Leadership Across Borders: Local Roots, Global Impact

Shahin Ashraf MBE is an international humanitarian, advocate, and political leader with over 25 years of experience shaping policies and amplifying voices across the UK, USA, South Asia, and beyond. From founding Islamic Relief USA to serving as Head of Global Advocacy at Islamic Relief Worldwide, to her elected role as Mayor of Solihull, Shahin brings together global insight and community-based leadership. Her work spans gender justice, refugee rights, climate action, and interfaith collaboration bridging the global and the local with empathy, strategy, and vision.

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United Nations

Influencing Global Humanitarian Policy

Shahin has served as Islamic Relief’s representative to the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Principals and Deputies Group, the UN system’s highest-level humanitarian coordination forum. In this role, she has contributed to critical dialogue and decision-making on refugee rights, gender justice, and climate change, ensuring that global frameworks remain accountable to the people most affected by crisis.

• UN

Human Rights & Climate Justice

Advocating for Rights and Resilience

At the intersection of human rights and environmental justice, Shahin champions community led solutions. Her advocacy highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on women, refugees, and vulnerable communities. Through grassroots engagement and global advocacy, she bridges narratives of justice, resilience, and sustainability.

• IASC

INGO Leadership

Transforming Civil Society

As Head of Global Advocacy at Islamic Relief Worldwide, Shahin leads strategies on gender, climate change, and refugee protection. She was also the pioneering female founder of Islamic Relief USA, shaping the organisation’s identity as a faith-based, people-centred humanitarian actor. Her leadership demonstrates how international NGOs can scale impact while staying deeply connected to community realities.

• Islamic Relief

Solihull & Political Leadership

From Local Office to Mayoral Leadership

In 2019, Shahin was elected as a Green Party Councillor in Solihull, serving portfolios in Governance and Health. She later became Deputy Leader for Policy and Strategy and was elected Mayor of Solihull for 2024–2025. Her local leadership reflects her belief that global change must be rooted in community action, and that politics can be a force for inclusion and justice.

• SMBC

Other Activities

Beyond the Office

Shahin’s leadership extends beyond humanitarian and political spaces. She serves as, Board Member of the World Humanitarian Action Forum, and Strategic Advisor to the Climate Action Accelerator. She was also recently appointed to the Board of Arts Council England (West Midlands), contributing to cultural and creative development across the region. In addition, Shahin proudly serves as an Ambassador for Solihull Superstars Football Club, supporting youth, community engagement, and the power of sport to inspire belonging and resilience. Visual: Photo of Shahin at a community event or on the football field with young people.

• WHAF