Our Supporters:
Sandra Patel

We caught up with Sandra Patel, CEO & Founder at Transition Partners, about partnering with Leeds Community Foundation and her passion for supporting local communities.

How have you been involved with Leeds Community Foundation? 

My involvement with Leeds Community Foundation started with a lifelong passion to make a real difference to people’s lives, particularly in tackling the digital divide. I was introduced to them through my network (the power of networks) as I set up and brought a board together to create The Leeds Digital Ball where I have worked with some amazing people to raise funds that support digital inclusion for those facing challenges accessing technology, equipment, and digital skills in the city. By partnering with the Foundation, we have been able to amplify the impact across a number of local initiatives, knowing that each pound raised is driving change and bettering the lives of the people in Leeds who need it most. So far, we have raised £225,000.  

Why is it important to you to support local communities? 

Supporting the disadvantaged and people in need has always been important to me, starting right back with my childhood. I was very fortunate to have all the access and opportunities I needed but I found I’ve always had a big heart to want and need to help others. I feel our community is filled with so much potential, and by empowering people with digital skills, connectivity and resources, we’re helping individuals, families and communities thrive.  

What do you love about Leeds? 

What is there not to love about Leeds? It’s such a vibrant city that brings people together – and that’s something I feel I can continue to help support. There are some amazing and exceptional business owners, leaders and aspirational leaders, with so many of them stepping up to make Leeds a fairer, more inclusive place to be.  

What advice would you give to people who are thinking about supporting Leeds Community Foundation? 

My advice would be to not think about it, just go for it. I have been supporting the Foundation for over 3 years now and I wish I had started sooner. Go to one of their events, become a member. The team are truly inspirational and exceptional. The Foundation’s work reaches every corner of Leeds, and each contribution, no matter how big or small, has an impact and you can be a part of that! It’s incredibly rewarding to know you’re making a difference right where you live and work. I absolutely love working with the Leeds Community Foundation team and would love to do more and more! 

Leeds Community Foundation is building a fairer Leeds for everyone. We work with people, businesses, and strategic partners who care about Leeds, to invest in locally-rooted community organisations working for the benefit of people in our city. Together, we have a collective social impact, working towards a brighter future for everyone.

If you’re thinking about how you could support Leeds Community Foundation, you can learn more about Membership here.