Our Team
Every member of the charity is a thought leader who has made significant contributions to our society. Each one brings a unique set of skills and expertise to our organisation.
Bilal
Chairman
Bilal is the co-founder and Chairman of Sama Investment Group of companies, driving the long-term vision and strategic direction for the company.
His 25-year property experience spans planning, development, construction, sales, and finance, with a specific focus on the property markets across the central regions of England.
Bilal has a proven track record in complex real estate development and investment transactions, working closely with investment partners to deliver significant projects in the UK. He has been instrumental in the group’s major acquisitions, finding value in large-scale mixed opportunities.
With a background in bridge finance, Bilal has also launched OFFA – the UK’s first Sharia compliant lending platform.
Hawa Ahmed
Founder & CEO
“A simple act of kindness can change a life forever “
Founder of Educate and Empower me since 2012, having worked in the charity sector for many years and having social service skills my mission is to form a strong foundation for children and families who are underprivileged and to provide them with the necessary tools and empower them to drive themselves out of poverty.
Sheikh Farid
Trustee
I Joined HB Foundation as a treasurer in May 2022 with wealth of experience working across the private and public sectors ensuring regulatory compliance and financial responsibility maintained with effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place and reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation. I am passionate about working in humanitarian sector to tackle the issues of basic human needs. I believe by getting the foundations right is a key step to achieving a more equal world where no-one is left behind and everyone have chance to live comfortable life. This desire for change, and moving from words to action, is what drew me to HB Foundation. Particularly our journey to transform for a better life for underprivileged people in Bangladesh and around the world.
Shamsul Islam
Program monitoring officer
Shamsul has been at the forefront of all my projects. His 10 year’s service of inclusive protection for children and disability supported by save the children expands with endless training he has gained.
Pre primary education and a working life as a member and part of the Sylhet Division Developer welfare trust brings his extensive experience of management. Shamsul specialises with disability including dealing with despair cases, he brings joy to the children of Sylhet.
His years of experience serves as a reassurance for accurate reports and distribution of funds.
Mahbub Hussain
Trustee
Mahbub is a pillar of the British/Bangladeshi community and has a vast amount of experience working in the charity sector. Mahbub is the driving force behind the Akakhazna Shelter Project.
Momina Akhter
Past student and volunteer
“Bring inspiration and motivation to every child who wants to learn”
Momina came to Educate and Empower me in 2013, her parents could not financially support the family and pay for her further education. Her determination uplifted her to move to Sylhet girls hostel and study further by taking on a part time sewing job.
In 2015 Momina graduated in BSS honours and developed a passion to work for EEM, she started by teaching in Raiya pur then went on to complete her masters degree in social science. She thrives to give back to the community of EEM and has built up experience in setting up teams. Throughout the year Momina volunteers to implement her experience in various projects for EEM such as online teaching, shelter, event planning and food parcel distribution.
Shahjan Ahmed
Tutor, volunteer and student
“To work hard everyday and make the world a respectable place to live in”
Shahjan joined EEM in 2018 as a part time tutor for Raiya pur, he needed to pay for his education fees
and as the eldest child in his family had no other income source. Shahjan is responsible for the daily education of students who are registered with EEM, his developed various skills and training from Shamsul and now volunteers to lead the water well project, shelter and food distribution in and around the village where people desperately need help.
In addition to his rising enthusiasm and commitment EEM is now funding his further education.