout my MA Philosophy degree, I have gained experience working in the refugee sector across the UK, Australia, and Jordan. I have witnessed first hand the importance of sustainable volunteering when it comes to supporting displaced peoples, and am extremely passionate about promoting responsible volunteering opportunities. In my role as events and promotion specialist, I am looking forward to using my previous experiences to support with the implementation of Indigo’s current fundraising strategy.
Eric Mwangi
Digital Marketing & SEO Specialist
I'm a seasoned Digital Marketing & SEO Specialist with extensive experience in digital marketing. Currently, I'm volunteering at Indigo Volunteers, where I channel my passion for making a positive impact by supporting refugees and promoting responsible volunteering. I am dedicated to using my skills to enhance our online presence and drive meaningful engagement for the causes we champion.
Nerys Palmer
Outreach Amplification Associate
After recently completing my Master's in human rights, I am excited for the opportunity to continue working closely with humanitarian issues and contribute to the meaningful work at Indigo Volunteers. As part of the outreach team, I look forward to continuing the valuable work through motivating volunteers, liaising with universities and other institutions, and developing new ideas with the rest of the team!
Lila Salmi
Outreach Amplification Associate
This year I completed my bachelor in International studies. I learned about some aspects of the humanitarian field and will therefore go on with a Master’s degree in International development. In the meantime I have been meaning to discover how a charity in this field works and after following Indigo’s work for a while I thought that volunteering for them would be a great way to do so. I hope that while doing that I will be able to help them motivate more people to start a volunteering with one of Indigo’s partners as an Outreach Amplification Associate. I also feel like my personal values align with the ones Indigo’s members try to promote in the humanitarian world as well as in the workplace.
Alice Keniston
Operations Officer
As someone who thrives when working within a community and supporting others, I am thrilled to be a part of the Indigo team. I am a qualified mental health nurse who understands how best to support individuals with a diverse range of needs. I have a passion for helping others navigate challenging times and am pleased to be a part of a human centred team where I can use my skills and expertise to support those in a range of circumstances. Originally from England, I now call Portugal my home, where I enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and spending time with my son in nature. I look forward to using all I can offer and develop an understanding of how to reach out to those around the world within an inspiring charity.
Amina Zekovic
Operations Officer
Throughout my master in "Human Rights", I knew I wanted to contribute to a just cause, primarily through an NGO. But, having different interests, I did not know on which cause to focus on. Until I voluntereed in Greece in the area of refugee support. I saw that there was still a high need for support, and motivated people. So, I decided to continue my career in this field. I am excited, and grateful to be a part of Indigo, and offer my time and skills for such a meaninful cause. I have met great people, and learned a lot about the job itself, but also the conditions that NGO's operate in.
Margherita Serra
Operations Officer
I’m currently at the end of a master’s degree in political sciences, and I’m very passionate about international cooperation and development. This is why I’m involved with NGOs and non-profit organisations both in my professional life and as a volunteer. Indeed, volunteering with Indigo means, for me, the possibility to bring about positive change both for charities and NGOs that need support, and for other young motivated people who are looking for meaningful engagement. If you can’t find me working for Indigo, or for other NGOs, you’ll probably find me jogging or eating chocolate cakes, since these are, very conveniently, two of my favourite hobbies!
Toby Wilson
Tech & Systems Assistant (Salesforce)
I'm here to help manage Indigo's technologies and to support the team with their digital workspace. I've worked with charities for over 10 years and have lots of experience in system design, digital training and business analysis. Having discovered the incredible work Indigo does through a fundraising collaboration, I love learning more about the charity and helping the team to achieve their goals.
Nadim Bou Zeid
Operations Officer
As a motivated and energetic young professional with experience in the humanitarian sector, I have primarily volunteered in hands-on roles, but this is my first venture into remote volunteering. I am passionate about Community Engagement, Refugees, and Field Work, and I believe that volunteering not only benefits communities but also fosters personal growth and broadens perspectives.
Tom Dean
Strategic Advisor
Coming from a background in business and recruitment, my aim is to draw upon previous experience to assist Holly and the team with marketing and strategic planning, and act as a general sounding board as / when needed. Indigo’s incredible team, my history volunteering in the refugee sector and an ongoing desire to help improve the situation makes indigo the perfect fit.
Francesca Cauchi
News Reporting & Research
Soline Lovell
Monitoring & Evaluation
I am happy to be sharing my skills in Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) to help Indigo implement new strategies in developing their internal M&E structure. With a background in humanitarian aid in the context of migration, I am looking forward to supporting a charity that offers many services to volunteers dedicating their time to work with displaced communities, while encouraging collaboration between organisations.
Busra Tabassum
Outreach Amplification Associate
Eleonora Catenaro
Research & Grant Writer
Simòn Atuhairwe
Content Creator
Michelle Donovan
Outreach Amplification Associate
Tuo Wang
Content Creator
At Indigo Volunteers we see our differences as our strength.
We are committed to cultivating an equal and fair working environment free from discrimination on the grounds of gender, marital status, race, ethnic origin, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, mental health, religion or age. We are a non-governmental charity organisation and do not align ourselves to any political party or subscribe to any particular religious belief system.