DANIEL STONE

External Job: Programme Manager for West Midlands Combined Authority

Preferred Pronouns: He / Him

Why did you want to join The Philosophers' Yard? To grow in wisdom and to see life from different perspectives

Which philosophical thought / idea most resonates with you? "The universe is change, life is judgement" - Marcus Aurelius

DR HENRY TAYLOR

External Job: Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Birmingham. He's into philosophy of cognitive science, and the philosophy of technology.

Preferred Pronouns: He/Him

Why did you want to join The Philosophers' Yard? I'm a passionate believer in public philosophy, and doing things at the local level, so I was thrilled to be asked to join TPY!

Which philosophical thought / idea most resonates with you? Never be obscure. You should always express your ideas as clearly and simply as possible.

DR LAURA D’OLIMPIO

External Job: Associate Professor of Philosophy of Education, University of Birmingham

Preferred Pronouns: She/Her

Why did you want to join The Philosophers' Yard? I am passionate about bringing the skills of philosophical thinking to the general public. I think that everyone has an interest in philosophy because everyone asks ‘big questions’ about life, morality, beauty and what it means to live well.

Which philosophical thought / idea most resonates with you? This is an impossible question to answer! When I was studying philosophy, I was very taken with existentialism and thoughts captured by Simone de Beauvoir about what it means to be human and a woman. As I kept studying, I fell in love with the writing and ideas of Martha Nussbaum, who argues that the humanities are central to a good education and defends the role for narrative artworks in helping develop our moral imagination and sympathy. Her ideas have been very influential on my thinking.

SAM BRAHAM

University Subject: Computer Science BSc

Preferred Pronouns: He/Him

Why did you want to join The Philosophers' Yard? After attending the first sessions of the Philosophers Yard, I was struck by the fascinating speakers and enlightening conversations - both of which I enjoyed very much. I wanted to give back to this wonderful community and help it flourish into something that can benefit everyone.

Which philosophical thought / idea most resonates with you? “Only the gods are wise; however, man, by love of wisdom, can mediate between foolishness and wisdom, moving towards the higher from the lower. Thus, no man is wise, but we can all be philosophers and, through this, become like the gods.”
- Socrates (paraphrased) in The Symposium by Plato

DR SELINA STONE

External Job:Lecturer in Theology and Ethics, University of Edinburgh

Preferred Pronouns: She/Her

Why did you want to join The Philosophers' Yard? To have the space to discuss complex issues in a respectful and honest environment and to hear different perspectives.

Which philosophical thought / idea most resonates with you? "Love your neighbour as yourself" - Mark 12:31

DANIEL STONE (See Trustees section)

SAM BRAHAM (see Trustees section)

FIA SUBU

Business Development and Engagement Intern

Preferred Pronouns: She/Her

Why did you want to join The Philosophers' Yard? I was drawn to the charity’s commitment to creating a "neutral and welcoming space" for dialogue. In a world that is increasingly polarized, I believe that bringing people together to explore big questions is a powerful form of social innovation. I am excited to apply my background in sustainable growth and business development knowledge to help TPY expand its reach and impact.

Which philosophical thought / idea most resonates with you? I am deeply inspired by the concept of "Poiesis" (from Ancient Greek philosophy), which refers to "the act of bringing something into being that did not exist before." I love the idea that creativity isn't just about "art," but about the transformative process of taking a thought or a conversation and turning it into a tangible community action or a new way of living. For me, creative expression is the ultimate tool for problem-solving and building a brighter future.

CHANTE WILDMAN

Volunteer | Community Partnerships

KEKE THOMAS-SMITH

Volunteer | Grants & Business Development

University subject: BA Philosophy and Linguistics

Preferred Pronouns: She/Her

Why did you want to join The Philosopher's Yard? I want to help bridge the gap between concepts that seem abstract (or even mythological at first glance) and the grounding truths we can implement in everyday life. Representation matters to me. I want to see more people who look like me not only occupying these spaces, but becoming the citeable philosophical sources of the future. I truly believe our community is full of brilliant future philosophers who just need the right stepping stone to reimagine what the discipline can look like, and I am so happy I get to help build that through TPY

Which philosophical thought/ idea most resonates with you? "Philosophy can offer good guidance to practice, but only if it is responsive to experience and periodically immersed in it" - Martha Naussbum

LUCIE HORNBLOWER

Volunteer | Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorships

CHEVONNE RISBROOKE

Volunteer | Communications and Engagement Coordinator

External Job: Medical doctor

Preferred Pronouns: She/Her

Why did you want to join The Philosophers' Yard? I attended a Philosophers’ Yard event and found it to be a wonderful community of curious people. I wanted to contribute to sharing this space and community with others.

Which philosophical thought / idea most resonates with you? “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Maya Angelou

SAVANNAH HANSON

Volunteer | Strategy & Delivery

University subject: BA Politics and International Relations

Preferred Pronouns: She/Her

Why did you want to join The Philosophers' Yard? I had been looking for a space where people are open to have real, thought-provoking conversations, exploring why we think and live the way we do. I love using what I learn to build connections that help people understand themselves and each other - especially across generations.

Which philosophical thought / idea most resonates with you? “When we choose to love, we choose to move against fear, against alienation and separation. The choice to love is a choice to connect - to find ourselves in the other.” — bell hooks, All About Love: New Visions

SARA BLAKE-SEALEY

Volunteer | Philosophical Content & Engagement

University subject: BA Philosophy and Sociology

Preferred Pronouns: She/Her

Why did you want to join The Philosopher's Yard? As a Philosophy and Sociology student, I wanted to explore philosophical concepts beyond the classroom. I was especially attracted to TPY as an accessible space for meaningful discussions and for seeing how theory shapes and interacts with society in practical ways.

Which philosophical thought/ idea most resonates with you? “Always treat people as ends in themselves, never merely as means to your own goals.” Immanuel Kant.

CONNOR BEGLEY

Volunteer | Philosophical Content & Engagement

Background: Radio producer / Podcast editor

Preferred Pronouns: He/Him

Why did you want to join The Philosopher's Yard? As a philosophy graduate, I wanted to engage with the field further since moving back to Birmingham and enjoyed the social aspect of the meetups and talks and being able to meet other people who are just as interested in these big questions.

Which philosophical thought/ idea most resonates with you? “The man who never alters his opinion is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind”

YOGMAYA VASHISHTHA

Volunteer | Newsletter Editor

Course: MRes Interdisciplinary Study, University of Birmingham

Preferred Pronouns: she/her

Why did you want to join The Philosophers' Yard? I wanted to meet like minded people and to promote mental wellbeing through the exchange of philosophical ideas and dialogues and make knowledge accessible.

Which philosophical thought / idea most resonates with you? “As long as you live, keep learning how to live.” – Seneca

DRAGOS STEFAN-NECULA

Volunteer | Meetup Coordinator | Digital Marketing

University Subject: Computer Science

Preferred Pronouns: He/Him

Why did you want to join The Philosophers' Yard? I have a passion for creating spaces and opportunities for people to connect.

Which philosophical thought / idea most resonates with you? ‘’In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer’’- Albert Camus

RAYPHIA GABBIDON

Volunteer | Design & Delivery

External Job: Programme Admin in the NHS.

Preferred Pronouns: She/her

Why did you want to join The Philosophers' Yard? To explore strange new worlds

Which philosophical thought / idea most resonates with you? “Life is warfare, and a visit to a strange land; the only lasting fame is oblivion” - Marcus Aurelius

BRANDON RAMPLEY

Volunteer | Event Delivery

Preferred Pronouns: He/Him

Why did you want to join The Philosophers' Yard? I believe that in order to have a healthy society, the public need a place in which to gather, discuss and share ideas in a neutral, friendly setting. TPY provides a place not only where an individual can learn and grow as a person, but also where a person can learn and grow as a collective.

Which philosophical thought / idea most resonates with you? "To err is human; to forgive, divine." – Alexander Pope, 1711. This quote has always stuck with me and reminds me that we're all stuck on this floating rock together and that no one person has all of the answers. We're all working out how to be humans together.

SABRINA KHANAM

Volunteer | Delivery

External Job: Support Worker

Preferred Pronouns: She/Her

Why did you want to join The Philosophers' Yard? I thought it was a cool concept and enjoyed socialising and meeting people at my first event! I felt very comfortable and liked the people so decided to volunteer! I've wanted to volunteer for something different other than caring for people :)

Which philosophical thought / idea most resonates with you? ‘The courage to be disliked’

SOFIA KOKOLAKI-HALL

Volunteer | Event Delivery

External Job/Role: Writer | Former Environment & Sustainability Campaigner & Manager of 17 years | Full-time Parent

Preferred Pronouns: She/Her

Why did you want to join The Philosophers' Yard? Philosophy is my favourite hobby. After experiencing the interesting debate and welcoming community at The Philosophers' Yard events, I want to contribute as a volunteer, to be inspired and learn more, and help create that same welcoming, inspiring space for others.

Which philosophical thought / idea most resonates with you? Simone de Beauvoir’s ideas that "we must will ourselves free" through constant action; and that our freedom is tied to the freedom of others. Also Albert Camus's on how rebellion against injustice coexists with shared humanity. When you rebel, you are not just fighting for yourself; you are fighting for the dignity of all humans and that creates a community through solidarity that breaks the isolation of the human condition.

CHARLOTTE SKYE

Volunteer | Philosophical Content & Engagement

External Job: PhD Researcher in Philosophy at the University of Birmingham. My research interests include philosophy of psychiatry and psychology, and epistemology.

Preferred Pronouns: she/her

Why did you want to join The Philosophers' Yard? I think philosophy is most valuable when it gives people the space and language to explore ideas and understand different perspectives. I admire how The Philosophers’ Yard brings philosophy into the wider community and creates an inclusive space where this kind of thinking can happen.

Which philosophical thought / idea most resonates with you? The idea that our concepts are not fixed or neutral, and that philosophy can help us revise them when they no longer serve us well. The categories we use shape how we understand people, experiences and social problems, but they can also conceal assumptions or cause harm. I am particularly interested in how philosophy can examine concepts that are often taken for granted and help make them clearer, fairer and more useful in practice.

TOM PEEL

Volunteer | Practices Facilitator & Safeguarding Lead

External Job: SEND Music Teacher & Founder of www.theOVERHEAR.app

Preferred Pronouns: he/him

Why did you want to join The Philosophers' Yard? Philosophers Yard approached me due to my Authentic Relating experience. They are a perfect fit for me to develop this practice with an open minded group of thinkers.

Which philosophical thought / idea most resonates with you? I like the work of John Vervaeke and Iain McGilchrist especially in terms of how we make meaning. Vervaeke’s Relevance Realisation is particularly compelling.

ALEX MCCOWEN

Business Development and Engagement Intern

Course: MSc Philosophy, Psychology and Mental Health (UoB)

Preferred Pronouns: He/Him

Why did you want to join The Philosophers' Yard? Philosophy has been a incredibly important part of my self-development journey. Being able to think clearly and critically about things has bouying me through some of my toughest times. I believe philosophy is a key part of a well-rounded education and should be shared

Which philosophical thought / idea most resonates with you? "One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious." -Carl Jung

ISLA MCKAY

Crime & Consequences Facilitator

University subject: Philosophy

Preferred Pronouns: She/Her

Why did you want to join The Philosophers' Yard? I really love the philosopher’s Yard’s commitment to community and how accessible they make philosophy for everyone.

Which philosophical thought / idea most resonates with you? The approach of philosophical scepticism in challenging assumptions and questioning everything!