Team Board of Trustees Advisors Ambassadors

  • Abdi Omar

    Abdi Omar is a motivational speaker, YouTuber, entrepreneur, disability and Cerebral Palsy campaigner.

    “There are millions of people with disabilities around the world that are dreaming for opportunity to get what I have. Therefore since 2012 I have been using my voice to inspire & motivate people. I use my disability as my biggest motivation to achieve the impossible. I love to overcome the odds and change people’s perceptions about disability.”

  • Andi Oliver

    Andi Oliver is a British chef, television and radio presenter.

    “I love the work of the iOi and the organisation’s values really resonated with me. Imagination has been crucial for me in my life and career, and I am passionate about giving children the opportunity to continue using their imagination for their future. The iOi Schools Programme is essential in developing life skills such as the ability to think creatively, problem solve and build resilience and I’m very happy to be supporting such a progressive organisation working hard to support the education outcomes of many children.”

  • Dame Mary Marsh

    Dame Mary Marsh is an educator and entrepreneur. She began her career as a Geography teacher, before taking on the roles of Deputy Head and Headteacher. Following this, she was the CEO of the NSPCC from 2000-08, and is now a Board member of Teach First, HSBC, and London Business School.

  • Mark Wallinger

    Mark Wallinger is an artist and Turner Prize winner.

    “How are we developing our imaginations in this increasingly mediated, screen-based sedentary world, where play is a button to press? Our aim is to restore a sense of wonder at life’s possibilities; enabling people to discover things about themselves that they wouldn’t find in any other way.”

  • Michael Morpurgo OBE

    Michael Morpurgo is an author, playwright and former Children’s Laureate.

    “Encouraging young people to believe in themselves and find their own voice whether it’s through writing, drama or art is so important in giving young people a sense of self-worth.”

  • Professor Alison Gopnik - Founding Patron

    Alison Gopnik is a Professor of Psychology and Affiliate Professor of Philosophy at the University of California at Berkeley, USA

    Professor Alison Gopnik delivered the inaugural Institute of Imagination lecture: watch the lecture on YouTube.