Doreen Sinclair-McCollin
CEO / Founder / Director
Doreen Sinclair-McCollin is the Founder, CEO, and Director of Elevated Minds CIC, a leading community interest company dedicated to empowering young people, primarily of Black heritage, across the full spectrum of ability, from the gifted and talented to those at risk of exclusion from mainstream education.
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Her journey into education began at just 11 years old, when she started teaching her siblings at
home, particularly her older brother, who faced unfair treatment and repeated exclusions from school. This early experience shaped her lifelong mission: to ensure that young people who look like her are given the fair and equitable chance to grow, succeed, and realise their aspirations.
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Guided by her belief that “knowledge is power”, Doreen has built Elevated Minds into a transformative platform that not only supports young people, but also engages their parents, schools, and the wider community through a 360° approach to personal growth. This model offers life-changing exposure to new experiences, influential role models, and varied career paths—opening doors that many young people never imagined possible.
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A devoted mother of three and proud grandmother of five, Doreen has instilled in her own family the same values that underpin her life’s work, resilience, self-belief, and the pursuit of excellence. Her children and grandchildren have grown up witnessing her dedication to education, equality, and community empowerment, and they carry forward her principles in their own lives, embodying the intergenerational impact of her mission.
Her leadership style is confident, determined, and deeply humble. Doreen draws strength from her mother’s lifelong guidance: “You will never be given a dream you cannot fulfil.” This belief fuels her drive to create unity as a foundation for survival, sustainable change, and successful futures. Through her work, she is closing the gap between potential and performance for the young people she serves, past, present, and future.
The Impact of Doreen’s Work – In the Words of Others
“The positive workshop for young people with Elevated Minds and the police... Doreen created a safe space for participants to ask questions and share their thoughts and concerns. The participants left the workshop feeling empowered and inspired.”
— Hardeep Konsal, Inclusion Manager, City Academy (Bristol)
“Attending the Community Engagement Event for the Police Race Action Plan was an enlightening experience... It was inspiring to see partners like Elevated Minds CIC actively contributing to a more inclusive future.”
— Venessa Swaby (Bobb), Founder, A2ndvoice CIC and Autism Thrive Services
“Guest speakers like Doreen Sinclair-McCollin emphasised the importance of inclusivity and transparency. Procedural Justice principles—voice, neutrality, respect, and trust—were highlighted as essential for building trust with the Black community.”
— Saba Ali FRSA, Gender Equity and Voice of the Voiceless
Through her unwavering dedication, Doreen has built a legacy of empowerment, opportunity, and transformation. She has created safe spaces where young people’s voices are heard, their confidence is nurtured, and their aspirations are brought to life. In doing so, she continues to change lives, not for recognition, but because she knows that when one young person is given the tools to thrive, an entire community benefits.