Rimla Akhtar MBE CA
Inclusion & Diversity Consultant, RimJhim Consulting, London
In 2014, I was elected onto the FA Council and, at less than half the average age, I’m the youngest FA Councillor of any background and the first Asian and first Muslim woman on this, the ultimate decision making body of the organisation.
I actively use my experience and pride of being a CA to create real sustainable change for our world. My work spans from community groups right through to the Government and I’ve worked as far afield as the US, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and across Europe.
When I’m not organising community clubs, sports events and educational programmes, I am an inspirational speaker, commentator, motivator and panellist at a number of events as well as advising some of the largest sports, Premier League Clubs and equality organisations.
I’ve given evidence to Parliament’s Women in Sport Inquiry and was appointed to support the triennial review of the DCMS in 2015 by the then Sports Minister. I have worked with Government, including with Sports Ministers Tracey Crouch and Helen Grant, the DCMS and Sport England.
I’m also on the Advisory Board of the international digital magazine, Shirzanan Global, to help encourage more Muslim women role models in sport.
I was named Sky Sports and Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year in 2013, FA Grassroots Hero in 2013 (award presented by HRH Prince William) and was a member of the 2009 Muslim Women Power List.
I help nurture, support and develop others, particularly those from minority communities, so that they too may work towards reaching their potential. I’m opening doors for myself whilst also ensuring that they are kept firmly open for others to follow in my footsteps. This includes my recent connection with Leadership Through Sport & Business, which supports young disadvantaged people to begin accounting careers in the City of London.
I’m still beginning my leadership journey and have recently set up my own consulting business, Rimjhim Consulting, where I work with the sports industry and business sector to increase opportunities for women of diverse backgrounds”.
