Shanaz Ahmed

Shanaz Ahmed’s Journey of Purpose, Education and Community Impact

A passion for helping others has been the defining thread throughout Shanaz Ahmed’s life. Drawn to education as a way to empower young people and bring communities together, she embraced every opportunity to learn, grow and lead - laying the foundations for the impactful work she carries out today.

Shanaz started her career in banking, but after the birth of her second child, and during a difficult period of post‑natal depression, she began volunteering at a children’s centre - an experience that changed her trajectory.

“Someone suggested I should think about going in to education,” she explains. “I knew I didn’t want to be a teacher, but I realised there was so much more to education than just teaching.”

At the age of 21, and with two young children, Shanaz began exploring her options. “I decided I wanted to go to university and so I looked around at a few universities,” she said. “When I came to Worcester it felt right.”

After being initially turned down, Shanaz refused to give up and her determination paid off when she secured a place on the Early Years Foundation Degree at the University of Worcester - a turning point that would open doors she never imagined possible.

At Worcester, Shanaz learned not just academic theory, but how to channel her passion into action. She gained confidence, developed leadership skills, and discovered a lifelong commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.

While still a student, Shanaz took her first step into educational leadership by becoming a school governor - encouraged by university staff who recognised her potential. Twelve years on, that role has grown into a deep commitment to governance, advocacy and volunteering.

Shanaz graduated from the University in 2015, and went on to volunteer with The Prince’s Trust, supporting young people to build confidence and access opportunities, while also working on projects with schools and families across the region.

“Once I started properly volunteering, I found my passion,” she says. “Helping young people have the best education and opportunities.”

Shanaz’s sense of purpose only strengthened as her family grew. During the Covid‑19 lockdown, time spent at home sparked a renewed connection with her Bangladeshi heritage - its history, traditions and shared values.

After being made redundant from a role with a children’s charity, Shanaz made a bold decision: she founded Bangladesh Community Regeneration Ltd.

Her aim was simple but powerful - to create inclusive spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds could come together, celebrate culture, and build community cohesion.

With support from a local church, Shanaz launched the foundation with an event attended by over 250 people from diverse communities.

“We had food, jewellery‑making workshops and games - it was incredible,” she says. “The feedback was overwhelmingly positive.”

One of Shanaz’s most impactful initiatives emerged from a deeply personal experience - when her son was bullied at school.

“Sadly, I realised how many families were going through similar experiences,” she explains. “I wanted to turn something terrible into something positive.”

Working with The King’s Trust, Shanaz developed the Gen Z Programme — a unique, school‑based anti‑bullying initiative now being delivered across secondary schools in Birmingham, with plans to expand to London and Manchester in 2026.

Through the programme and her consultancy work, Shanaz now supports schools through anti‑bullying and wellbeing workshops, women’s empowerment initiatives, and parent coaching.

In addition to her work with young people, Shanaz is deeply committed to empowering women through education, skills development and wellbeing. “A lot of my work also involves supporting women into education, upskilling, wellbeing and career goals,” she explains. “While at the University of Worcester, it was my tutor - a woman - who saw my potential, who motivated me. This stayed rooted deep within me, and now I deliver workshops that support women in wellbeing, self‑care and education.”

Looking back, Shanaz is clear about where it all began.

“So much of this really stemmed from the University of Worcester,” she says. “It opened that first door for me.”

Her story is one of resilience, persistence and purpose, and a powerful example of how education can transform lives, families and entire communities.