Naseem Akhtar BEM is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Saheli Hub, a pioneering organisation that empowers women and marginalised communities to improve their health and wellbeing through physical activity, sport and social connection. Based in Birmingham, Naseem has spent more than two decades challenging inequalities, breaking down barriers to participation and creating safe, culturally appropriate spaces where people can thrive. Under her leadership Saheli Hub has grown from a small grassroots initiative into a nationally recognised model of best practice, working with over 16,000 women and families. Naseem has forged strong partnerships across health, local government and sport, securing sustainable funding and driving innovative programmes such as social prescribing, cycling clubs, tennis and community health checks. Recognised as a Commonwealth Games Hometown Hero and awarded a British Empire Medal for services to health and sport, Naseem continues to be a passionate advocate for equity, inclusion and empowerment through community-led action.