Mayor's award for dynamic community worker (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Mayor's award for dynamic community worker

3:58pm Friday 15th March 2013 in News

AN entrepreneur who swapped international banking for community justice has been presented with an award.

Yasmin Khan was presented with the accolade by Mayor of Middlesbrough, Ray Mallon, at a ceremony this week to recognise her outstanding service to the town.

After starting out in London in international banking and the airline industry, a move to the North-East saw Ms Khan re-focus her career on community work with a passion for justice and equality.

Working with Age Concern she established Ojalah, the first BME (black and minority ethnic) women’s elders group, as well as working with the Sainsbury Centre for mental health in London as part of the Better Government for Older People national pilot.

In partnership with Middlesbrough Council, she helped establish the BME Network to give individuals and groups a voice and influence over the way services are delivered, and she continues to promote equality and diversity across the area.

Mr Mallon said: “This area’s biggest asset is its people, especially those who go the extra mile to help those around them.

“Yasmin is a great example of someone whose commitment to the local community, in such a wide variety of areas, makes a real difference.

“She is an inspiration to others and thoroughly deserves this Mayor’s Award.”