Melanie Ryan

Management Committee

Melanie Ryan is Joint CEO of Youth Cymru, a national youth work charity dedicated to championing the rights, voice, and wellbeing of young people across Wales. With over 30 years of experience in youth and community work, she brings extensive expertise in strategic leadership, governance, and sector development.

In her role as Joint CEO, Melanie leads on organisational strategy, safeguarding, inclusive education, and external partnerships. She is committed to co-producing programmes with young people and ensuring youth voice is at the heart of decision-making. A key part of her leadership involves supporting and strengthening the youth sector in Wales—through collaboration, mentoring, and capacity-building with organisations and professionals across the country.

Melanie is also an Associate of the National Academy for Educational Leadership and holds a Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Youth and Community Work, a Further Education Adult Teaching Certificate, and a Playgroup Leader qualification. Her past roles span youth information, creative industries training, and community-focused education. She is also a former Trustee of Penarth Youth Project.