RIAC has recently matched Kopal Matanhelia who joins the board of MÓTUS Dance as their new Treasurer. MÓTUS brings dynamic dance to Milton Keynes, including classes and workshops, resources and professional development opportunities.

Lucy Davies, chair of MÓTUS Dance says “We had tried through conventional routes to find a new treasurer, utilising places such as LinkedIn, socials and local networks, but struggled to gain interest from individuals with the right skills. When we were introduced to RIAC, we were filled with confidence that a good candidate would be found who would be a great fit for our charity, both in skills and in interests.  At the time of recruitment, we were going through significant organisational change which was putting pressure on our finances and staff team and so we were delighted to learn that this service from RIAC was free to us and involved a ‘screening’ process of potential candidates.  We are delighted to have Kopal join the board and look forward to helping get to know our organisation better”

Kopal is a VP at Goldman Sachs and chief of staff of global FICC Operations, she is an advocate for the Asian community and enjoys watching live dance performances. She says: “Having enjoyed a successful career in the finance sector, and recently completing my Executive MBA at the London Business School, I felt compelled to give back to the community and nurture the next generation. I am delighted to have been selected by RIAC and partnered with MOTUS Dance for my first board position. Eager to collaborate with our esteemed and dedicated board, I aim to contribute to our shared long-term vision of bringing dance to the local Milton Keynes community and inspiring the next generation of artists. My personal passion for all forms of live arts, music, dance, and painting stems from their ability to inspire and bring much-needed creativity into a demanding career. Recognising the importance of making all forms of arts accessible to everyone, and the abundant benefits creativity can bring to inspire and motivate all, I am deeply committed to this cause. I am immensely grateful to RIAC for their invaluable support and guidance, which has been instrumental in ensuring my success in this new role. Their assistance in connecting me with an experienced mentor and facilitating interactions with other seasoned board directors and members has been invaluable. I am excited to make a meaningful impact and thrilled to uncover many parallels between dance and finance, particularly in aspects of discipline, precision, and teamwork.“

Kopal will be mentored in her new role by Monisha Shah, who has many years of board experience including as a senior independent member of the Arts & Humanities Research Council and a Trustee of the Royal Collection Trust and the Art Fund. Monisha says: “It’s always very inspiring to meet someone starting out on their non-executive journey. It’s a significant commitment to make in addition to the demands of everyday life – which is already admirable.  But mostly I am delighted to encounter their energy and optimism. I only offer a gentle wind beneath their wings, as the song goes!”