Your topic is called ‘Persian Rugs & Scottish Tweed: Seeing the layers we weave’, can you describe this in more detail and share a bit about what you will be covering in your talk?

Through sharing stories of childhood migration to adulthood inequality, my talk will bring to life some of the challenges faced by people of different cultural backgrounds, while encouraging us to see the world differently.  

What has made you so passionate about this topic? How does it relate to you or your background?

Living in two different worlds, East and West – with different world views, cultures, histories and languages, I have experienced inequity – but I have also learnt to see the beauty of humanity and to celebrate diversity. 

My work across the NHS, academia, and health research, has been to help tackle inequity in our classrooms and communities – and in today’s divisive world, I think it’s more important than ever that we come together united

What do you think people will gain from listening to your talk?

I hope that by being vulnerable and sharing my deeply personal story, people will come away more aware of injustices, and more determined to make a difference in how they perceive others, and to question the narrative that seeks to divide us

How has your TEDxAberdeen journey been so far? Is there anything you’ve learned that you didn’t expect, or any highlights?

It has been a wonderful journey so far! I have thoroughly enjoyed the in-person sessions and it’s been such a privilege  listening to the other speaker’s powerful talks. We have been challenged and pushed beyond our comfort zones, at each stage – in a good way! 

It’s also been a bit of a healing journey for me, re-visiting traumatic experiences through storytelling has been heavy at times, but the hugely supportive and encouraging feedback from fellow speakers and especially from the TEDx team, has been absolutely amazing! 

I’m grateful to have had this opportunity and have learnt so much. I’m happy I took the plunge (if not a little anxious about the big day!) but I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone with an important message to share, to consider applying to future TEDx events

What are you most looking forward to most on this journey? What are you hoping to get out of this?

I’m really looking forward to sharing my story with a local audience in an intimate setting and seeing their reactions, but also I’m looking forward to sharing my message with a wider global audience – and if I can give hope to even just one little girl who might be struggling, or if I can challenge or change the mindset of one person, even if just a little –  it will all have been worth it!

What does being part of TEDxAberdeen 2026 mean to you?

It means so many things on so many levels! On a personal level, it means healing through the opportunity to share my lived experience, and to give voice to the younger me who was too afraid to speak up – on a professional level, it means sharing the voice and wisdom of the global heritage women who have graciously been part of my PhD journey – and on a societal level, it means collectively standing against inequality and divisive rhetoric, in solidarity for social justice – it means each of us helping to create a fairer and more compassionate world around us.