Meet our ambassadors
We believe in Luton
Our ambassadors are at the forefront of Step Forward Luton, using their influential voices to celebrate the town and passionately lead the way in defending its reputation.
- “I am proud to be a Luton girl, always have and always will. I feel honoured to be able to give back to a town that has given, and continues to give, so much to me and my family.”Anisah AkhtarStep Forward Luton Ambassador
Meet the team
Discover the driving force behind Step Forward Luton – the voices shouting out for the town and committed to making Luton a place that everyone can be proud of.
Abu Nasir
Abu is a Board Member of the FA National Game Board, a Premier League consultant, a local entrepreneur and the Chair of Luton Sporting Club.
Anisah Akthar
Anisah is Head of Student Experience and Corporate Communications at Luton Sixth Form College and is the youngest female, ethnic minority Head of Department in the college's history. She is also a trustee of Level Trust.
Ashfaq Naseem
Ashfaq is the founder and chairman of Luton Women and Girls Cricket Club, established to empower women and girls through sport. The club has achieved significant success in a short time, producing county cricketers and bringing communities together.
Champa Channaiah
Champa is a Luton resident and owner of Champ's Kitchen, a South Indian catering company. Arriving as a student, she made Luton her home and is committed to contributing to the town's growth.
Danyul Khan
Danyul is the CEO of Luton-based events company, Royale Eventz & Royale Festivals CIC. Outside of events, he works in the NHS and partners with schools to teach life skills and enterprise - empowering students and giving back to his hometown.
Dr Amna Hawash
Dr Hawash is a born and bred Lutonian and local GP, focused on reducing health inequalities in the town, as well as women's health and supporting our young people into careers in healthcare.
Gavin O’Brien
Gavin is the proud Chair of the Luton BID and the co-founder of Clearhead, a creative company based in Luton specialising in storytelling and content production.
Halimah Isbag
Halimah is a Senior Rotational Pharmacist at L&D Hospital and is passionate about engaging opportunities for young people and charity work. She recently won the Adult Achiever award at the Luton's Best Awards 2023.
Hannan Ali DL
Hannan is a Funding Manager at City Bridge Foundation and a Deputy Lieutenant of Bedfordshire. He is also Governor for Denbigh High School and a local volunteer.
Hina Shafi
Hina Shafi is a sports activist, working in football and researching in cricket.
Iftekhar Shah
Iftekhar is a Managing Partner of Hannah Solicitors and a Governor at Luton Sixth Form College.
Jakub Rokita
Jakub is a local arts activist, multimedia artist and the General Manager of Revoluton Arts. In his spare time he runs the AVXLuton project aimed at cross-disciplinary collaboration and support of local emerging talent.
Jasbir Nangla
Jasbir has been a Luton resident for a decade and captures the town's essence through his lens. As a videographer, his is currently working on a documentary highlighting the positive community groups and individuals in Luton.
Jason Mackerness
With over 23 years of experience at Vauxhall, Jason is a Personnel Manager at the Vauxhall Luton Van Plant.
JP Smith
JP is the founder of Boxing Saves Lives, a Luton non-profit organisation that builds a bridge to a better life for young people. As an Irish immigrant and trustee of the Luton Irish Forum, he is proud to live and work in a town that embraces diversity.
Karen Perkins
Karen is Chief Executive of Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation and has previously worked in the museums and arts and cultural sector in Luton.
Kelly Voller
Kelly manages Caraline Eating Disorder Services in Luton, governs at Surrey Street Primary, and is a parent representative at Luton Town Ladies U12s.
Konni Deppe
Konni is the co-ordinator of Edible High Town which turns underused public Luton land into community gardens. Konni is also a digital content professional, vocal coach and jazz singer.
Lloyd Denny
Lloyd Denny is a local Pastor for more than 25 years and president of The Apostolic Churches Alliance. He serves as Chair of Luton in Harmony and is a deputy Lieutenant of Bedfordshire.
Llyrio Boateng
Llyrio is a Luton-based writer/director, model and actor. As a proud Luton resident, he wants to help promote the town's vibrant community.
Lucia Melillo
Lucia is a successful Luton-based business owner with 31 years experience in the local community. Passionate about fundraising and charities, Lucia is also a specialist mentor working with young people supporting mental health while in higher education.
Mac Pajka
Mac has lived in Luton for 20 years and is an artist, adventurer and wizard, working solo as Studio Melanix and as a group Sanctuary Global to benefit the town of Luton.
Mandovi Jadoun
Meet MJ - a proud Luton resident who's making waves in our community. As a University of Bedfordshire student and Radio LaB host, she shines a spotlight on local entrepreneurs through her podcast "MJ Talks Business." After 7 years living in Luton, MJ has developed a positive outlook of her town.
Mariana (Maz) Brown
Mariana is the Director of community interest companies, Luton Literature and The High Town Community. She also opened Browns Books, a new book shop in High Town.