Our Vision > Meet the team
> Staff Team
The people behind the work
Dedicated, diverse, and deeply committed to our community
leadership
Meet our Chief Executive
Chief Executive Officer
Nahid Rasool
Nahid Rasool is the Chief Executive of Shantona Women’s & Family Services, with over 36 years’ experience in the voluntary and community sector. A British Bangladeshi woman working in the third sector, she has dedicated her career to strengthening communities, advancing equity, and supporting minority-led grassroots organisations.
Nahid began at Shantona as a Coordinator when the organisation had just two part-time staff. Over two decades as CEO, she has grown Shantona into a nationally and internationally recognised organisation of 30 staff — securing around £12 million in funding and increasing annual income from £30,000 to £700,000.
Her leadership reaches well beyond Shantona. She served as UK Coordinator for the Genderwise European Project, founded the Women and Girls Alliance Leeds (now a network of 13 women’s organisations), and represents small and minority-led charities on the Integrated Care Partnership (ICP) Board.
Nahid’s work has been widely recognised. She holds an Honorary Doctorate from Leeds Beckett University (2017), has been named one of the Most Influential South Asian Women in Leeds for four consecutive years, and is one of 383 women celebrated in the landmark ‘Ribbons’ sculpture honouring women who have shaped the city of Leeds
MBA
Leeds Beckett University
A1 Best Women’s Centre
2015
Honorary Doctorate 2017
Leeds Beckett University
Most Influential South Asian Women in Leeds – Asian Standard
Four consecutive years
GSK Impact Award
2020
Ribbons’ Sculpture, Leeds
One of 383 women featured
OUR DEPARTMENTS
Teams working together for our community
Each team brings specialist knowledge and deep community connection to deliver the best possible support.
Management
Our leadership team steers the organisation day to day - from services and operations to development, quality and safeguarding.
Shafia B Ali
SERVICE MANAGER
Leading with purpose, empowering communities, and driving meaningful change.
Bally Aizal
FACILITIES & OPERATIONS MANAGER
Keeping our spaces safe, welcoming and ready for the community.
Diane Law
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATOR
Leading on quality assurance and safeguarding.
Harpreet Dosanjh
Office Manger
Short introduction about the staff member and their responsibilities.
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Adults & Community Team
Supporting women and families through domestic violence, sexual violence, complex needs and health towards safety,
confidence and independence.
Naggina Asaf
ISVA CASE WORKER
Navigating the criminal justice system can feel like walking through a maze blindfolded. That’s exactly what an ISVA is there for—to be a trusted guide and single point of contact so you don’t have to face it alone.
Think of me as your advocate, translator, and someone firmly in your corner.
Zubeda Zahid Patel
DV COMPLEX NEEDS WORKER
Think of me as part detective 🕵️♀️, part problem-solver 🧩, part advocate 📣, and part cheerleader 🌟, helping women overcome challenges and move forward with confidence.
Eyarun Nessa
DV FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER
Walking alongside families affected by domestic violence.
Felora Chegini
DV FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER
Providing compassionate, practical support to families.
Charanjit Soor
HEALTH PROJECT WORKER
Building stronger communities, reducing isolation, tackling health inequalities – because we are Better Together!
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Short introduction about the staff member and their responsibilities.
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Short introduction about the staff member and their responsibilities.
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Short introduction about the staff member and their responsibilities.
Young People's Services Team
Helping young people build confidence, find their voice, create influence and contribute to the wider community.
Thasnim Khatun
YOUTH WORKER
Helping young people grow in confidence and find their voice.
Saima Hussain
YOUNG PEOPLE'S WORKER
Supporting young people through every step of their journey.
Early Years Team
Running our Ofsted Outstanding nursery - providing nurturing, high-quality care and early education for children aged 2+.
Sabuj Shalam
EARLY YEARS MANAGER
Providing strategic leadership and support to our team, ensuring the highest standards of care, safeguarding and early years education across the nursery.
Tam Le
CHILDCARE MANAGER
SUPPORT STAFF & VOLUNTEER
Working hand-in-hand with parents and children in the community since 1998.
Sadia Akhtar
JUNIOR MANAGER ·
LEAD KEY WORKER · SENCO
Experienced Early Years Teacher and SENCO creating inclusive, nurturing learning environments where every child can thrive.
Shabeen Khan
EARLY YEARS KEY WORKER
Committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment and supporting every child to reach their full potential.
Aliyah Ahmed
EARLY YEARS KEY WORKER
Building strong relationships with children and families, supporting each child’s learning, development and wellbeing.
Shelly Begum
CHILDCARE ASSISTANT
Caring and enthusiastic, with a passion for supporting children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
