2026 Shortlisted nominee
Head of Diversity & Inclusion Award
Naheed is a nationally recognised, multi award-winning EDI leader whose work is driving meaningful culture change across higher education and beyond. As Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Manchester Metropolitan University, she leads the development and delivery of its Inclusive and Diverse Culture Strategy, embedding equity, belonging and accountability across leadership, the employee lifecycle and student experience. With extensive experience across the public, voluntary and higher education sectors, Naheed has led programmes to close equality gaps, strengthen representation and embed inclusive leadership into organisational practice. Her impact has been recognised through the UHR Inclusion Award, Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter Inclusion Award and Aziz Foundation Inclusion Award. A respected national voice, Naheed regularly contributes to conferences, leadership forums and sector initiatives, sharing expertise on race equity, social mobility and belonging while supporting lasting institutional change.
