Welsh Children's Cancer Charity CEO wins Director of the Year 2024

Menai Owen-Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity, LATCH, has won Director of the Year at the Institute of Directors Wales Awards 2024. The Awards celebrate outstanding leaders across sectors in Wales each year, highlighting those who excel in areas such as Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Sustainability, Agility and Resilience and much more.

Menai graduated in Law from Cardiff University and has accomplished varied roles in a variety of organisations in Wales and the UK. In 2011, Menai became the CEO of The Pituitary Foundation, an award-winning UK health charity aged 30. Menai has come a long way since her first role in the third sector and now proudly represents Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity, LATCH.

With over 20 years’ experience, her love for the voluntary sector and all it does goes further than just a day job. Menai is a proud Board Member of Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), Cardiff Metropolitan University and until recently, Race Council Cymru and Daring to Dream. She is currently an Independent Adviser to the Senedd Commission and a mentor on the cross-equalities mentoring programme, ‘Equal Power, Equal Voice’. Menai has also been an advisor, committee member and ambassador for organisations such as Samaritans Cymru and Social Leaders Cymru.

“It is such an honour to receive this Award, IoD Wales Director of the Year for the Public and Third Sector 2024. It’s a privilege to be Chief Executive of LATCH Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity – such a special organisation supporting children with cancer and their families when they need it most.

To me, this Award is about collective effort and team, working together to make a difference to others. Thanks so much to my team and Board for their nomination and support and to everyone who has supported me over the years. Diolch yn fawr iawn.”

LATCH supports children and their families who are being treated by the Paediatric Oncology and Haematology Unit at the Children’s Hospital for Wales. The annual incidence rate of cancer among children in Wales is approximately 70 per year. LATCH provides bespoke emotional support, information, practical and financial help to families, including a social work service, hospital accommodation for families, financial grants and more. LATCH makes life easier for children and their families and are there providing hope, help and care when families need it the most.

To find out more about LATCH and how you can help, click here.