Chance to Shine is delighted to announce the appointment of Dana Abdulkarim as a trustee.

Dana joins the Chance to Shine board and brings with her a wealth of experience in the education sector, currently working as the Associate Assistant Principal at Dinnington High School in Yorkshire, where she has played a key role in developing the PE and PSHE curriculum.

In 2000 Dana became the first Muslim and Arab woman to compete for England internationally, subsequently gaining 67 England caps in Rounders. She also gained experience as an international rounders coach for the U13-19 age groups and supported the development of the UKCC Level 1 & 2 coaching materials. 

In 2008, she became the first Hijabi Muslim woman to qualify to teach PE in England, and became a trustee at the Muslim Women’s Sport Foundation in 2017, where she supported inclusion opportunities for the foundation.

Dana said, “I am delighted to be joining the Chance to Shine board. The whole team is clearly so passionate and simply put, they want young people to thrive. I have long admired the way the charity has connected with the education sector and hope to offer the insight to help them continue to grow and have a positive impact on the lives of those they work with.”

Laura Cordingley, Chief Executive at Chance to Shine said, “We are delighted to welcome Dana as a trustee. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge from her time as a professional athlete and a teacher that will be invaluable for the charity as we look to further develop our programmes.”


Dana has joined the Chance to Shine board alongside former England cricketer and Director of Women’s Cricket at Surrey CCC Ebony Rainford-Brent who was appointed as a trustee in February this year.

It follows the departure of former England captain Charlotte Edwards, who steps down after four years of service on the board. 

“The appointments of both Dana and Ebony have added incredible experience and expertise in fields that are vital to our delivery,” said Cordingley. “It also showcases our continued commitment to diversity from top to bottom. I would also like to place on record our thanks to our departing trustee Charlotte Edwards for the wonderful work she has put in to Chance to Shine over the last few years.”