Naseem Akhtar BEM

I am the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Saheli Hub, a nationally recognised health and wellbeing charity that prioritises women, in Birmingham. For over two decades, I have dedicated my career to tackling health inequalities, breaking down cultural barriers to sport, physical activity, and creating safe, accessible, and empowering spaces for women and communities to thrive.Since establishing Saheli in 1998, I have grown the organisation from a small women’s group into a citywide movement delivering innovative health, wellbeing, employability, and community programmes. Today, Saheli Hub reaches thousands of participants annually through culturally competent, grassroots services ranging from physical activity, fitness, sport and social prescribing to health, education and mental wellbeing support.My leadership has been recognised through numerous prestigious awards, including:• The Community Inspiration Awards (Sports Organisation Category), Community Foundation• Building Inclusive Communities Award, Locality• Partnership Award in collaboration with England Squash, Sport Birmingham Award• Club/Organisation of the Year, Muslim Sports Foundation• Awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the community• Selected as a Home Town Hero for the Commonwealth Games 2022• Outstanding Contribution to Sports Award 2012 awarded by Sport Birmingham Beyond Saheli Hub, I serve on several boards and networks, including the Birmingham Race Impact Group (BRIG) and I am also a frequent keynote speaker, sharing insights on grassroots leadership, health equity, and the power of partnerships at national conferences and sector events. I have also joined the Board of Trustees at Sporting Equals who are dedicated to promoting greater inclusion, diversity and equality across the sport and physical activity landscape.My mission is clear: to ensure that women, families, and communities facing disadvantage are not left behind. I believe in the transformative power of grassroots organisations and continue to champion Saheli Hub’s vision of empowering communities through prevention, participation, and partnership.If you are passionate about health equity, community empowerment, or collaborative approaches to systemic change, I would love to connect.