Hanad - Camden Careers

Camden’s home, so I’ve always been involved with the local community

My journey with Camden started when I was at a residents’ meeting, challenging the council about an issue that mattered. Instead of just listening, they challenged me back: join us and help make a difference. 

At the time, I had recently completed my degree in Economics and spent a year working at Deutsche Bank. But I quickly realised that, while the City offered opportunity, my real passion was elsewhere. I cared far more about making a difference in my community than building a career that felt disconnected from it. So I chose Camden. 

I spent six years in Community Services, where youth violence was a major issue

The work was close to home in every sense, because it affected people from my area and people I knew. Coming from the Somali community, which has been disproportionately affected by crime, I brought a perspective shaped by lived experience, and that gave me an even stronger sense of purpose. 

Today, I am one of Camden’s senior leaders, working in an area I care deeply about. But for me, leadership was never the goal in itself. What has always driven me is the chance to give back, to stand alongside communities, and to help create real change in people’s lives. 

What makes Camden special is that we do not shy away from the difficult issues.

We ask hard questions, challenge inequality, and push ourselves and others to do better. In a borough where wealth and poverty sit side by side, we never lose sight of who we are here to serve. Whatever the project, whatever the service, the question is always the same, how does this improve life for our residents? 

Camden has also worked hard to improve representation at the highest levels, and that progress matters. It shows that leadership can and should reflect the communities we serve. It shows young people, and people from underrepresented backgrounds, that there is a place for them here.

I am proud to be part of an organisation that believes change is possible and expects its leaders to help drive it

It is a privilege to work for Camden, and I hope my journey shows others that you do not have to come from a traditional path to lead, influence and make a difference. 

If my story tells you anything, I hope it is this, you can come from your community, stay true to who you are, and still help shape the future.