My life’s journey has been shaped by the indomitable spirit of my father, a hardworking man who, despite starting his career in factories across Yorkshire and the East Midlands, harboured an unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. His emphasis on knowledge as a key to unlocking opportunities became the guiding light for our family. Supported by his vision, I, along with my siblings, embarked on a quest for education and personal development.
My professional odyssey commenced after graduating in 2003, where I found myself immersed in the intricate world of recruitment consulting. In this demanding field, I honed my skills and amassed critical experience, refining my ability to identify exceptional talent and build teams. But my heart yearned for a more profound purpose, one that went beyond the corporate sphere.
In 2006, I took a significant turn in my journey, delving into the world of charitable work, fueled by an innate desire to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the betterment of society. This was the beginning of a chapter where individuals like myself, highly qualified and driven by humanitarian ideals, sought to redefine the landscape of positive change.
The pivotal moment arrived in 2010 when I joined one of the United Kingdom’s largest and most impactful charities. Here, I immersed myself in the world of humanitarianism, a realm where highly qualified professionals come together to change the lives of those in the most vulnerable corners of the world. With precision and dedication, I focused on development work in some of the most challenging and underserved regions, honing my skills and cultivating expertise that would prove invaluable in the years to come.
Over time, I transitioned through various roles within the organisation, managing multifaceted projects across Latin America and Africa. In 2017, I embarked on a new phase, one that was centered on the establishment and cultivation of humanitarian and international partnerships. It was here that I became an integral part of a network of seasoned humanitarians, individuals with the expertise to navigate complex global challenges and implement solutions that bring real change.
My journey has taken me to the far reaches of the globe, allowing me to bear witness to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. One of the most poignant experiences was a visit to the Horn of Africa in 2017, where I collaborated with a consortium of international charities and UK Members of Parliament. Together, we ventured into regions devastated by drought, delivering lifesaving aid and fostering hope amidst the harshest conditions.
My interactions with children during these missions inspired a new facet of my humanitarian journey. Recognizing the power of knowledge and storytelling, I embarked on writing, crafting several children’s books and publications within the humanitarian sector. These works aimed not only to educate but to ignite the spark of curiosity and empathy in young hearts.
As I look toward the future, my aspiration is to further expand and deepen my involvement in the charity sector, making a lasting impact on the lives of those in need. It’s a path that demands unwavering dedication, resilience, and expertise—the hallmarks of highly qualified humanitarians who tirelessly work to create a better world.
Thank you for accompanying me on this journey—a journey fueled by compassion, knowledge, and the unshakable belief in the possibility of positive change.
Mahboob Azam 