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Agnes was the first Black woman to serve as Mayor of Barnet. A veteran of Barnet Council, Agnes was elected as ward councillor for West Hendon on 4 May 1982 and served until 2018. Agnes is a champion of diversity, community values and social justice. She relentlessly campaigned for resident issues and says her highlight was being Mayor of Barnet in 1997: “I enjoyed meeting all the residents and different communities regardless of their politics.” Her work as a Eucharistic minister at St John’s Church in Algernon Road keeps her busy and she belongs to a number of community organisations for which she received the Maundy Gift from the Queen.
Amanda is a long standing Police Community Support Officer who is a calm and reassuring presence for the local community. Amanda has worked in the Metropolitan Police Service for over 17 years. She brings an incredible energy, warmth and care to her role, and is really missed in Burnt Oak where she was serving until recently. Amanda works with schools and local youth centres to provide experiences and opportunities for students.
Asmina works to give a voice to older people and improving life for local people and communities. She is an active volunteer, engaged in many different forums, particularly those related to health and wellbeing: “Through Health Watch, I have joined different steering groups and have provided a voice for residents and patients. I am very keen to ensure equality and diversity are at the heart of all health and social care provision.”
Asmina volunteers as it’s extremely important to her: “Not only does it allow me to meet different people but also helps with my own health and wellbeing and gives me a reason to get out of bed in the morning.”
Christina founded Sonia Community, a local social enterprise seeking to restore lives, bring dignity and value through community. Recently, Sonia Community ran a World Cup Final event for refugees, organised a Christmas lunch and hosted the first Lunar New Year celebration in the community.
Christina develops projects that create inclusion within marginalised communities. Christina says: “When communities work together, there is less space for individuals to fall between the gaps. Sonia Community sows opportunities, nurtures, invests, and affirms lives with the aim of being a catalyst for graceful new beginnings.”
Dr Doirean Wilson is a Senior Lecturer & Diversity Lead at Middlesex University. She is responsible for programmes of engagement, demonstration projects and promoting diversity in teaching and learning.
Dr Wilson is recognised as an expert and significant figure in the field of diversity and is the creator and Chair of Middlesex University’s high profile EDUBATE panel discussion series, encouraging students to debate topical subjects. Dr Wilson holds a Doctorate in Professional Practice, a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management, a Postgraduate Certificate in Further Education and a post graduate Certificate in Management Studies.
She is a Senior Fellow for the Higher Education Academy, a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts Manufactures & Commerce, a Fellow of the European Institute for Spirituality in Economics and Society, and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development. Dr. Wilson specialises in sharing knowledge and best practice to various organisations internationally.
Fay is an inspiring woman who provides in-person support for clients in need of employment and benefit advice. She has become the face of digital inclusion in Barnet and a vital part of the support offer during the cost-ofliving crisis. Fay was instrumental in launching the Digital Partner Network, recruiting 20 digital champions and recycling and distributing over 200 laptops to residents in the community.
Filomena is a past winner of the Outstanding Service to the Community award in the Barnet Civic Awards. Bread n Butter is a social enterprise that teaches the basic life skills of cooking. Bread n Butter strives to alleviate food poverty and food waste, improve mental health and social isolation through community workshops. Since 2019 Filomena has run Community Cooking Together sessions for residents from the Grahame Park estate in Colindale. These sessions give people the skills, knowledge and confidence to cook from scratch so that they are well equipped to feed themselves and their families. Filomena also imparts her nutrition knowledge to ensure participants are empowered to make healthier choices to improve their health and wellbeing.
Hawa Co-Founder and Director of Center of Excellence, which is committed to being a vehicle for change. The Center of Excellence provides diverse workshops, events, and community-driven initiatives to enhance the lives of the Somali and other ethnic communities. Hawa is committed to building bridges and strengthening connections between youth and parents, as well as creating safe spaces for people to share experiences.
Hope is an outstanding personality and inspiration to the Grahame Park community. She personifies service to local residents, targeting hardship and supporting the elderly, parents and children. Hope runs the Sowing Stitches centre, which delivers technical and business skills training to women in the community. She is an advocate for parent championing and facilitates cross-cultural parenting support for families living in Grahame Park. Hope encourages children and young people to learn and develop, supporting them to gain a socially inclusive education and engaging with them in a positive way.
Irene is an activist and advocate for youth empowerment. She is founder of Ebony Ambassadors, which has organised hundreds of successful skills empowerment workshops in London. Irene is an established workshop facilitator, trainer, mentor, stylist, event planner, correspondent, human rights activist, and women’s development specialist
Janet is CEO of the Young Barnet Foundation (YBF). YBF supports over 200 children and young people’s organisations through support and funding through its Space2Grow giving scheme. YBF is one of three organisations that make up Barnet Together, the borough’s voluntary sector infrastructure partnership. Janet is a passionate champion of the VCFSE sector and the power of working in partnership to give the next generation of Barnet residents the very best start in life.
Kate is an outstanding young volunteer with youth charity Exposure. She is an advocate for young women by being supportive, understanding, and motivated to tackle important issues relevant to young people. Kate is an inspiration to her young colleagues at Exposure, encouraging other young women to express themselves, while educating and informing her peers and wider community through her creative work as a podcast creator tackling misogyny.
Leila, Livia and Daniella lead this grassroots initiative to harness the power of the local community to care for Barnet and Brent’s only Site of Special Scientific Interest, the Brent Reservoir – known locally as the Welsh Harp. Friends of the Welsh Harp carry out a range of conservation work, including large scale industrial plastic pollution removal, habitat creation, ecodesign makeovers, and nature events including tree walks and bird walks.
Lydia is a Barnet resident who has led on town centre workstreams and community engagement in Burnt Oak. She developed the idea and secured funding from Barnet Council to run the amazing Saturday Socials programme and community outreach. The Saturday Socials run every week and cover varying topics important to the community.
Michelle leads project work within the local community. Her main focus is on alleviating violence against women and girls and encourages residents to stand up against hate crime and report it. Michelle fosters great relationships between partner organisations representing schools, road safety, TfL, commercial business and Barnet MENCAP. Michelle works tirelessly to teach people with learning disabilities to become independent travellers and be safe on public transport.
Natasha is a past winner of the Outstanding Service to the Community award in the Barnet Civic Awards. Bread n Butter is a social enterprise that teaches the basic life skills of cooking, educating children and young people on nutrition and food provenance. Natasha strives to help and support women into employment, giving them the skills and confidence to get back into the workplace. Bread n Butter offers the chance for women to volunteer and provide part-time work opportunities.
Nila is a trustee of Barnet Asian Women’s Association (BAWA). BAWA was set up by local women in 1978 and established at Friern Park in February 1985. Nila encourages the women she works with to achieve their potential by going above and beyond. During the pandemic Nila supported women of all faiths to stay connected, get online to socialise, exercise and share skills in order to reduce isolation and improve mental wellbeing.
Nila is Chairman of both the Barnet Seniors Assembly (BSA) and Barnet Diabetes Voluntary Group, Diabetes UK. Nila has been instrumental in delivering amazing public events in Barnet, like the Silver Sunday afternoon tea for over 55’s. Since the pandemic the BSA has held talks and weekly chair-based yoga sessions to support members and elders within Barnet. Nila leads a group of volunteers, known as street champions, who deliver bimonthly newsletters to ensure residents remain informed. Barnet Voluntary Group, Diabetes UK provides support, companionship and information for people and their families living with type 1 or 2 diabetes in Barnet. Nila has restored social meetings to offer encouragement and support by organising monthly talks with guests speakers on different aspects of living with diabetes.
Propa Rezwana Anwar is a British Bangladeshi Muslim author and recent Social Sciences graduate of King’s College London, now working in digital marketing in Westminster. Born and raised in Barnet, she’s Vice Chair of Barnet Multifaith Forum and Youth Council Events Manager for The Faith & Belief Forum. Propa is a bilingual presenter on Channel S TV (Sky 777). She enjoys running her EdTech company and spoke as British youth representative at the United Nations Transforming Education Summit 2022, at the New York HQ.
Rahima works to preserve Uyghur identity, culture, heritage, custom and traditions, language and Uyghur history. Rahima works with Uyghur asylum seekers and refugees and to protect their rights in the UK. Rahima collaborates with other voluntary and faith orgainsations to support local communities.
Reshma runs an inclusive hate crime awareness campaign that Mencap leads for the Safer Communities Partnership in Barnet. Her work includes managing the Hate Crime Reporting Centres, recruiting over 200 Hate Crime Champions, arranging training sessions, and running the Barnet Safer Places Scheme for people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and autism. Reshma brings partners together and raises awareness with determination and dedication.
Roberta promotes and advances issues affecting women and girls. Kind, compassionate, unwaveringly committed, Roberta is a senior youth worker and a role model who encourages girls to pursue their dreams through discussions and workshops. Roberta works tirelessly with young people in schools and youth clubs across Barnet.
Vicki is a past winner of the Outstanding Service to the Community award in the Barnet Civic Awards. Bread n Butter is a social enterprise that teaches the basic life skills of cooking. Bread n Butter strives to alleviate food poverty and food waste, improve mental health and social isolation through community workshops. Vicki works tirelessly to help disadvantaged communities make more informed lifestyle choices to maximise their health and wellbeing. She works with marginalised individuals, giving them the skills and confidence to be able to cook simple, tasty and healthy dishes at home.
Wendy is a trained horticulturist who promotes growing food to residents in Barnet and beyond, through @HaveAGrow on Instagram. She grows organic food, with protection for the soil, nature and planet at mind and believes in the permaculture ethics of earth share, fair share and people care.
Wendy set up the community garden Incredible Edible Barnet in 2016, when she ran out of room to grow food in her back garden. With a small group of volunteers, she grows fruit, vegetables and edible flowers outside a church in New Barnet, available for everyone in the community to come along and try. Wendy is keen to spread her knowledge and support others wanting to set up growing spaces in the borough.
Dr Zaki Rezwana Anwar FRSA is the longest serving British Bangladeshi newscaster. An eminent research physician, columnist and speaker, she is a personality known for her medical and philanthropic contributions. Journals including British Medical Journal, Lancet, European Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Royal Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene have published her research. Cultivating her medical and international media expertise, she regularly advises charities, businesses and TV channels in both English and Bengali.
Agnes was the first Black woman to serve as Mayor of Barnet. A veteran of Barnet Council, Agnes was elected as ward councillor for West Hendon on 4 May 1982 and served until 2018. Agnes is a champion of diversity, community values and social justice. She relentlessly campaigned for resident issues and says her highlight was being Mayor of Barnet in 1997: “I enjoyed meeting all the residents and different communities regardless of their politics.” Her work as a Eucharistic minister at St John’s Church in Algernon Road keeps her busy and she belongs to a number of community organisations for which she received the Maundy Gift from the Queen.
Amanda is a long standing Police Community Support Officer who is a calm and reassuring presence for the local community. Amanda has worked in the Metropolitan Police Service for over 17 years. She brings an incredible energy, warmth and care to her role, and is really missed in Burnt Oak where she was serving until recently. Amanda works with schools and local youth centres to provide experiences and opportunities for students.
Asmina works to give a voice to older people and improving life for local people and communities. She is an active volunteer, engaged in many different forums, particularly those related to health and wellbeing: “Through Health Watch, I have joined different steering groups and have provided a voice for residents and patients. I am very keen to ensure equality and diversity are at the heart of all health and social care provision.”
Asmina volunteers as it’s extremely important to her: “Not only does it allow me to meet different people but also helps with my own health and wellbeing and gives me a reason to get out of bed in the morning.”
Christina founded Sonia Community, a local social enterprise seeking to restore lives, bring dignity and value through community. Recently, Sonia Community ran a World Cup Final event for refugees, organised a Christmas lunch and hosted the first Lunar New Year celebration in the community.
Christina develops projects that create inclusion within marginalised communities. Christina says: “When communities work together, there is less space for individuals to fall between the gaps. Sonia Community sows opportunities, nurtures, invests, and affirms lives with the aim of being a catalyst for graceful new beginnings.”
Dr Doirean Wilson is a Senior Lecturer & Diversity Lead at Middlesex University. She is responsible for programmes of engagement, demonstration projects and promoting diversity in teaching and learning.
Dr Wilson is recognised as an expert and significant figure in the field of diversity and is the creator and Chair of Middlesex University’s high profile EDUBATE panel discussion series, encouraging students to debate topical subjects. Dr Wilson holds a Doctorate in Professional Practice, a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management, a Postgraduate Certificate in Further Education and a post graduate Certificate in Management Studies.
She is a Senior Fellow for the Higher Education Academy, a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts Manufactures & Commerce, a Fellow of the European Institute for Spirituality in Economics and Society, and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development. Dr. Wilson specialises in sharing knowledge and best practice to various organisations internationally.
Fay is an inspiring woman who provides in-person support for clients in need of employment and benefit advice. She has become the face of digital inclusion in Barnet and a vital part of the support offer during the cost-ofliving crisis. Fay was instrumental in launching the Digital Partner Network, recruiting 20 digital champions and recycling and distributing over 200 laptops to residents in the community.
Filomena is a past winner of the Outstanding Service to the Community award in the Barnet Civic Awards. Bread n Butter is a social enterprise that teaches the basic life skills of cooking. Bread n Butter strives to alleviate food poverty and food waste, improve mental health and social isolation through community workshops. Since 2019 Filomena has run Community Cooking Together sessions for residents from the Grahame Park estate in Colindale. These sessions give people the skills, knowledge and confidence to cook from scratch so that they are well equipped to feed themselves and their families. Filomena also imparts her nutrition knowledge to ensure participants are empowered to make healthier choices to improve their health and wellbeing.
Hawa Co-Founder and Director of Center of Excellence, which is committed to being a vehicle for change. The Center of Excellence provides diverse workshops, events, and community-driven initiatives to enhance the lives of the Somali and other ethnic communities. Hawa is committed to building bridges and strengthening connections between youth and parents, as well as creating safe spaces for people to share experiences.
Hope is an outstanding personality and inspiration to the Grahame Park community. She personifies service to local residents, targeting hardship and supporting the elderly, parents and children. Hope runs the Sowing Stitches centre, which delivers technical and business skills training to women in the community. She is an advocate for parent championing and facilitates cross-cultural parenting support for families living in Grahame Park. Hope encourages children and young people to learn and develop, supporting them to gain a socially inclusive education and engaging with them in a positive way.
Irene is an activist and advocate for youth empowerment. She is founder of Ebony Ambassadors, which has organised hundreds of successful skills empowerment workshops in London. Irene is an established workshop facilitator, trainer, mentor, stylist, event planner, correspondent, human rights activist, and women’s development specialist
Janet is CEO of the Young Barnet Foundation (YBF). YBF supports over 200 children and young people’s organisations through support and funding through its Space2Grow giving scheme. YBF is one of three organisations that make up Barnet Together, the borough’s voluntary sector infrastructure partnership. Janet is a passionate champion of the VCFSE sector and the power of working in partnership to give the next generation of Barnet residents the very best start in life.
Kate is an outstanding young volunteer with youth charity Exposure. She is an advocate for young women by being supportive, understanding, and motivated to tackle important issues relevant to young people. Kate is an inspiration to her young colleagues at Exposure, encouraging other young women to express themselves, while educating and informing her peers and wider community through her creative work as a podcast creator tackling misogyny.
Leila, Livia and Daniella lead this grassroots initiative to harness the power of the local community to care for Barnet and Brent’s only Site of Special Scientific Interest, the Brent Reservoir – known locally as the Welsh Harp. Friends of the Welsh Harp carry out a range of conservation work, including large scale industrial plastic pollution removal, habitat creation, ecodesign makeovers, and nature events including tree walks and bird walks.
Lydia is a Barnet resident who has led on town centre workstreams and community engagement in Burnt Oak. She developed the idea and secured funding from Barnet Council to run the amazing Saturday Socials programme and community outreach. The Saturday Socials run every week and cover varying topics important to the community.
Michelle leads project work within the local community. Her main focus is on alleviating violence against women and girls and encourages residents to stand up against hate crime and report it. Michelle fosters great relationships between partner organisations representing schools, road safety, TfL, commercial business and Barnet MENCAP. Michelle works tirelessly to teach people with learning disabilities to become independent travellers and be safe on public transport.
Natasha is a past winner of the Outstanding Service to the Community award in the Barnet Civic Awards. Bread n Butter is a social enterprise that teaches the basic life skills of cooking, educating children and young people on nutrition and food provenance. Natasha strives to help and support women into employment, giving them the skills and confidence to get back into the workplace. Bread n Butter offers the chance for women to volunteer and provide part-time work opportunities.
Nila is a trustee of Barnet Asian Women’s Association (BAWA). BAWA was set up by local women in 1978 and established at Friern Park in February 1985. Nila encourages the women she works with to achieve their potential by going above and beyond. During the pandemic Nila supported women of all faiths to stay connected, get online to socialise, exercise and share skills in order to reduce isolation and improve mental wellbeing.
Nila is Chairman of both the Barnet Seniors Assembly (BSA) and Barnet Diabetes Voluntary Group, Diabetes UK. Nila has been instrumental in delivering amazing public events in Barnet, like the Silver Sunday afternoon tea for over 55’s. Since the pandemic the BSA has held talks and weekly chair-based yoga sessions to support members and elders within Barnet. Nila leads a group of volunteers, known as street champions, who deliver bimonthly newsletters to ensure residents remain informed. Barnet Voluntary Group, Diabetes UK provides support, companionship and information for people and their families living with type 1 or 2 diabetes in Barnet. Nila has restored social meetings to offer encouragement and support by organising monthly talks with guests speakers on different aspects of living with diabetes.
Propa Rezwana Anwar is a British Bangladeshi Muslim author and recent Social Sciences graduate of King’s College London, now working in digital marketing in Westminster. Born and raised in Barnet, she’s Vice Chair of Barnet Multifaith Forum and Youth Council Events Manager for The Faith & Belief Forum. Propa is a bilingual presenter on Channel S TV (Sky 777). She enjoys running her EdTech company and spoke as British youth representative at the United Nations Transforming Education Summit 2022, at the New York HQ.
Rahima works to preserve Uyghur identity, culture, heritage, custom and traditions, language and Uyghur history. Rahima works with Uyghur asylum seekers and refugees and to protect their rights in the UK. Rahima collaborates with other voluntary and faith orgainsations to support local communities.
Reshma runs an inclusive hate crime awareness campaign that Mencap leads for the Safer Communities Partnership in Barnet. Her work includes managing the Hate Crime Reporting Centres, recruiting over 200 Hate Crime Champions, arranging training sessions, and running the Barnet Safer Places Scheme for people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and autism. Reshma brings partners together and raises awareness with determination and dedication.
Roberta promotes and advances issues affecting women and girls. Kind, compassionate, unwaveringly committed, Roberta is a senior youth worker and a role model who encourages girls to pursue their dreams through discussions and workshops. Roberta works tirelessly with young people in schools and youth clubs across Barnet.
Vicki is a past winner of the Outstanding Service to the Community award in the Barnet Civic Awards. Bread n Butter is a social enterprise that teaches the basic life skills of cooking. Bread n Butter strives to alleviate food poverty and food waste, improve mental health and social isolation through community workshops. Vicki works tirelessly to help disadvantaged communities make more informed lifestyle choices to maximise their health and wellbeing. She works with marginalised individuals, giving them the skills and confidence to be able to cook simple, tasty and healthy dishes at home.
Wendy is a trained horticulturist who promotes growing food to residents in Barnet and beyond, through @HaveAGrow on Instagram. She grows organic food, with protection for the soil, nature and planet at mind and believes in the permaculture ethics of earth share, fair share and people care.
Wendy set up the community garden Incredible Edible Barnet in 2016, when she ran out of room to grow food in her back garden. With a small group of volunteers, she grows fruit, vegetables and edible flowers outside a church in New Barnet, available for everyone in the community to come along and try. Wendy is keen to spread her knowledge and support others wanting to set up growing spaces in the borough.
Dr Zaki Rezwana Anwar FRSA is the longest serving British Bangladeshi newscaster. An eminent research physician, columnist and speaker, she is a personality known for her medical and philanthropic contributions. Journals including British Medical Journal, Lancet, European Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Royal Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene have published her research. Cultivating her medical and international media expertise, she regularly advises charities, businesses and TV channels in both English and Bengali.
