National Diversity Awards 2025
We’re incredibly excited and proud to be finalists for the National Diversity Awards 2025 out of 85,000 votes and nominations. Thank you to all the amazing service users and partners who voted for us.
Hello! My name is Aamta Waheed, I am the Project Co-coordinator for the Sufi Music Heritage Project funded by National Lottery Grants for Heritage Funding, I joined WomenZone in January 2024.
I am an interdisciplinary Artist and Producer in Bradford with 8 years of experience in the creative industry. My focus is on exploring relational and concept art, particularly concerning taboo subjects concerning Muslim and South Asian women. My work is inspired by my personal experiences as a British Muslim woman and societal issues within the South Asian community.
Hi, my name is Asma Shaan, I was a volunteer for a few months at the Kitchen and now I’m a member of the staff. I enjoy coming to WomenZone because it’s a friendly environment and love the energy of the centre.
Hello! I’m Samira, the Marketing & Communications specialist at WomenZone. I have been working since 2022 and enjoy the atmosphere I’m exposed to. I graduated and worked in Digital Marketing for corporate companies in London before moving to Bradford.
When I’m not working, you can find me exploring new cuisines and cooking dishes from around the world. I’m an avid sports enthusiast and enjoy playing Badminton and taking long walks on sunny days.
As an adventurous person, I’m always drawn to new experiences and love traveling to immerse myself in different cultures and marvel at the beauty of each country. If I could be any animal, I’d choose to be a bird, soaring through the skies and taking in the views!
Hi, my name is Mazish Ahmed and I am the operations manager.
I enjoy cooking, shopping, exploring new places, and taking care of my three children which keeps me on my toes.
If I was an animal I would be an Octopus so I could have 8 arms to get all my jobs for the day done.
Hi, I’m Lubna, my role revolves around working with families and engaging them in sport and physical activities. My hobbies include listening to music and watching enjoyable movies. In my spare time I enjoy knitting and cooking new recipes from around the world.
Hi, I’m Tahseen, I joined WomenZone in 2024 and I’m working with young people to establish a YouthZone led by the youth. I am passionate about reducing health inequalities because I have various qualifications from a BA Hons Degree to a youth work certificate, an HND in childhood, and numerous in-house training courses as CPD. I was a healthy living champion ensuring small lifestyle changes were implemented within the community through sharing positive messages.
I have 10 years of experience working in voluntary and community sector. I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of the community.
Born and bred in Bradford, I have worked around the Bradford District with links with numerous organisations. I have served the community and been in public-facing roles for many years. My experience in youth work backdates from 10 years as a cover supervisor, support staff, activities leader, youth worker, and teaching staff.
My passion is creativity and I enjoy walking, nature, watching documentaries, and spending time with my family outdoors. I enjoy travelling to a variety of destinations.
I am the Kitchen Assistant at WomenZone. I enjoy exercising and in my spare time I like to go walking.
I am an ESOL Tutor at WomenZone, where they have been running an English For Everyone course (EFE) which I’ve been gladly been a part of.
In my spare time, I enjoy walking in nature, taking part in creative activities and being in tune with day-to-day life and my surroundings
Hey, I’m Shahana! I’ve been working at WomenZone for a bit, and I’m stoked to say that I’ve been promoted to Office Manager! Now, my main gig is to make sure everything runs smoothly and that everyone’s got what they need. The team here is literally the best – they’re all super supportive and make me feel like I’m part of the crew. The vibes at WomenZone are always positive and uplifting, and I’m really hoping to keep growing and learning in this role.
When I’m not working, you can find me getting crafty with DIY projects, binge-watching TV shows and movies, or hitting up the bowling alley with family. I also love trying out new restaurants and spending time with my loved ones.
If I had to be an animal, I’d totally be a leopard – they’re so cool! I love their fearless attitude and loyalty to their pack.
Hello! My name is Haasina Masood, and I work as a PlayGym worker and admin at WomenZone. I joined the organisation in 2020, and since then, I’ve been passionate about contributing to the wonderful work that WomenZone does.
When I’m not busy at work, I enjoy watching movies and baking for my friends and family. As a creative and artistic person, I also enjoy expressing myself through various forms of art, whether it’s painting, drawing, or crafting. I’m also a bit of a sports enthusiast! In my free time, I enjoy playing Badminton and Rounders, which not only keeps me physically active but also provides a sense of a friendly competition.
As for my personality, I’d like to think that I’m a bit like a Chameleon so that I can adapt to different situations and challenges I come across.
Mareena joined WomenZone in a voluntary capacity supporting the centre as a Covid Response Worker, she is responsible for overseeing the distribution of food parcels, clothing and hot meals.
Mareena has recently achieved a level two qualification in Childcare and is looking to progress onto the next stage.
Mareena is a creative person and enjoys painting and sewing.
Saadia has supported the centre for many years, initially as a volunteer supporting the wellbeing ladies. Since then Saadia has supported various projects throughout the years. Saadia is also a cook for the centre and is currently working on the Healthy Holidays programme.
Sadia loves socialising with friends and family, she also has a flair for creativity and enjoys fashion and make up in her spare time.
Hello, I’m Khalida, the culinary expert behind the scenes at WomenZone. During term-time holidays, I have the pleasure of preparing up to 100 meals daily, showcasing my skills in creating a diverse range of dishes, from pasta to curries.
When I’m not in the kitchen, you can find me indulging in my guilty pleasure of shopping or spending quality time with my loved ones, including my five grandchildren. I also have a passion for long walks in the park and watching Pakistani dramas.
As a person of faith, it’s important to me to not only practice my beliefs but also share them with others.
Hello, I’m Shabbana, the fitness instructor at WomenZone. With a passion for wellness, I’m dedicated to promoting an active lifestyle, healthy eating habits, and mental well-being. As a fitness expert, my mission is to empower my clients to achieve their fitness goals and develop sustainable, long-term healthy habits that transform their overall well-being.
In my spare time, I enjoy hiking and have successfully completed the Yorkshire three peaks, despite many obstacles. I believe no goal is too small to achieve and it’s just a case of ‘mind over matter.’
Abida is currently the Centre Coordinator for WomenZone, running several projects, including English for Everyone, Go Higher and The YEF Project.
In her own time Abida is a mum to two wonderful children, and her hobbies include reading and music.
“The idea was to bring together a group of remarkable people, to see if they could become something more.” – The Avengers
Hi, I’m Rubina Khalid, the Co-CEO of WomenZone since 2006. I’m responsible for the organization’s strategic development, ensuring it adapts to evolving community needs. This involves securing funding and generating additional revenue streams to support the organization’s growth and expansion.
I work closely with local health, education, social services, and other statutory and voluntary agencies to build trusted partnerships. I’m passionate about promoting the mental and physical wellbeing of BAME communities, drawing on my background in psychology and qualifications in areas like clinical hypnotherapy, NLP, and spiritual practices.
Outside of my professional work, I have a keen interest in healthy living and enjoy activities like nature walks, meditation, and yoga, which I find very therapeutic. I also love spending time with my grandchildren. I’m a keen reader of biographies and watch interviews of World’s famous people. I particularly enjoy exploring the intersection of religion, spirituality, and science through. I recently begun traveling internationally to experience new places around the world.
Sadia Sajid, Co-CEO has been instrumental in Womenzone’s growth model. Sadia has streamlined Womenzone’s finances leading to a more sustainable organisation going forward. Her business acumen coupled with her wealth of experience in asset-based community development and restorative practise has put her in good stead.
With 20 years of experience working in the voluntary and community sector, Sadia is passionate about reducing health inequalities and ensuring underserved communities are supported to achieve positive destinations. One of the many highlights of my career at Womenzone has to be securing £335k from Sport England supporting families to be active together.
Born and bred in bred in Bradford, Sadia holds a BSc in Chemistry with Pharmaceuticals and Forensic Science but soon decided her heart was within the community. Sadia is a Therapist
in Behavioural Activation and a PTTLS qualified trainer as well as an ambassador for approachable parenting.
She leads Projects ranging from Training and Employability, Physical Health and fitness to Youth and Maternal Health, leading a team of staff, sessional workers and volunteers in a harmonious manner.
As a young mother of 5 beautiful children, Sadia enjoys reading, swimming and walking (when she gets the time!).
I took a career leave in 2019 after teaching 28 years on FE courses as a lecturer at Bradford College.
I wanted to give back to my community in Bd3 so i joined Women Zone Centre in 2019 as a volunteer, I took responsibility
running a 50 pulse ladies group every week. We have 20/25 ladies each week.
We organise many health related activities and give support and guidance relating to any mental health issues.
I am also on the Women Zone Board as a trustee. We meet and discuss the issues relating to the centre .I am an enthusiastic, understanding and committed person who wishes to create positive environment and equality of opportunity enabling to fulfil potential in our W/Z centre.
I am also a Chair for the Roshni women’s group based in BD3. We work closely with W/Z and organise many activities.
This is a Gujarati women’s group which has been running for many years.
I am also volunteer teacing Esol at Laisterdyke library Masjid Usman through the NHS.
My hobbies are reading teaching related books , fact ,fiction singing, enjoy performing dramas, surfing on IT and finding more info on Islam.
Treasurer’s responsibility – To have a general financial oversight of the organisation’s finances ensuring all legal accounting practices are in order.
Board member for various not for profit organisations relating to mental health for children and adults. Also involved with the wellbeing of the elderly.
Worked in accountancy for forty years – Started out working for various industries and for the last 27 years running my own accountancy practice.
We look after small to medium size businesses in the Yorkshire area.
Hobbies – Walking especially coastal walks and reading short fictional stories.
Lorna is an experienced retired health care professional who worked for the NHS for 45 years at clinical and managerial levels. She has also been a Justice of the Peace for 35 years.
Since retiring, she has been serving her community through voluntary activities at the Black Health Forum (Bradford) as Treasurer, St Paul’s Manningham Wellbeing Cafe as Coordinator and at WomenZone as the Vice Chair.
Her role as Deputy Chairperson is to support the Chairperson, other board members and staff in carrying out the work of the organisation to a high standard for the benefit of the community.
She is a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Lorna is fun loving with a serious side when that is required. She likes to dance, keeping fit and healthy, cooking and all forms of singing. Lorna is an active member of her church and is an active member of the Celebration Choir.
She endeavours to continue to serve Womenzone by upholding its values at all times.
WomenZone is in the unique position of being a women only community centre which was primarily set up to deliver provision for disadvantaged and vulnerable women in some of the most deprived areas in Bradford. One of my passions in standing for election as a Councillor is providing community leadership and empowerment for the women. I therefore welcomed the opportunity when invited to serve as a board member of Womenzone as the aims and priorities of the organisation resonate so closely to mine. I feel that my skills and community ties and links will help strengthen the organisation and work with the women in the community which require this provision. I feel proud to be part of this organisation and hope to continue working with Womenzone in the years to come in continuing the work of enabling and empowering women.