Speakers
Keynote, Wednesday 28 May 2025, Day One | 1:20pm
Keynote, Wednesday 28 May 2025, Day One | 1:20pm


Natalie Don-Innes MSP, Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise
Keynote, Thursday 29 May 2025, Day Two | 10:30am
Natalie Don-Innes was born in Paisley and grew up in Bridge of Weir. Natalie attended Gryffe High School and then went on to study History at University of Glasgow.
Before and during her time at University, Natalie worked in a variety of sales roles working her way up to Manager of a local food retailer. After graduating university, Natalie started a role as a constituency assistant and caseworker for a member of the Scottish Parliament.
She was elected as a local councillor for the Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank ward in 2017 and then member of the Scottish Parliament for Renfrewshire North and West in 2021. She was appointed as Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise in March 2023. As well as her professional roles, Natalie has spoken openly about her own experiences growing up in poverty, and highlights the benefits and importance of having people with lived experience in decision making roles.


Fiona Duncan, Independent Strategic Advisor of The Promise and Chair of the Board of Directors
Co-Chair, Thursday 29 May 2025, Day Two
Biography to come


Juliet Harris, Director of Together (Scottish Alliance for Children’s Rights)
Keynote, Thursday 29 May 2025, Day Two | 9:55am
Biography to come


Nadine Aaisha Jassat, author and creative practitioner
Keynote, Thursday 29 May 2025, Day Two | 2:10pm
Nadine Aisha Jassat is author of acclaimed poetry collection Let Me Tell You This (‘beautifully written, immense, and full of passion’ – Nikita Gill), as well as three middle-grade verse novels. The Stories Grandma Forgot (And How I Found Them), was described by Sophie Anderson as ‘one of those books that truly makes the world a better place’, The Hidden Story of Estie Noor was nominated for a Carnegie Medal, and her latest novel, The House at The Edge of The World, releases in May 2025. As a poet and creative practitioner, Nadine has worked with young people across the UK and around the world, often exploring the links between storytelling and social justice. Prior to being an author, Nadine had a professional career in Scotland’s gender-based violence services, and often worked with young people on issues related to racism, sexism, creative activism and participation work.


Nicola Killean, Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland
Co-chair, Wednesday 28 May 2025, Day One
Nicola Killean is the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. She and her team are responsible for protecting and promoting the human rights of everyone under 18 in Scotland, or up to the age of 21 if they have care experience.
Nicola has spent most of her career supporting children and young people from communities facing particular challenges and disadvantages. Nicola was founding Chief Executive Officer of the charity, Sistema Scotland. She oversaw the launch and growth of the charity which delivers Big Noise programmes, using music and nurturing relationships to support over 3,500 children and young people across Scotland.
Nicola was awarded an OBE in 2020 for services to music, children and community cohesion.


Fraser McKinlay, Chief Executive Officer of The Promise Scotland and sits on the Board of Directors
Keynote, Wednesday 28 May 2025, Day One | 10:15am
Biography to come