Our Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is responsible for the overall control and strategic direction of Displaced People in Action. They meet regularly to ensure the ensure that we are carrying out our work in the best interests of our clients.
Kate Bennet OBE
Chair of Directors
Kate Bennet OBE
Kate was the National Director for Wales for the Equality and Human Rights Commission for nine years following its formation. In 2017 she was awarded an OBE in for services to equality and human rights. Kate is passionate about fairness and inclusivity. She joined the DPIA Board in 2016 and became Chair in 2019.
James Stewart
Treasurer
James Stewart
James Stewart is a former university lecturer and journalist. He has taught English to refugees and asylum seekers, as a volunteer, for several years.
Catherine Namani
Secretary
Catherine Namani
Before retiring she was Head of Technology Enhanced Learning at the University of South Wales. She has a particular interest in Digital Inclusion and is a member of the Digital Inclusion Alliance Wales.
Dr Sally Davies
Board Member
Dr Sally Davies
Sally is a retired consultant who used to work with for the All Wales Medical Genetics Service. Sally was also President of the Medical Women’s Federation from 2014-16, where she demonstrated her commitment to equality. Sally became a director in 2018, and became secretary in 2020.
Louise Kalicinski
Board Member
Louise Kalicinski
Louise previously served as the Children’s Project Coordinator at Displaced People in Action from 2009 to 2024. During this time, Louise was instrumental in developing programmes that supported children and young people to adjust to life in Wales, focusing on providing emotional wellbeing support, educational opportunities, widening social connections, outreach, and community engagement. Louise has extensive knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures and served as the safeguarding lead at DPIA for numerous years, enhancing policies and practices concerning safeguarding.
Wali Mohammed
Board Member
Wali Mohammed
Wali joined the DPIA Board in 2019. He has worked in human resources for almost ten years. He was HR Director for the Ministry of Mines & Petroleum of Afghanistan. Besides being a board director, Wali works in Cardiff Council as a Refugee Resettlement Project Manager.
