Meet Our Founder & Director
Andrea Brown
Founder & Project Development Director, GROAD CIC
Andrea Brown is the visionary behind Get Rid Of and Donate CIC (GROAD). With a deep-rooted passion for sustainability and community resilience, Andrea founded GROAD in 2017 to bridge two urgent issues: the growing environmental crisis and the widening gaps in social inequality.
Under her leadership, GROAD has transformed from a local donation initiative into a recognised social enterprise supporting hundreds of families each month. From collecting and redistributing essential goods to building community outreach programmes, Andrea remains hands-on in every aspect of the organisation.
Her approach is driven by compassion, creativity, and a belief that real change happens when people are empowered, not discarded. Whether she’s sorting donations, mentoring volunteers, or speaking at climate action panels, Andrea leads by example with heart and determination.
Andrea’s work has been recognised through multiple awards and nominations, including:
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Finalist for the Lambeth Civic Award for Climate & Green Spaces
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Winner of the Herne Hill Society Excellence Award for Climate Action (2025)
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Shortlisted for the BeLambeth Sustainable Impact Award (2024)
Beyond the accolades, Andrea is most proud of the lives GROAD has touched and the waste it has prevented from entering our landfills. Her mission remains clear: to build a circular, inclusive economy where nothing and no one goes to waste.
Our Board
of Directors
At GROAD CIC, our Board of Directors is the heart of our strategic vision and social mission. With a shared commitment to community empowerment, sustainability, and circular solutions, our board members bring decades of experience across charity leadership, grassroots organising, business, and ethical innovation.
Andrea Brown
Project Development Director
"As the founder of Get Rid of and Donate, I've seen firsthand how a simple act of giving can transform lives. With your support, we've helped families in need, reduced landfill waste, and built a more caring, sustainable community. I warmly invite you to be part of this continued impact."
Angella Learmond
Finance Director
"As Finance Director of Get Rid of and Donate CIC, I have witnessed first-hand the incredible growth and impact of our work. Every pound we receive is carefully managed to ensure it delivers maximum benefit for the communities we serve. Beyond the numbers, I am deeply proud that our financial stewardship directly translates into food on tables, clothing for families, and sustainable opportunities. It is a privilege to help strengthen a project that changes lives while protecting the environment."
Miranda Okon
Community Outreach Director
"As one of the directors of Get Rid of and Donate, it always amazes me how a simple act of kindness can and has made a profound difference to those individuals, families, and communities who have patronised our resources. I am sincerely gratefully in supporting GROAD and the wider community and welcome your on-going support."
Parbin Nessa
Community Outreach Director
"I’m Parbin Nessa, Community Shop Director at Shop to Donate. I began as a volunteer, welcoming members, sorting donations, and keeping the space inviting. I’m passionate about making quality goods affordable and transforming donations into vital support for the Rough Sleepers Project. I love connecting with people and making a difference."