Gladys is a retired academic Librarian. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Durham (BA Dunelm), a Masters degree from the University of Columbia , New York (MSc Columbia) and is a Fellow of the British Library Association (FLA). She established the Institute of Library Archives and Information Studies where she served as its first Director. On arriving in the United Kingdom in 1997 due to the Rebel war in her home country , Sierra Leone, she devoted her time to a commitment of serving in the voluntary sector. She was one of the 5 West African women who established WAND UK based on a similar organisation they had in their home country : ‘professional women using their expertise to help less favoured women to improve their quality of life and hence their families and giving them a voice in their communities’.

WAND UK is pleased to announce the appointment of its new CEO, who brings over 15 years of experience in the charitable sector. She is honoured to take on this important role and to build upon the legacy of Gladys Jesu-Sheriff, a founding member whose leadership and vision have shaped the organisation.

As a woman and mother, Ali. Farkhanda Jabeen is deeply committed to centring women’s voices and needs in all areas of WAND UK’s work. Her leadership approach is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and excellence, ensuring that programmes and services are both
impactful and inclusive.

With a strong background in leadership, operational management, and service delivery, Ali is eager to support WAND UK in gaining wider recognition for its outstanding work and to empower women to become agents of their own change.

I joined WAND UK as a volunteer through the London borough of Westminster Volunteer Centre. I am a professional Arabic interpreter. I later joined the trustee Board and served as chair. I have lived experience of some of the issues being tackled by WAND UK . I am committed to the development of community engagement in WAND UK .