Our Dedicated Team
At Sheffield Young Explorers, our team is made up of mothers who are passionate individuals committed to empowering families in Sheffield, by leading through lived experience, so we are fully aware of the challenges and struggles our communities face. Our diverse and qualified staff and volunteers truly care about making a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Meet our team
Alima Ashfaq
Founder & CEO
Welcome! I’m Alima, a passionate leader who’s spent over 15 years dedicated to leading community projects. My focus lies in the strategic leadership and development of SYE in Sheffield, but I am community driven at heart. My journey in community work has been exciting, especially through previous leadership roles in the community.
As a qualified Mental Health First Aider, I work with both young people and adults, bringing essential mental health support to my work. I also have the honour of representing families as the Service User National Rep on the NHS Equity and Equality Programme, and I serve as the Neonatal Engagement Lead for the LMNS across South Yorkshire.
Being trauma-informed and having lived through similar experiences, I understand the challenges many families face, especially pregnant women and mothers. This fuels my passion to create safe, supportive spaces. Over the years, I’ve led workshops and groups to make sure the support we provide is welcoming, accessible, and culturally sensitive. I truly believe that by working together, we can make a positive difference for families and communities across Sheffield. I'm also a mum of three boys, who bring me an incredible amount of joy and occasionally make me pull my hair out too!
Shaista Younis
Strategic & Operational Director
I’m Shaista, and I bring over 20 years of experience in project management and strategic leadership to the Sheffield Young Explorers (SYE) team. I started my career as a Bank Manager at Santander, leading multidisciplinary teams and managing diverse projects. Today, I handle SYE’s financial budgeting and planning, ensuring our programs stay on track to make a lasting impact.
With a background in change management from my time at the Forensic Science Service, I’m passionate about creating safe, informed, and resilient communities. This experience fuels my dedication to community empowerment, especially in helping people access reliable resources and support.
As one of eight siblings (including a pair of twins!), I understand the many challenges that different life phases can bring. I’m also a mum of two boys and a girl, and I know firsthand the value of accessible local services. My lived experience with these services helps me connect on a personal level with the community we serve, especially with women navigating similar challenges.
Over the years, I’ve built incredible relationships in Darnall and across Sheffield, and I’m grateful to work with such an inspiring and supportive community. Together, we’re making a difference—one family at a time.
Nishma Rahman
Communications Co-ordinator
I’m Nishma! As the Community Engagement Worker at Sheffield Young Explorers (SYE), I handle all things communication. From project updates to event outreach, I love making sure our messaging stays clear, engaging, and accessible to the amazing communities we work with.
I’m also a mum of three girls, which fuels my passion for creating inclusive, supportive spaces. With experience in organizing workshops and support groups, I know the barriers many face, and I’m dedicated to helping break those down. I manage data analysis at SYE, which lets us keep improving our programmes based on real insights. It’s rewarding to see how this work shapes our projects to better serve diverse and underserved communities!
Faizah Sabir
Education & Development Manager
I’m Faizah, a science teacher and lifelong advocate for inspiring curiosity and confidence in young minds. With over a decade of teaching in Sheffield, I’m all about creating a classroom where every student feels seen, supported, and excited to learn.
Beyond teaching, I manage projects at Sheffield Young Explorers (SYE), helping drive initiatives that support local families. As a mum of a boy and a girl, I’m passionate about family well-being and educational equity. It’s incredibly fulfilling to work with such a dedicated community here in Sheffield, both in and out of the classroom!
Saima Ahmed
Family Services Manager
Hi! I’ve been working in Sheffield for the past 11 years as a Project Lead, focused on Sheffield’s Infant Mortality Strategy. Right now, I’m a coordinator at a perinatal mental health charity, supporting women from marginalised and underserved communities to access essential services.
As a trained Doula and Peer Support Worker, I also supervise and run workshops for health professionals on cultural competency—something I’m very passionate about. I’ve had the pleasure of delivering initiatives aligned with the Healthy Child Programme, making sure support is both accessible and inclusive. And as a mum of three boys, including a teenager, I know first-hand the joys and challenges of raising kids!
Join Us in Empowering Young Lives
If you're passionate about making a difference in your community, consider joining Sheffield Young Explorers as a volunteer or supporter. Together, we can transform lives through education and empowerment.