Our Patron
Honorary Patron
Dr.hc. Susan Fajana–Thomas OBE, DCL
She was born and raised in Nigeria and moved to London over three decades ago, following a successful career as a presenter and producer with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). She had a Dramatic Arts-Film and Television Production degree from the University of Ife Nigeria. She also studied at Hackney College and the London School of Journalism.
Through her community and campaigning activities and organisations, Susan advocates for gender equality and women’s empowerment. Her commitment is evident in her role as a mentor, providing leadership training and guidance for young women, supporting them into leadership positions, and helping them become activists and politicians in the UK and Africa.
She has been highly active in the voluntary sector, providing practical assistance to organisations in her areas of expertise. Her work has significantly impacted the community, particularly in the areas of community engagement, communication, and strengthening of governance and policies.
Susan founded SFT Foundation Trust in 2015 to support women and young people from predominantly Black and global majority communities in accessing mentoring, training, and education to reach their potential and achieve lifelong success.
Following a worrying increase in gang violence across London in 2018, she refocused the aims of the organisation to include mentoring vulnerable young black boys to prevent serious violence and help transform their lives whilst safeguarding them from being exploited by gang violence.
Susan is a highly regarded expert in addressing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), working extensively with charitable organisations and agencies, including the police, the Mayor’s Office for Policing And Crime (MOPAC), the government and experts in this field.
With pride and distinction, Susan’s service in various public offices has had an enormous impact worldwide. Her international recognition, including being named in the 2018 100 Most Reputable Africans List alongside three African presidents, is a testament to her global influence and a source of pride for her achievements.
She is a goodwill Ambassador at the Hungarian Trade and Cultural Centre in Budapest, Chair of the African Achievers Awards, Ambassador for Peace at the Universal Peace Federation, Coordinator of African Women in Diaspora (AWID), and member of the Women Economic Forum (WEF) and All Ladies Leagues (ALL).
With pride and great privilege, Susan is the honorary Patron of New Horizon Community Outreach, ensuring she can use all her decades of experience.
