Laela is the founder of Hangout Co. and the creator of the Workplace Skills & Exposure Programme. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management, with a focus on training and development, workplace psychology, labour relations, and recruitment. She is also a registered Student Member of the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP 83000922).

She has gained practical experience in recruitment, including CV screening, candidate evaluation, and conducting interviews—providing insight into employer expectations and the realities of entering the workplace.

Laela developed the programme curriculum to help young people understand workplace expectations, build practical skills, and gain early exposure to professional environments. Within the programme, she facilitates sessions on career awareness, workplace expectations, CV preparation, and interview insight.

Shanta is a Specialist Wellness Counsellor (ASCHPSWC25/15072), Leadership and Business Communication Coach, and current PhD candidate in Educational Leadership and Management at the University of the Western Cape.

She holds multiple qualifications across psychology, education, leadership, and human resources, including BA and BA Honours in Psychology, a PGCE, Master’s degrees in Psychology and in Leadership and Management, as well as diplomas in HR and TEFL.

With experience as a facilitator, speaker, and HR consultant, she brings expertise in emotional wellness, communication, and leadership development.

Within Hangout Co, Shanta facilitates the counselling and public speaking components of the Workplace Skills & Exposure Programme, supporting participants in developing emotional resilience and effective communication skills for real-world environments.