In a political landscape where immigrant voices are often overlooked, Sheffield Lord Mayor Safiya Saeed proves that representation matters. An immigrant woman can rise to become Sheffield’s Lord Mayor.

A grey sky greeted Safiya Saeed as she stepped off the plane at Heathrow Airport, London, in 1985. She was a child, clutching her mother’s hand. The cold, unfamiliar air coiled around her, starkly different from the sun-soaked warmth in Somalia. At that moment, she knew nothing would ever be the same.

Born in Somalia, East Africa, Safiya Saeed immigrated with her whole family in 1985. The country was being torn apart by civil war. As violence escalated and the future of Somalia became increasingly unstable, her parents made the painful decision to leave. They came to the UK for safety, opportunity, and a future for their children.

Her journey to this point has not been easy. 

Safiya’s early life in Sheffield

At primary school, Safiya was one of the few refugee students. The language barrier left her isolated—an easy target for bullies, and she often felt like an outsider.

“I was the only Black Somali in the school and didn’t speak English. I felt like an alien,” she says. “When teachers asked for my side of the story, I had no words to tell them.”

But Safiya refused to remain silent. She learned English in just six months, gradually finding her place in the classroom as her feelings of isolation faded.

Safiya grew up, started a hair salon business, volunteered in her community and raised her children. She balanced business ownership by raising her children and regularly volunteering in her local community in Burngreave, Sheffield. But in 2013, she began to see troubling changes around her.

“Shootings were happening, and kids were scared to go to school,” she says. “I thought, what can I do? If young people don’t feel safe, they won’t thrive.”

That question became her turning point.

Reach Up Youth

Safiya founded Reach Up Youth, a grassroots organisation supporting young people at risk of gang violence, social exclusion, and poor mental health. She started by speaking to local teens and organising workshops in schools and community centres. Her approach was simple but effective—provide a safe space, offer guidance, and treat each young person with care and respect.

Reach Up Youth grew into a lifeline. It offered life skills workshops, peer support groups, and leadership opportunities. As the project expanded, Safiya launched the Big Brother Burngreave Project in 2019.

This project matches young boys aged 16–22 with local mentors. It provides sports sessions like football and basketball, alongside workshops on mental health, peer pressure, and personal development. It aims to break the cycle of crime, provide positive role models, and help young people build brighter futures.

“There are hardly any resources in my area, and if I need more power to get that, then I’ll do it,” she says. “I could make Reach Up a different platform and bring the message about antisocial behaviour and young people.”

For a long time, Safiya resisted going into politics. She preferred working on the ground, directly with her community. But those around her urged her to step up.

“Somebody asked me, ‘Why don’t you become a councillor? Our local councillors are getting too comfortable. Not a lot of things are changing.’ And I thought that I could make a change from where I am. I don’t want my tongue-tied,” she says. 

Becoming a councillor in Burngreave

Yet the idea persisted. Safiya realised that to push for real, structural change, such as safer streets, better housing, and investment in youth. She needed more than passion; she needed power; she needed a seat at the table.

By 2021, Safiya ran for office and won. She became a Labour councillor for the Burngreave ward, representing one of the most diverse areas in Sheffield. She campaigned on issues she had lived through: poor housing, antisocial behaviour, youth safety, and access to opportunity/

According to the Local Government Association, only 8% of elected councillors in the UK in 2022 came from ethnic minority backgrounds, despite these communities making up more than 14% of the population. For Black women, the representation is even lower. Safiya is breaking through more than one barrier.

Her rise comes as immigrants across Britain face increasing rhetoric questioning their place in society. Some accuse newcomers of draining resources or dividing the community. However, her life tells a different story. She proved that immigrants have the skills and tenacity to become elected officials in the UK. 

If you’re looking for an inspiring story of an immigrant woman in politics, read how former Hong Kong councillor Alice Lee found new purpose in Scotland.

“We’re a grassroots community, and we need better rat and pest control, plus more housing to tackle the overcrowding in Burngreave,” Safiya says. 

“We must work together to ensure our issues get to the right people, since we can’t fix everything on our own. We’re hoping for more government investment in housing, but also focus on educating and supporting our neighbours.”

The first Black woman Lord Mayor in Sheffield

In May this year, Safiya will be sworn in as Sheffield’s first Black woman Lord Mayor, taking over the ceremonial role from Jayne Dunn.

“That’s my highest peak,” she says. “My message to my children, community, and family is—I did it.”

Even as Safiya prepares for this new role, she reminds herself of a lesson she learned long ago. 

“You have to look at yourself and celebrate yourself. Confidence isn’t a fixed thing—no one is always confident. Fear and anxiety are part of the journey, but at the end of the day, you are enough.”

She sees the vision for the coming years. “I want other people to become guardians of the community. I want people to be activists, and to fight for justice.”

From a bullied refugee girl to an elected leader, Safiya’s journey is a testament to the power of compassion, tenacity, and vision. Her story shows what is possible for immigrants who dare to dream. “If you stay positive, you can find joy in anything,” she says, the belief carried her from a bullied schoolgirl to a record-breaking leader.