Shanaz Gul

Role: Partner Member – Third Sector

Shanaz has worked and volunteered in the Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector for over 20 years.  In that time, her career has ranged from working with young people from Leeds to New York on projects such as addressing bullying, confidence and self-esteem, preventing NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), rehabilitating young offenders, working with young people at risk of offending and child sexual exploitation (CSE), parental conflict, radicalisation, knife and gang crime and anti-social behaviour.

As an advocate for a variety of communities of interest across the city, Shanaz played a key role in ensuring that culturally appropriate food provision and support was provided during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Shanaz’s work within the community ranges from capacity building, community cohesion and the wider determinants of Health and Wellbeing.  Working at grassroots level to reduce health inequalities has resulted in Shanaz building strong links with community leaders from a multitude of diverse backgrounds.

“My drivers are education, inclusion, equality of opportunities, building resilience, reducing food poverty and bringing the best out of people.”

Shanaz has a BA (Hons) in Youth and Community Development and has studied Community Leadership as well as Strategic Management.