2019 - 2024

Community Engagement Consultant with Forced Migrant Led Initiatives

​

In collaboration with community-based organizations (CBO) and more specifically forced migrant-led initiatives, I've developed key documentation like data protection agreements to ensure the privacy and security of women's data within Somali community organizations. Additionally, I've facilitated the empowerment of community leaders by drafting impactful letters to international entities, articulating their needs effectively. My role also extended to enhancing their professional visibility through CV development and amplifying their narratives by co-writing for publications to gain a broader platform to share their impactful stories and knowledge.

Effectively these projects have been in CBO strategic review and learning and development. I drew on knowledge from my MSSc in Social and Community development - especially the module concerning organisational management to provide strategic and organisational support through my knowledge. 

2017 - 2018

Course Developer and Trainer

​

Between 2019 and 2024, as part of my PhD project, I created and facilitated a Participatory Research Skills Training Course designed specifically for and with refugee co-researchers. This course was aimed at empowering refugees by providing them with the necessary skills to conduct research on issues affecting their communities, using a collaborative and inclusive approach. Drawing upon my expertise in community engagement and my academic background with an MSSc in Social and Community Development, the curriculum focused on ethical research practices, effective data collection, and analysis techniques, ensuring that refugee voices were heard and valued in the research process. The integration of this course into broader community-based initiatives and forced migrant-led projects was a strategic effort to enhance its reach and sustain its impact, reflecting a commitment to capacity building within refugee communities. 

2017 - 2018

Participatory Action Researcher

​

During my PhD research project in Malaysia, I conducted qualitative research with 8 refugee-led organisations. In addition to research skills training, I advised on strategic management, project design and networking. The project looked at the concepts of community development and engagement in-depth. I facilitated focus groups and trainings around the topics of organisational change and partnerships.

2017

Project leader

​

I led a team of volunteers to conduct a Photovoice Project. The team was made up of refugees and undocumented volunteers in the Netherlands, UK and Malaysia. I provided training support, funding and resources required for project. The photos was exhibited in the final COST Action IS1306 conference COST Action IS1306 conference New Speakers in A Multilingual Europe: Policies and Practices. 

2013 - 2017

Founder

​

Started a digital platform for practitioners and researchers interested in Migration and asylum issues. Conducted research to expand the network and connected with interested stakeholders. I collected a team of volunteers who supported the daily running on the Facebook group, Twitter and Jiscmail pages. We also hosted events. This was a crash course in virtual team project management. The Migration and Asylum group is still continuing on Facebook. 

2011-2012 

Project coordinator

​

Volunteered at the Horn of Africa People’s Aid Northern Ireland (working with target group: refugees and asylum seekers).
Community Development and English Language Project Consulted on English language teaching and course development. Participated in meetings with funders, the board of directors and staff to create a new project; budget plan, strategic plan and conducted participatory meetings with board managers and forced migrants.  
Three Steps to Employment Project Consulted on English language teaching and course development. Conducted secondary research to support overall knowledge. Participated in meetings with funders, the board of directors and staff to collaborate and create a new project. 

2012

Researcher

​

I worked with a Belfast community organisation to reevaluate their social media strategy. I conducted a short community research project; 

Creating Social Media Platforms as Shared Community Spaces at Ballynafeigh Community Development Association. 

I  did an organisation-wide review and research project to explore the social media options. The report addition brought up issues in the overall strategic review and organisational transparency in relation to their visibility, service provision and local communities’ needs.  

2010 -2011 

Senior Language Tutor
​
Taught in an English language school, funded by the Mexican Ministry of Education. The school was the enterprise wing of an environmental education NGO. In addition to teaching duties, I worked to improve the curriculum development and strategy of the school.

2005

Case Worker Admin Assistant
​
I had a year away from my BA and worked in the Birmingham Asian Resource Centre before a short trip to Japan to study Japanese. In this position, I first learned about the issues of asylum.  For the job interview, I was asked to memorise Article 2 of the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (1953), this was the first time I read the convention. In this position, I worked alongside caseworkers supporting rejected asylum seekers in their appeal process. 

2003

Journalist

​

I started an English language travel newspaper in La Paz, Bolivia during a volunteer placement. The newspaper was focused on English speaking expats and travellers to la Paz. I worked with a small team of volunteers to write relevant stories. I helped sell advertising space to local businesses to finance the paper. I also connected with the local community organisations in the distribution of the paper. I returned to the UK to start university. The newspaper ran for 10 years before closing down.