The Team

Viola Ncube – Founder & CEO

An experienced hotelier, Viola is president of Global Hospitality Services, responsible for the global management of offices, teams and operations based in 12 countries across Europe, USA, Asia and Africa. As a mother, Viola's belief that there was a need for positive, black, female role models to engage with the next generation, as well as her passion for youth empowerment, entreprenuership and equal access to education for all young people led to the  birth of iROCK! UK. As CEO, Viola shares her vast international experience as well as her massive network of key global contacts and stakeholders with the team.

Tarisai Masamvu – Operations Director

Tarisai has extensive experience in business analysis and strategic development with experience in South Africa, Zimbabwe and the UK. She is also a project management consultant, and has worked with the Overseas Development Institute and the DFID Health Resource Center on  international development projects. Tarisai has a passion for empowering women using education and entrepreneurship as a way out of poverty.

Linda Bekoe – Sponsorship Director

Linda is an experienced business developer, with a major in sales and marketing strategy, and broad experience in relationship management. She is also a board director for The Institute of Travel & Meetings, the recognised body for business travel, representing over 1,000 buyer and supplier members from six UK and Ireland regions. Linda is passionate about causes to alleviate poverty of any kind.

Henry - PR Consultant

Henry is an award-winning professional journalist, videographer and publicist. He works in the press office of one of the world's largest humanitarian agencies in London. He studied democracy and public policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and has worked as a reporter for the Independent on Sunday, SW Radio Africa and The Daily News newspaper (Zimbabwe). A keen blogger and arts promoter, Henry currently manages and handles publicity engagements for celebrity acts, brands and charitable organisations.

Charlene Mukuzvazya

Charlene Mukuzvazva is an undergraduate marketing management student at Newcastle Business School. Her final dissertation focuses on consumer behaviour and cause-related marketing. She recently organised Fashion Gives Back at Sytner BMW Leicester in aid of Zimbabwe's Forgotten Children. The show promoted various Zimbabwean designers such as Chipo Bespoke while incorporating some well-known brands such as John Lewis. It also increased awareness of the education programme taking place in Zimbabwe. Charlene also runs Amour Allure, a fashion and beauty magazine.

Nikki Rideout

Nikki is a marketing cordinator at Grange Hotels. She wanted to expand her Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) management experience so has taken on the company’s project from scratch. Previous work experience include leading the social media sub-committee at the Westminster Collection. 

Veronica Kirby

After graduating from university with an Honours degree in business studies Veronica worked extensively in the events management field.  She soon realised the lack in her market for imaganative, classy, well organised events. She then started her own company to enable her to cordinate classy high end events that are executed to the highest level. "iROCK! UK represents the best of both worlds in that it enables me to deal with a very high-end clientele under the leadership of powerful women who ROCK!"

Caroline Marsh (Patron)

Caroline is one of Britain’s leading female property investors and business mentor. She has also been featured on Channel 4’s philanthropic programme, ‘The Secret Millionaire’. Throughout her life, Caroline has consistently demonstrated resilience, determination, integrity, passion, leadership, creativity and generosity, and it is these skills and values she loves sharing with others.

Barbara Lindsay MBE (Advisor)

A 2011 European Diversity Awards winner! A senior policy adviser for the Government Equalities Office, specialising in race equality and diversity, Barbara's career has included postings in Cabinet Office, HM Treasury, the former Department of Trade and Industry and now, the Government Equalities Office. Barbara volunteers her time to advise iROCK! UK on diversity and equalities government policies.

Claudette Monaghan (Advisor)

With international experience in logistics and supply chain in the pharmaceutical, energy, utilities and media industries, Claudette is a business-focused HR professional who has worked with senior executives across different industries. She is a Licenced Insights Discovery Practitioner, with a passion for people and team development, who uses this tool to develop and coach individuals across different functions.

Bharat Dodhia (Advisor)

A highly versatile finance director and senior management professional with a commanding track record, having worked at global corporations such as Shiseido and Nars as chief finance officer, Bharat Dodhia nows works as an independent finance consultant and works with iROCK! UK on a pro bono basis.