Our People
Dr Rowena Shaw OBE
Chair of Trustees
Dr. Rowena Shaw’s work in education at all levels included leading schools and national organisations.
After working in 5 multifaith schools including as a secondary headteacher, Rowena become Deputy General Secretary at the NAHT and the first CEO of NASS, a national association for special schools. She was joint deputy with Naz Bokhari at Haggerston School where the leadership comprised a Christian (Mary Metcalf, Head), Muslim (Naz) and Jewess (Rowena). She has been governor and Trustee in several organisations and schools, chairs the Education Advisory Panel at the Prince’s Trust and advises on special education at New Schools Network. She was awarded an OBE in 2021 for services to education and to young people.
After working in 5 multifaith schools including as a secondary headteacher, Rowena become Deputy General Secretary at the NAHT and the first CEO of NASS, a national association for special schools. She was joint deputy with Naz Bokhari at Haggerston School where the leadership comprised a Christian (Mary Metcalf, Head), Muslim (Naz) and Jewess (Rowena). She has been governor and Trustee in several organisations and schools, chairs the Education Advisory Panel at the Prince’s Trust and advises on special education at New Schools Network. She was awarded an OBE in 2021 for services to education and to young people.
Bushra Nasir CBE
Bushra became Head of Plashet Comprehensive School in the London Borough of Newham. She has successfully led the school from a low-achieving school in 1993 to a school that has twice been categorised as Outstanding by OFSTED in 2005 and 2008. In February 2009, Plashet featured in a national OFSTED report called “12 outstanding schools – excelling against the Generic Viagra odds.” Bushra has held office in many high profile organisations, has a Doctorate from the University of East London and a Fellowship from Queen Mary College, London. She has a CBE for services to education. Recently she was awarded the Time Education Supplement (TES) Head Teacher of the Year.
Harris Bokhari OBE
Harris is the co-founder of the Naz Legacy Foundation, and organised the first youth Interfaith Iftar at Lambeth Palace, which brought together the Archbishop of Canterbury, Chief Rabbi, Mayor of London and over 100 youth leaders from each of London’s boroughs – representing all faiths and none. He is also a Board member of Mosaic, HRH The Prince of Wales’ mentoring charitable initiative, and a Trustee of the Natural History Museum. Harris founded the Patchwork Foundation in 2010, recognising the vital need of a vehicle by which to promote the political and democratic engagement of under-represented communities.
Imran Sanaullah MBE
Imran was the inaugural Naz Bokhari Award winner in 2012. Since then, Imran has gone on to become the CEO for the Patchwork Foundation where he supports the engagement of young people into politics, democracy and civil society. Imran continues to support successive Naz Bokhari Award winners with advice, mentoring and support. Imran has also been recognised by the likes of HRH the Prince of Wales, the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Prime Minister the Rt Hon Theresa May MP for his hard work in improving opportunities for those from the most disadvantaged and minority communities in the UK. Imran was awarded an MBE in Her Majesty’s Birthday Honours List in 2019 for services to young people.
Sajidah Patel
Director of Operations
Saj is the Foundation’s Director and has a background in campaigning, research and advocacy.
Sajidah joined the Naz Legacy Foundation as Director of Operations in 2018. She has experience in campaigning, research and advocacy. She previously worked for a Member of Parliament and founded a Youth Council on tackling Domestic Violence with Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC. She also has experience in teaching at a secondary level. Saj is passionate about social justice and equality and holds an MSc from SOAS in Middle East Politics.
Sajidah joined the Naz Legacy Foundation as Director of Operations in 2018. She has experience in campaigning, research and advocacy. She previously worked for a Member of Parliament and founded a Youth Council on tackling Domestic Violence with Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC. She also has experience in teaching at a secondary level. Saj is passionate about social justice and equality and holds an MSc from SOAS in Middle East Politics.
Fatema Karim
Programmes Coordinator
Fatema joined the Naz Legacy Foundation as the Programmes Coordinator in 2021. She holds a degree in International Politics and since graduating, she has worked in the public sector. Prior to joining the Foundation, Fatema has previously worked with communities on cohesion and fundraising projects.
Our voluntary Executive Team is made up of young people who have engaged with Naz Legacy Foundation’s programmes for several years. Many of them have also completed the Patchwork Masterclass Programme. They play a leading role in the Foundation’s operations and delivery of programmes, whilst also providing insight into the needs and requirements of our beneficiaries.