Meet the activist-turned-NHS executive dedicated to equality for all

Shahnaz Ali OBE was a young activist in Bradford, where she grew up, before working on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) policies in the public sector for more than 30 years. She is a former Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for the NHS' North West Strategic Health Authority.

She has received an Outstanding Contribution Award at the University 'In recognition of her unstinting commitment to equality, inclusion and human rights management, and her invaluable contribution to the University as a former Council Member.'

Shahnaz, who received her award on Wednesday 16 July, said: "I feel honoured and especially proud that am being awarded by University of Bradford, as I grew up in Bradford.

"My friends and family still live here so mine is 'a local Asian girl done good' story. I therefore always felt I owed back to the city which nurtured me and influenced my career pathway through my lived experiences in communities and institutions here."

Who is Shahnaz Ali OBE?

Shahnaz's dedication to working on equality for all started as a young activist, when she was involved in the first Asian youth movements and black anti-racist groups. These included the Bradford 12 campaign, a social justice movement which centred around the defence of 12 young Asian men arrested in Bradford in 1981.

The United Black Youth League members were arrested for allegedly making explosive devices, which they claimed was for self-defence against racist attacks. There was a national campaign which led to the 12 men subsequently being acquitted, but the case also set the legal precedence of self-defence.

Shahnaz was a member of the University of Bradford Council for seven years after being appointed in 2015, helping to influence the institution's direction on widening participation, reducing attainment gaps and improving student experience.

She is also Deputy Chair and Trustee of the Moonlight Trust Board, a Dewsbury-based charity which provides food, shelter, sanitation, medical supplies and basic education to people across the world.

She was appointed an OBE in 2014 in recognition of her contributions to equality and diversity.

'Make the world a better place'

Shahnaz had this advice for his fellow graduates: "I believe we all have a purpose in life to contribute and touch lives and make the world a better place.

"My principles that I try to apply to every aspect of life are compassion, empathy, equality and humanity. You can't go wrong with these foundations.

"Careers are not just about personal success and financial success, so considering the NHS is the largest employer in Europe with 1.4 million staff, there are more than 100 roles. You don't have to be a clinician to make a difference."