Saira Usman

Saira has had a career centered around customer service, making the happiness and comfort of others a core part of her identity. However, in October 2021, she sought fulfillment beyond her job and began dedicating her personal time to making a difference in the community.

It was then that she hosted her first fundraiser, raising money for Mind while also creating an event designed to re-establish social connections in the aftermath of social isolation. One of her primary goals was to raise awareness of mental health issues in the South Asian community and start conversations that could benefit many women struggling with mental health in silence.

After the major success of that event, Saira continued her efforts, now organizing several free-to-attend events for the community throughout the year, on special occasions such as Ramadan, Eid, and Independence Day.

In addition to these events, she volunteers with the Community Health Champions Network and works closely with the city council to raise awareness about mental health and share important health updates from the public health department.

As part of this work, she founded the West End Women’s Wellbeing Group, a community group that brings together women from all backgrounds to socialize, make friends, and network. With the support of the Health Champions Network, Saira also arranges for medical experts to attend the group, educating women on various health topics.

In 2022, Saira experienced the devastating loss of her first child in a neonatal death. Despite this heartbreak, she continued her work, trying to bring joy to others. Just two months after her tragedy, she began making children's gift hampers, which unfortunately triggered a mental health crisis, leading her to temporarily leave her home to recover at her parents' house. Yet, she returned stronger, doubling her efforts. In the same month, on Mother’s Day, she organized a ladies' shopping event, raising money for the Turkey earthquake victims. Shortly after, she held an Eid Mela, securing local business sponsors to provide a free bouncy castle, face painting for children, and henna for all women and children to enjoy.

Now a new mother to a baby girl, Saira continues to make herself available to others. Through her WhatsApp group and Facebook profile, she reaches out to women seeking friendships and organizes meetups for those in similar circumstances.

Recently, she started her own company, which allows her the flexibility to balance her community work with her professional life. The business involves organizing events and running a website selling gifts and jewelry, ensuring that her passion for making a difference continues to thrive.