Afiya has over 17 years of experience working in local government. She currently works as a Programme Manager on Transformation and Service Improvement at Tower Hamlets Council. She graduated with a degree in Biomedical Sciences, and went on to complete a number of postgraduate qualifications, including Postgraduate Diplomas in Public and Community Service; Law and Community Leadership; Business Management, and completed her Masters in Business Administration (MBA). Afiya is an alumni of UpRising Leadership, having completed the programme in 2010, and has always been a keen advocate for young people being able to tap into leadership/mentoring opportunities to help them reach their full potential. Currently Afiya also serves as a Volunteer Youth Justice Service Panel Member, working with young people to improve their outcomes and reduce the risk of reoffending.

Afiya enjoys doing voluntary work and has previously been a Trustee/Board of Governor for numerous charities, including YMCA George Williams College (focussing on young people); MIND in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Redbridge (mental health charity); and Independent Board Member for the London Regional Committee for Swan Housing Group (housing association). She previously volunteered at Mildmay Mission Hospital, Cancer Research UK and was a Ward Befriender at St Joseph’s Hospice in Hackney. In addition to undertaking other areas of voluntary work and bringing up a young family, in her free time, she has a keen interest in health and wellbeing and enjoys taking part in boxfit classes.