Mohammed Zafran BEM, BCAc

As the founder and director of Midlands Community Hub CIC, Mohammed Zafran has pioneered initiatives that empower marginalised groups, promote social cohesion, and tackle the root causes of youth violence. Recognised for his outstanding contributions, he has received more than 50 national awards — including a Queen's Honour and the inaugural Pride of Birmingham Award — and has been named among the world's top 10 humanitarians.

A passionate advocate for education and employment pathways, Zafran has directly impacted over 48,000 vulnerable young people, steering them away from knife crime and into learning or work opportunities. His flagship programmes combine mentorship, skills training, and real-world placements, creating sustainable routes out of disadvantage. One high-profile project focused on empowering young Muslim women was featured on Sky Sports News, highlighting the intersection of sport, gender equality, and community development.

Beyond youth empowerment, Zafran is a driving force behind multi-faith dialogue in the UK. He has established several multi-faith forums that bring together leaders from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds to foster mutual understanding, celebrate diversity, and build bridges across communities. These platforms have become models for collaborative problem-solving on issues ranging from hate crime to social isolation.

Zafran's diplomatic reach extends to the global stage, where he serves as a UK Peace Ambassador and Global Youth & Community Ambassador. In these roles he represents British values of inclusion and resilience, while championing international partnerships that amplify grassroots impact. His relentless dedication continues to inspire a new generation of leaders committed to creating safer, more harmonious societies.