Zahra is the Strategic Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion Lead for the Wellbeing Board to coordinate EDI across the strategic partnerships within the district. Previously Programme Lead for Bradford Council working on the Integration Strategy communities programme, which continues to run under Bradford For Everyone. Bradford For Everyone is a £4.6m programme with 80+ interventions and activities supported through its funding; around four pillars of Getting on, Getting Involved, Getting Involved and Feeling Safe. Zahra is the co-chair of the Regional Refugee Integration Network.
Born in Pakistan in Chakwal, and raised in Bradford, Zahra is deeply committed to the city and its people; and expresses this through championing diversity and equality. Zahra graduated from the University of Bradford in 2001 in Interdisciplinary Human Studies and completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration in 2008.
Zahra is also the Director of Impact Hub and has previously been a Public Governor for the Care Trust. She has a background in project and programme management with experience of supporting programmes of up to £49m. Zahra was Leader of the Year for Bradford Council in 2020, a finalist for Emerging Leader for the Northern Asian Powerlist in 2020, the top most influential South Asians in Bradford as highlighted by Asian Standard and Young Leader Award by the Young Professionals Society in 2021.
