Our Team
Directors
About Rushna
Rushna Miah, a dedicated co-founder of HAWA Multicultural Services CIC, boasts 19 years of impactful leadership. With a rich background as an Allocation Officer for St Albans District Council spanning 17 years, Rushna brings invaluable expertise. Her academic achievements include a 1st class degree in Leadership and Management, complementing her extensive professional experience. Specializing in Life coaching and Islamic Psychology, Rushna’s holistic approach fosters personal growth and cultural understanding. Her remarkable contributions have been honored with the prestigious Queen’s Award in 2022, underscoring her commitment to addressing societal disparities. As a former Community Development Officer for three years and a current board member of the VCFSE Alliance, Rushna continues to champion community well-being with unwavering dedication and passion.
About Zia
Zia is an outstanding individual known for her unwavering dedication to community service and philanthropy. With over 35 years of volunteering experience and a background in education and social work, she has made a profound impact on countless lives. As a governor at STAGS, Zia’s commitment to education and community development shines through. Fluent in Urdu and Punjabi, she serves as a qualified interpreter, providing crucial support to those in need. Zia’s exceptional leadership was recognized in 2022 when HAWA received the Queen’s Award, highlighting her outstanding contributions and dedication to making a difference in her community.
Business consultant
About Lina
Lina is a passionate advocate for the human aspect of business.
She served as a consultant and Director of Client Services at Cambridge Leadership Middle East Associates, where she oversaw client and public engagements, including workshops on leadership, people management, decision-making, and time management. Lina managed leadership programs for institutions such as Harvard Kennedy School and London Business School in the Middle East. She began her career as a research assistant at Harvard University and has a Master’s degree in International Business. Lina also authored an Arabic book with Austin Macauley Publishers, which was released in 2023.
Advisory board members
About Taiyaba
Taiyaba has 10 years of experience in the voluntary and health and social care sector. Her expertise includes community engagement, advocacy, collaborative partnerships, tailored communication, resource optimization, and data evaluation. She is passionate about addressing health inequalities, particularly for older people, women, and South Asian communities. Taiyaba is dedicated to creating inclusive and equitable health services that improve the well-being of vulnerable populations.
About Zaherah
I am a Senior Law Lecturer with nearly a decade of experience as an educator both within FE and HE organisations. I am a staunch advocate of female empowerment and education.
Coming from an ethnic minority background, I understand first hand the struggles of minorities in tackling every day life. This has motivated me to give back to the community.
I am excited to work with HAWA on their community projects and contribute to their success in empowering women.
About Sahida
Sahida is a passionate and influential agent for positive change who leads with confidence and approaches even the most difficult and complex challenges with unflagging perseverance and commitment to success. Sahida is an experienced Business Analyst with a Masters (MSc) in Business Computing. She comes with a wealth of business knowledge and leadership skills with over 25 years of experience. Sahida has worked in a variety of dynamic and diverse industries and sectors ranging from: corporate banking, retail fashion, customer service and IT industries as well as education. As a Trustee/Governor specialising in EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity) for an outstanding school, she has undoubtedly demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to supporting teachers to provision young people with their education and is devoted to facilitating young people to grow and flourish into successful adults both in terms of education and in their personal lives. Sahida has strong links within her local community and has supported HAWA by successfully obtaining funding from various leading organisations to support the numerous HAWA projects that are currently being run and offered to the local community. She provides project and business guidance where needed for the HAWA projects to run smoothly and efficiently to cater the needs of the local community.
Saheli Women’s Day centre Staff
About Touria
Touria has years of experience working in the corporate, care, and public sectors, she is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment that supports women’s well-being and empowerment. Her passion for community building and organising events and activities drives her commitment to helping women grow personally and professionally. By providing opportunities for skill development, building confidence, and promoting overall health and wellbeing, she aims to empower women to reach their full potential and ultimately leading happier and healthier lives.
About Munazzir
Munazza is a talented individual with a diverse background in catering and textiles. She holds a BA (Hons) degree in Art & Design Textiles. Her work has been showcased at St Albans Museum, highlighting her creativity and attention to detail. Running her own successful food business, Munazza shares her skills in the culinary arts and has a passion for creating delicious and visually appealing dishes.
In addition, Munazza is actively involved with the Saheli Women’s Day Centre, Here, she shares her expertise and knowledge with the ladies, leading various activities and workshops to empower and inspire others.
About Razia
Razia is a recent addition to the Saheli Women’s Day Centre, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and experience from her work in a school. With a creative flair and a willingness to help and support the members everyway she can. She’s multilingual, can speak Urdu, Hindi and Bangla languages. Fluent in Bangla and competent in communicating in writing and verbally. Razia has quickly become a valuable asset to the center. Her dedication to making a positive impact on the community shines through in her interactions with the members.
About Shanaz
Shanaz has been a dedicated member of the Saheli Women’s Day Centre for over a decade, where she has led the social subscribing hub. Her efforts have been instrumental in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the members. Shanaz is committed to helping and listening to the needs of the community, making her an invaluable asset to the center.
About Shelina
Shelina Chowdhury is a devoted homemaker with expertise in childcare, household management, and culinary planning and preparation. Her exceptional time management and multitasking abilities ensure a smoothly running household.
Passionate about community service, Shelina is an active volunteer at HAWA Multicultural Services CIC, where she finds joy in making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
In her leisure time, Shelina indulges in arts and crafts, gardening, and cherishing moments with her family.
Volunteers
About Shuhara
Shuhara is a Bengali Registered Dietitian that has been practicing since 2020. She specialises in weight management and is currently working in a remote Tier 3 weight management service that supports people all across the UK.
Shuhara has a keen interest in supporting the South Asian community as she understands it is valuable to have personalised care which this group may miss out on due to language barriers or lack of understanding of the culture and religions.
Understanding the unique needs and cultural considerations of the South Asian community is important to Shuhara. This allows her to develop tailored nutrition plans and address language barriers, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and empowered on their health journey.
About Juhara
Juhara is a Volunteer Graphic Designer at HAWA, she uses her creativity and design skills to support the our mission. She helps create visually appealing brochures, posters, presentations, and other marketing materials that promote HAWA’s work and initiatives.
Gym & Fitness volunteers
About Chayma
Chaymaa is a highly qualified gym instructor with a deep passion for helping people become the best versions of themselves physically. With her expert guidance and supportive approach, Chaymaa creates a motivating environment where every individual can thrive. Her commitment to fitness , ensures that each client receives the attention and encouragement they need to succeed. Whether you’re new to fitness or looking to enhance your routine, Chaymaa is here to support your journey to a healthier, happier you.
About Meeta
Meeta is a Pre and Post Natal, Weight Loss, and Women’s Fitness Specialist, Behavior Change Specialist, Level 4 Personal Trainer, and Certified Nutrition Coach. She empowers busy working mums to prioritize self-care and rediscover self-love through small, achievable steps.
A mother herself, Meeta faced postnatal depression and the challenges of an emergency C-section, which inspired her to create Meetafit. This program addresses the unique needs of mums, offering customized fitness plans that fit into their busy lives.
Meeta’s approach transforms bodies and fosters a healthier mindset, inspiring women to make mindful health decisions and embrace holistic well-being.
About Fahimaa
My name is Fahimaa Kabir. I have always been an advocate for mental health, wellbeing and exercising so being a part of the Ladies Fitness project is something I am passionate about. The purpose behind HAWA is to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued and respected, regardless of their background so it is a pleasure to be a part of something great
About Atia
Atia is a new member of the Hawa ladies’ fitness sessions.
She, along with other volunteers, helps to create a welcoming space for community members to exercise and unwind. These fitness sessions also foster a social environment for people of all ages and backgrounds.
About Jess
Jess is a dedicated university student currently undergoing a placement year in sport. She works with professional and high-level athletes in a gym environment, helping them become stronger and improve their sports performance.
In addition to her work with athletes, Jess teaches a women’s only class designed for beginner gym-goers. She focuses on the basics of strength training and encourages movement in ways that participants may not be accustomed to. This approach not only enhances strength and fitness but also makes everyday tasks more manageable.
Jess has seen firsthand the positive impact that strength training can have on women, sparking her passion for women’s only fitness classes and promoting physical activity among women. She is excited to bring her expertise and enthusiasm to the HAWA community, with the aim of supporting and empowering more women in their fitness journeys.
Habiba Garden Co-Ordinator
About Rafina
As a member of HAWA, I’ve been volunteering at Habiba’s garden, which is situated at Highfield Park in St. Albans. Spending some time in nature has a therapeutic effect on the mind. It gives me a sense of purpose and promotes my independence.
Come and volunteer at Habiba’s. Gardening will make you feel better.
Social Media volunteers