Gemma started work as our Youth Coordinator in 2012 and went on to manage the Community Development Programme and Women Supporting Women Project. Before joining Diversity Matters North West, Gemma worked for the local authority youth service and within supported housing. She has a degree in Psychology and Criminology, an NVQ level 3 in Community Development and Learning and is a qualified Youth Worker. Gemma holds a PTTLS qualification.
Rehana has been with us since 2009 and has managed several programmes including our Community Health and Wellbeing Programme, Arts Projects, Bengali Women’s Programme, Oral Health Project and subsequent community learning, employability and instrumental in the set up of our trailblazing volunteer programme. She came to us from a local children’s centre and has a PGCert in Business Administration, Foundation degree in HR Management, Level 4 in Leadership and Management, Level 3 in Coaching, Volunteer Management, Community Development, Community Interpreting and PTTLLs.
Hasina joined us in 2011 as the community development trainee on our former Bengali Women’s Programme. Hasina has an MA from Bangladesh in Social Sciences and is also a translator in Bangla and some Urdu.
– Sabina joined Diversity Matters North west as a volunteer for many years and found her passion for helping people. She has previously volunteered in the ‘Learning Hub’ and completed her ‘Community Your Health’ course. She is able to communicate in English and Bangla and has many years of working face to face with the local community.
Shibley initially joined Diversity Matters North West as a volunteer in 2011, before becoming a permanent member of the team in 2018. Before joining DMNW Shibley worked with Hyde Bangladesh Welfare for over 4 years. She previously spent over 15 years working with children, mainly as a teaching assistant but also including 6 years as a junior teacher in Bangladesh. Shibley has achieved an NVQ Level 3 in Early Years and Level 3 in Business. She is a mother of 4 – her eldest child has recently graduated from an Honours degree from the University of Manchester.
Before starting with Diversity Matters North West Mahmuda worked in childcare and did interpreting for the local community. She volunteered for Diversity Matters back in 2014 doing short courses and becoming a peer mentor for the women supporting women project. She is a nice and friendly person. She is fluent in Bangla and English.
Nisma joined us in Dec 2021. She is a qualified youth and community worker, having worked across Tameside and Oldham council. She has worked in family support, with experience of safeguarding and child protection, in supporting families in crisis. Worked for Tameside College, as an ESOL tutor delivering classes in the community and as a project worker. Nisma is fluent in speaking English, Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi.
Lesley joined us in February 2023, having previously worked as a manager for us 2007 – 2011. Lesley has worked in the Voluntary Sector for over 20 years with a background in Community Development and Youth Work, she has held a variety of management and business development roles. She holds a Masters in Third Sector Management from Edge Hill University, a NVQ Level 4 in Community Development, is GDPR practitioner trained and has an AAT Level 3 qualification in bookkeeping and accountancy.
Julie joined us in October 2024 as our Centre-Co-Ordinator and Marketing officer. She has lived in the local Hyde community for many years and has a strong administration background developed through a varied working life. She has a Level II NVQ in Business Administration and has earned a degree and Masters degree in Archaeology at The University of Manchester. Her interest in diverse cultures, education and wellbeing align well with DMNW values.
“My name is Caroline Gregory, and I have been a resident of Hyde for over 35 years. My professional background lies in working for the local government, and my passion for serving the community led me to become involved with DMNW. Being a part of the Board of Trustees has been a fulfilling experience for me. It has provided me with the opportunity to attend various events, connect with new people, and immerse myself in different cultures and faiths.
One of the aspects I truly cherish is the planning process and witnessing the positive impact that DMNW’s charitable work has on people’s lives. The team of dedicated staff and volunteers always exude joy and a warm welcome, making it a pleasure to be a part of this organization.
Outside of my involvement with DMNW, I have a few other interests that keep me busy. I enjoy playing bridge, attending festivals, and contributing to our local allotments. Of course, spending quality time with my own children and grandchildren is a source of great joy in my life.”
Hi, I’m Garry and I’ve been a trustee and treasurer at DMNW since 2017. I am a long term resident of Hyde and served as a governor at a local primary school for a number of years. I am currently teaching mathematics to overseas students on a pathway course for university at INTO Manchester.
I’m Asma, and I’ve been proudly serving as a Trustee since April 2021.
In 2015, I earned my Solicitor qualification, and my professional journey in the housing sector has been an incredible 14-year adventure. I’ve had the privilege of wearing different hats, including my role as a Real Estate Lawyer in the private sector. Today, I find myself in Local Government, working as an in-house Commercial Property Lawyer.
My role as a Trustee means the world to me, as it allows me to make a positive impact on our community. I’m truly honoured to be part of this team.
Hello – my name is Penny Noel, and I have lived in Hyde since the 1970s. I’ve been a trustee of DMNW for several years, a role I’ve really enjoyed. My working background is further and higher education. Much of the research I undertook during this time had as its focus equality, diversity and inclusion, and so I was delighted to become a trustee of DMNW. It has provided me with the opportunity to get to know more about other cultures and faiths, and to support the aims of combating inequality, promoting community cohesion and providing practical support. It is rewarding to witness the real change that DMNW makes to people’s lives.
Besides being a trustee, I enjoy time with my family, travel, water-colour painting, playing bridge and writing. I’ve just completed my first novel.
I’m Muzahid, and I’d like to share a bit about my journey and my commitment to creating positive change.
I’ve always considered myself a resourceful person, someone who strives to deliver tangible results in every endeavour. Presently, I hold the role of Social Business & Innovation Manager at Upturn Social Enterprise. Here, my focus is on driving the Proper Good Investment Programme and providing support for the development and growth of social enterprises and the sector.
My professional journey has been quite an intriguing one. I’ve had the privilege of being appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant for the county of Greater Manchester, a role that brings both honour and responsibility. Alongside this, I achieved a significant milestone by publishing my first book, “The Gift of Giving,” a project close to my heart. Furthermore, I am a certified NLP Coach, enabling me to empower individuals through coaching and mentoring.
For several years, I have been dedicated to delivering business start-up training, mentoring, and coaching, drawing upon my extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. My career began in the public sector, where I worked across various council departments, with a specialization in regeneration—a field that allowed me to witness the transformation of communities.
Throughout my lifetime, I have actively engaged in the community, voluntary, faith, and charity sectors. These experiences have shaped my perspective and fuelled my passion for making a positive impact on the world around me.
I am excited to continue this journey, to learn, grow, and work alongside like-minded individuals who share my dedication to positive change. Thank you for taking a moment to get to know me a little better.
I am Mrs. Oluwatosin Arike Lanlehin-Sotubo, and I would like to share a glimpse into my life and my commitment to making a positive impact in the world.
Born into a Nigerian family about five decades ago, I was fortunate to have been raised by two remarkable individuals, Chief Samuel Owoola Lanlehin and Chief Mrs. Stella Lanlehin. My educational journey has taken me across both Nigeria and the United Kingdom, enriching my experiences and perspectives.
I am proud to be married to Mr. Ezekiel Olukunmi Sotubo and blessed with the joys of motherhood and grandmotherhood. My life’s journey has also seen me embrace entrepreneurship and business, where I’ve had the privilege of success.
However, my true passion lies in caregiving. As a professional childcarer, I have dedicated my life to making a difference in the lives of others. I am the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ark Of Hope, a registered non-profit organization that extends its helping hand to vulnerable women, youths, street kids, and children living with disabilities in both the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
Through Ark Of Hope, we have been able to support over 1000 vulnerable women in Nigeria, providing them with opportunities and hope for a brighter future. Additionally, our organization prepares approximately 100 delicious hot meals every week for vulnerable individuals in both the UK and Nigeria, ensuring they have nourishment and warmth.
In my role as the Patroness of Nigerian Legion (Army), Ijebu-Igbo Branch, Ogun State, I am honored to support and stand with our veterans who have served our nation with dedication and sacrifice.
These endeavors are a testament to my unwavering commitment to making the world a better place, one life at a time. I look forward to continuing this journey of compassion, service, and hope, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share it with you.
Hi, my name is Mohammed Nasir Khan and I have been living in Hyde since 1992. My professional background is being a businessman and leading on community activities over three decades. I was Chair of the Hyde Bangladeshi Welfare Association. I was a member of the Lions Club International. I also participated as a volunteer at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002. Throughout my journey, I have actively engaged in the community, voluntary, multicultural and charity sectors. It is a great privilege to be part of the DMNW. I truly cherish DMNW’s positive impact on the community. The team of dedicated staff and volunteers are always pleasant, warm and welcoming. It is a great pleasure to be part of this organisation.
My name is Lina Patel. I recently retired following 41 years of service in Local Authority and Health services in Greater Manchester. My roles have included a pharmacy technician, youth worker, community arts development worker, managing a race equality team and Carers services and lastly managing Adult Social care teams in the local authority.
Some of the roles I had were to support and enable access for all non-white British communities and Carers to access Social care services. It is important to me to encourage people to take up services that they are entitled to and this fuelled my passions for justice and equality and in my retirement I am going back to those passions in supporting DMNW in their efforts to engage and enable communities across Tameside and wider in achieving the best potential they can.
Also I was initially a member then seconded to a regional then national role as Network Chair for National Black Carer and Carers Workers network alongside Afiya Trust (20 years). Here I was able to influence national l policy for BAME Carers. It was this organisation that nominated me for my MBE.
Another part is to support people from all communities in understanding each other and I developed and deliver Cultural Competence Training over period of 20 years and am really keen to ensure community cohesion and understanding is developed. In joining DMNW as a trustee I hope to continue my support to BAME communities across the region and wider and ensure my support is able to fit in with and enable communities to flourish in Tameside in particular