Bob Clarke, Founder and CEO
Bob has been a professional editor for over twenty years, and personally funded the first two years of MAMA Youth Project’s operation.
Bob started his television career in 1982 as a Video Tape Operator for Humphries Video Services. He went on to join The Services Sound & Vision Corporation in 1987 where he cut his teeth as an editor on different types of programming including light entertainment, news and documentaries. Following BBC training, Bob became a freelance editor and worked at various facilities in Soho, before setting up his own- bcPost.
In 1996 Bob took this facility to the next level by purchasing his first Avid Media Composer, which attracted clients such as the BBC, Endemol, Ginger Productions and Tiger Aspect. Then, in September 2005, MAMA Productions funded an experiment and recruited young adults to make an entertainment show called ‘What’s Up’. This experiment proved so successful, it led to the formation of the MAMA Youth Project.
In 2008, Bob decided to put all future commissions through the MAMA Youth Project, using talented newcomers who had worked on ‘What’s Up’. This enterprise became very successful and turned over 45,000 in 3 months. However, due to the legal limitations of a charity earning income, Licklemor Productions had to be formed – which is now MAMA Youth Project’s commercial arm.
On a personal level, Bobs great strengths are his creativity, adaptability and ability to understand what a client wants. He is also quick to recognise new talent and give them the opportunities they need.
Read Bobs full bio here: Bobs Bio.pdf
As Chief Operating Officer, Cristina is involved in all aspects of running the organisation, managing activities ranging from funding to building training programmes and the day to day running of the charity. Working alongside our CEO towards the sustainability of the charity, Cristina also became a director for Licklemor Productions, the production arm of the charity.
Since she joined MAMA Youth in 2012, Cristina worked her way up from being a runner, researcher, AP and then a Producer for Seasons 8 and 9 of What's Up TV for Sky 1. Cristina studied for her Journalism and Social Communication BA in Romania and Norway and worked as a news reporter, a time when she developed her passion for video production that leads her to complete an MA in Film and Video Production at West London University in 2011.
When she is not in the office she still goes by Rihanna's "work, work, work, work" lyric, has fun with family and daughter Alexandra and enjoys a lazy holiday.
Caroline Clarke, Company Secretary
Caroline worked in the broadcast industry as a Librarian initially with Humphries Video Services back in the eighties. After being there for 5 years she decided to up root and go and work for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in Sydney, as a Librarian Researcher.
On returning back to UK, Caroline quickly found a permanent position at Visnews as a Librarian and Archive Researcher, and then from there went to post-production at BBC Television Centre.
After bringing up two boys and many years of voluntary work including supporting families of offenders, Caroline joined MAMA Youth Project in April 2013, as Project Coordinator.
It has been fitting that Caroline has been able to join the charity as she has been involved personally and financially as the wife of our CEO, Bob Clarke.
Mariana Magnavita, Outreach Manager
Mariana joined MAMA Youth Project in 2013 as a volunteer, quickly stepping into the role of Training Coordinator. From the outset, the charity’s mission deeply resonated with her—uniting her passion for the creative industries with a commitment to driving meaningful societal change and empowering young people to transform their futures.
In 2014, she was promoted to Head of Training, a role she held until 2018. During this time, Mariana played a key part in developing MAMA Youth’s training programmes and post-training support, helping to deliver holistic, life-changing opportunities that build confidence and kick-start careers.
Following a period of maternity leave in 2018, Mariana returned in 2020 as Outreach Manager. In this role, she connects with partner charities and youth organisations and oversees the recruitment process for MAMA Youth’s training initiatives. For Mariana, there is no greater reward than reaching young people who are eager for a life-changing opportunity—and helping them take that vital first step.
Amanda has worked in television for 30 years. An accomplished broadcast professional across multi platforms she has had over a decade of experience at Producer level delivering world class content for Sky Sports, having worked her way up from Editorial Assistant to Head of Special Features.
With extensive post-production and live international broadcast experience, she is proud to have been part of BAFTA nominated and award winning production teams on numerous occasions.
During her career as a Senior Producer for Europe’s leading entertainment broadcaster, Amanda feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to mentor and coach a multitude of upcoming talent within large cross functional teams and it is these skills that she feels brings most value to the MAMA Youth Project.
Amanda was a member of Sky’s Women in Leadership programme at it’s inception and has always been dedicated to being an inspirational role model for mentees, supporting junior staff through their training to help secure them high profile roles within the industry.
Having worked with CEO Bob Clarke over many years, Amanda witnessed with admiration as he built the charity from scratch while supporting a family and working full time. As a mother of four children herself, she shares Bob’s passion for the development of young people from all backgrounds and is delighted to utilise her experience and expertise in her role at MAMA Youth as well as having the opportunity to give something back to an industry that has supported her all her working life.
Najma Bettendorf, Talent Manager
Najma joined MAMA Youth Project in October 2022. Her passion for the creative world of film and TV began at a very young age, captivated by the art of storytelling and the journeys it creates for audiences. Determined to understand the world behind the screen, she began her career at MTV in London and BBC South in Production Management, later moving into Sales at Sony Music.
She then spent over 15 years in Paris, working on studio productions with StudioCanal International and France 24 before moving to New York to continue her work in the digital space.
Returning to the UK, Najma was hungry for a new creative challenge, which led her to MAMA Youth Project. Excited to be part of this small but mighty team, her mission as Talent Manager is to support the growing alumni talent pool with career advice and guidance, helping young people from under-represented backgrounds secure job opportunities, develop their skills, and break through the glass ceiling within the industry.
Najma champions the unique and transformative work of MAMA Youth Project at every opportunity and is eager to see its continued growth to support even more young people nationwide. She also works closely with industry partners to secure exclusive opportunities for MAMA Youth alumni, ensuring they receive the practical support and networks needed to take the next steps in their careers.
Since completing a degree in Criminology from London South Bank University in 2013, Anthony has worked across the third sector gaining 10 years worth of experience. As an experienced Fundraiser, he is passionate about advancement of employment opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their financial education.
Anthony joined the MAMA Youth team in March 2023 bringing wealth of experience from across the social justice sector. Anthony is responsible for income generation and developing our fundraising strategy to expand our provision so that we can support even more young people from under- represented communities.
O'Marni Toulon, Social Media Manager
O’Marni started his journey with MAMA Youth in 2021, when he completed the organisation’s Digital Media Training Programme, an experience that sparked his passion for using content as a tool for change and bring visions to life.
Since then, O’Marni has built a foundation in video editing, social media strategy, and creative storytelling. Prior to his current role, he worked on Bus Down Bars, a music freestyle platform that gave a stage to UK Rap talent. This project combined his love for music with his technical skills in directing and editing, and helped shape his commitment to spotlighting unheard voices.
In addition to this media work, O’Marni is also a dedicated youth worker with United Borders, a charity tackling youth violence in North West London through music and mentorship. His dual roles in media and community work reflect a clear purpose: to empower people through creativity, connection, and self-expression.
As Operations Director at MAMA Youth Project, Rio Gayle plays a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s strategic direction, leading special projects, and championing inclusive practices that empower underrepresented young people to thrive in the media industry.
Prior to joining MAMA Youth Project, Rio built a decade-long career delivering impactful content across some of the UK’s most prominent broadcasters, including the BBC, ITV, and Sky. An NCTJ-qualified journalist and producer, she contributed to flagship programmes such as Good Morning Britain and The One Show, bringing strong editorial insight and a flair for content innovation across television, podcasts, and digital platforms.
Rio has also played a key role in internationally celebrated events, including The Coronation Concert and All Together at Christmas, hosted by the Princess of Wales. Passionate about widening access to the creative industries and promoting social mobility, her work at MAMA Youth Project reflects a deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of media professionals and ensuring the industry’s future is as diverse and representative as the audiences it serves.
© 2026. MAMA Youth is a registered charity in England and Wales (no 1119238).
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