Team
Meet our Senior Leadership Team
Our Senior Leadership Team is made up of passionate, experienced people who care deeply about the work we do and the communities we support. They help guide Hamara with heart, purpose, and a shared commitment to making a positive difference every day.
Raheem Mohammad
Director
A professional Youth Worker and Qualified teacher, Raheem Mohammad is the Director of Hamara, the largest ethnic minority organisation in West Yorkshire. Raheem is passionate about changing the lives of our future generation and with over 20 years of volunteering and working within the charity sector, Raheem is one of the youngest leaders in the sector demonstrating innovation and ambition within his role.
Najeen Rasool
Deputy Director
With over 20 years of experience in management and 17 years at Hamara Centre, Najeen is a dedicated professional who has combined her passion for physical health with a commitment to community service. She holds a degree in Business Management and a BSc in Physical Activity, Exercise and Health, equipping her with the skills necessary to drive effective organisational change.
Martin Duxbury
Operation Manager
Martin commenced at Hamara in Oct 2024 as an Operations Manager.
With over 30 years experience in the healthcare sector in a leadership role he brings proven governance and staff wellbeing experience to the role as a Operations Manager.
Sohail Asmat
Operations Manager (East Leeds)
Having worked within the voluntary sector for 25 years, which has included supporting vulnerable individuals, including the homeless and those affected by substance misuse issues. He has partnered with the health sector within HMP Leeds and developed the through-care system to allow seamless continuation of treatment from prison into the community. He has case-managed clients and supported them to achieve effective ‘behaviour change’ using motivational techniques. Currently working within the Hamara and health sector partnership.
Mamadi Fofana
Finance Manager
Holds a BSc in Applied Accounting and a MA in Accounting and Finance. A qualified AAT and ACCA with over 20 years of experience. Mamadi brings a strong academic foundation and professional expertise to the team. With a deep understanding of both practical and theoretical aspects of finance, he is committed to delivering accurate, insightful financial support and guidance.
Arnie Sajad
Fundraising Manager
Passionate about supporting the hard to reach within our communities and changing lives. Volunteering and employed within the community/charity sector for over 25 years.
Has delivered a number of capital building projects providing end to end support all the way to financial and practical completion. Currently, leading on £3.4m mix use leisure and well-being hub, The Cockburn Centre.
Aliya Panjwani
Health + Fitness Lead
Aliya holds a Bachelor’s degree in Adult Nursing and has a background as a personal trainer, working specifically with women and girls in sport. With over 8 years of experience in the health and wellbeing sector, she is passionate about improving outcomes for marginalised communities. Aliya joined Hamara in January 2024 and now manages our inclusive gym, spearheads our sport projects, and oversees our health programmes.