Mez Ali

I’m Mez Ali, the Head of Finance & HR at Urban Circle Newport. My role is to make sure the organisation’s people and resources are supported in the best way possible so that our creative projects and community programmes can thrive. With a background in financial management, human resources, and youth work, I oversee our budgets, compliance, and staff wellbeing, ensuring we have the systems in place to grow sustainably while keeping people at the centre of what we do.

I’m a trained youth worker and a mother, and I bring both of those perspectives into my work. I’m passionate about creating a positive working culture where young people, staff, and collaborators feel valued and supported. At Urban Circle, I work closely with the team to balance the practical side of running a charity with the values that drive our work: youth empowerment, equality, and community development.

For me, numbers and policies aren’t just about systems—they’re about unlocking opportunities, providing stability, and giving our creative teams the confidence to take risks and innovate. Supporting Urban Circle’s mission means helping to build strong foundations so that our projects can make a lasting impact across Newport and beyond.

Mez.ali@ucnewport.co.uk