A Voice for Financial Integrity and Social Empowerment
The Best Female Leader Award was presented to Ayesha Javaid for her pivotal role in strengthening Mercy Mission UK’s financial and organisational foundations. Her career illustrates how financial stewardship, when coupled with a vision for inclusion, can open new pathways for social impact.
Building Sustainable Institutions
As Head of Finance and Development, and previously CFO, Ayesha has overseen the charity’s growth into a more accountable, resilient organisation with the capacity to scale its humanitarian mission. She has built systems that safeguard transparency while enabling expansion, ensuring that Mercy Mission can meet the complex needs of communities around the world.
Empowering Refugee Entrepreneurs
Her leadership is not limited to numbers. In 2022, she partnered with the University of Bradford and the National Zakat Foundation to launch a pioneering entrepreneurship initiative for refugees. The programme combined mentorship, skills training, and a “Dragon’s Den–style” pitch event, equipping participants with the tools to turn business ideas into viable ventures. By linking finance to empowerment, Ayesha has demonstrated how technical expertise can serve as a catalyst for dignity and opportunity.
Recognition of Emerging Leadership
Ayesha represents a new generation of Muslim women leaders reshaping the global non-profit sector. Her work bridges the rigour of finance with the vision of social inclusion, making her an exemplar of leadership grounded in values as well as results.
The Best Female Leader Award celebrates precisely this kind of innovation and dedication – leadership that is accountable, inclusive, and forward-looking. The Muslim Impact Awards continue to honour those whose work strengthens communities and inspires others to act.
Nominate a female leader that inspires changes – applications are open.
