Penny Appeal’s CEO, Ridwana Wallace-Laher, the first Muslim woman to lead a major British charity, recently represented the organisation at a future-focused roundtable discussion organised by Aspen Institute UK and Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. The conversations focused on inclusive growth strategies tailored specifically for Bradford and the wider Yorkshire region. A vibrant mix of distinguished figures from diverse organisations contributed to the discussion, exchanging ideas and charting a promising course for the city.
Under the guidance of Penny Richards, CEO of Aspen Institute UK, and Pooja Bhachu, Director of Public Policy UK & Ireland at Mastercard, the dialogue was rich and collaborative. The group explored a range of subjects from infrastructure, education accessibility, equality of opportunity, to healthcare services and the desirability of life in Bradford.
Ridwana shared her perspectives as a former teacher turned humanitarian and CEO of Penny Appeal. Being a Bradfordian, born and raised, she underscored the power of harnessing local talent and fostering resilience, a distinctive trait of the Yorkshire spirit.
Reflecting on the dialogue, Ridwana said, “Our spirited discussion served as a potent reminder of the strength of our community. We face many challenges, from the cost-of-living crisis to an increasingly hostile culture towards minority groups. But I have seen, both as a former teacher and now as CEO of Penny Appeal, the extraordinary resilience, kindness, and hope that our communities possess. Let us not forget that our small changes can indeed make a big difference.”
This impactful roundtable discussion ended with a collective resolution: to utilise the rich insights gleaned and transform them into actions, paving the way for greater inclusive growth in Bradford and beyond.
