We caught up with Jose Carmona, another brand new addition to the Through Unity board. Arriving in the UK in 2013, Jose is now the Head of Global Healthcare Management Strategy at Bupa. 

We hope you enjoy our conversation with Jose. And if there’s anyone you’d like to see us in conversation with, please email aran@throughunity.com with your suggestion.

Just to start things off, Jose, could you explain to our readers what inspired you to join Through Unity?

Since moving to London in 2013 I have seen the number of knife- and gun-related killings increase each year — and I think the number of the homicides reached a ten-year high last year, which is horrible. So I wanted to do something to help; and last December I had the chance to meet Robin (Through Unity CEO), who told me about his journey at Through Unity and all the great things that you guys are doing — not only by supporting the families who lost loved ones, but also raising awareness and working on prevention. 

I thought that was great, and so I wanted to be part of this. 

What kinds of experience are you bringing to help the Through Unity family?

Over the last fifteen years, I have had the chance to work in different roles, countries and companies, which has given me the ability to quickly understand the big picture, identify the interests of key stakeholders and understand the dynamics of different ecosystems. 

Hopefully, by applying what I have learned on my journey, I can help Through Unity to become more efficient, to raise more awareness and have access to different sources of funding. 

What are your ambitions for Through Unity, Jose? 

I think Through Unity’s role is more important than ever before. And while we keep supporting the families who have lost loved ones to crime, I would like to see us grow in the prevention area through raising awareness and campaigning. 

If you had to describe what is special about Through Unity, what would it be?

I have worked with other charities, and while they all have their own strengths and are special in their own way, what makes Through Unity special are two things: one is the nature of the work. You definitely have to be a special kind of human being to look into the eyes of someone whose loved one has been killed and be able to control your emotions, listen and support them. And secondly, there’s a really strong family feeling that surrounds all the calls and meetings we have at Through Unity — and that for me is incredibly special. And I have to say, I have felt welcome here since Day One. 

And finally Jose, you had a message for the Through Unity supporters reading this now, what would it be?

I think the isolation and the economic crisis that COVID-19 has provoked will deteriorate the mental health and finances of many, which could make things even tougher over the next few months and the new measures like social distancing will make our jobs more challenging. 

So, I think we should, more than ever before, keep up the good work and make sure that we support each other. 

If there’s anyone you’d like to see us in conversation with, please email aran@throughunity.com with your suggestion.