From Intern to Head of Regional Fundraising & Events: How Vali Ugolini Is Building Community at the British Red Cross

Written By Henry Rowling
Valentina Ugolini who works at The British Red Cross with short blonde hair is smiling and tilting her head slightly while holding her hands near her face to showcase large geometric black earings. She is wearing a black top and has red lipstick

Vali has spent ten wonderful years at The British Red Cross, starting as an intern with no fundraising experience. She is now Head of Regional Fundraising & Events.

What does it take to turn an internship into a leadership role in one of the UK's biggest humanitarian organisations?

In this powerful, honest and uplifting interview, we speak with Vali Ugolini, Head of Regional Fundraising and Events at the British Red Cross, about her decade-long journey from intern to senior leader.

👉 Watch the full interview below to hear how Vali:

  • Led the incredibly successful Walk for Humanity series across the UK

  • Manages the challenges of building inclusive, cross-functional fundraising campaigns

  • Learned to embrace failure (including one unforgettable “spicy” mishap!)

  • Champions neutrality and community-building in divisive times

  • Balances innovation with humility, and leadership with listening

Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser, a charity innovator, or just someone who believes in the power of people coming together, Vali’s story will inspire you.

She shares her thoughts on the importance of relationships in regional fundraising, why she almost launched a pasta-making club, and what she’s learned about radical candour and leading with empathy.

Vali and her team loved producing the Walk for Humanity series last year

Henry Rowling
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