Councillor Sophie Erskine

I was born in 1986 in Muswell Hill and have lived here all my life. I attended Henrietta Barnett School, Barnet, and then The Latymer School, Edmonton.

After school, I studied Philosophy at Cambridge, but I quickly realised that I didn't want to pursue the subject beyond undergraduate level. Instead, I explored my interest in literature by interning at various publishing houses and literary magazines - I thought I could start a career in writing and editing.

However, during my first year out of University I got the chance to volunteer for a non-governmental organisation, called the International Humanist and Ethical Union, at the United Nations in Geneva. It was then that I realised that campaigning on human rights issues - issues which can decide in a very important way how the lives of ordinary individuals turn out - gave me a real kick.

With my interest in civil society sparked, I started working for other charities, which is how I got my present job as a fundraiser for the disfigurement charity Changing Faces. I knew that I wanted to establish a career in improving the day-to-day quality of people's lives.

My interest in becoming a Councillor developed out of this desire. As I've lived in this area since I was born, I know it like the back of my hand; when I thought about this local knowledge, coupled with my passion for social justice, I wondered whether I might be able to represent a community.

I like the fact that I'm a young Councillor - I think it's important that young people can see someone close to their age on the Council. I hope that, by making decisions on behalf of Fortis Green and indeed the whole of Haringey, I can contribute in some way to making this a fairer, safer and more aspirational borough.

Aside from the interests I discuss above, I enjoy music, films and going out for the occasional drink! I am also a keen tennis player and am a member of Highgate Cricket and Lawn Tennis Club.