Zara has served on the executive team of the Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS) and was elected the first female President of the organisation for the term 2016-17.
Zara has contributed to a number of public consultations including muslim women and employment, islamophobia and has spoken at a number of event across the UK and Ireland. She is passionate about empowering young people and supporting women in her community. She is a member of the Executive board of the Muslim Council of Britain and has now joined the team at the Muslim Council of Scotland.
1 Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
Glasgow, Scotland, being born and raised here I love the green space and friendliness of the Scots
2 What are your proudest achievements?
Being elected the first female President of the Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS) in 2016. It was a huge honour to repesent the interests of over 120,000 muslim students across the UK & Eire
3 What inspires you?
Firstly my faith, working for a purpose to better humanity and in doing so worship God. Then being surrounded by so many inspiring people, some who have given their life to community service, pushed boundaried and made a lasting change
4 What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
Probably my own self doubt, negative voice inside telling me I wasn't good the right person for the job. Once you start to dim that sound and focus on seizing opportunities to good there is no turning back!
5 Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
Definitely my parents, both have given me the support and trust to follow a different path from those around me as well as to travel all over the UK and abroad and be gone for days!
6 What is the best aspect about your current role?
I love that I can continue supporting community needs and intersts both at a grassroots and policy level. Knowing you can help pave the way to some really important change even if its just the start is rewarding enough.
7 And the worst?
This type of work can be really tiring and draining so burn out is not a stranger. There are often so many different issues to deal with (planned and unplanned) you can find your weeks flying by!
8 What are your long term goals?
To ensure society is inclsuive of all with more BME representating across all sectors especially at the top. I hope we can provide pathways and confidence for people to make those joruneys.
9 If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
Social mobility, people should have a good living wage and be ableto acces opportunies for a better life, no one should be living out of food banks whilst working full time. Young people should be able to reach their potential.
10 If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why.
No one in particular.
