Empowering the next generation of leaders

Elham Fardad’s story is one of resilience, determination, and an unrelenting drive to turn challenges into opportunities. As the founder of Migrant Leaders, a charity dedicated to supporting young migrants in the UK, Elham is transforming lives by unlocking talent and reshaping perceptions of migration and diversity in professional spaces.

Elham’s mission is simple yet profound: to give migrant families the tools to achieve their aspirations. For her, success isn’t just about individual achievements; it’s about enriching the broader economy and society.

From Refugee to Change Maker

Elham’s journey began in Iran during the chaos of the war with Iraq. At just 14, her family fled to the UK to escape the bombings, seeking safety and a better future. But the transition wasn’t easy. Settling in Birmingham, Elham navigated a new language, culture, and the upheaval of changing schools three times in as many years.

As the eldest child in a migrant family, the responsibility to succeed and support her loved ones weighed heavily on her shoulders. When higher education seemed out of reach—denied home student status due to her short time in the UK—Elham refused to give up. Camping outside Birmingham City Council offices for three days, she fought for her chance to attend university.

“I would have stayed a month if that’s what it took. It was the only chance I had to change my future.”

Breaking barriers with ambition

Elham's determination set the tone for her career. Rising through the ranks at GE, she became a financial controller within three years of graduating. Always seeking new challenges, she applied for an Executive MBA at Warwick Business School at just 25--becoming the youngest student in the programme's history.

"When you're passionate, you find a way," Elham reflects, believing that Warwick gave her the skills and confidence to expand her knowledge beyond finance and embrace leadership roles in business and management.

Creating opportunities for future generations

The 2017 Parker Review, which highlighted the lack of ethnic diversity in UK boardrooms, was a turning point for Elham. She founded Migrant Leaders to bridge the gap between underrepresented talent and opportunities in the professional world.

Her programme offers up to five years of mentorship, training, and support for young migrants and disadvantaged students, helping them navigate language barriers, economic challenges, and emotional hurdles.

To date, Migrant Leaders has supported nearly 3,000 young people, with guidance from over 1,600 professionals across 95 FTSE 100 firms. Elham's vision is ambitious: to reach 10,000 young migrants, creating a ripple effect that not only empowers individuals but also strengthens the UK economy.

"The barriers faced by young migrants are immense--language, economic, and emotional. But those challenges don't end at school; they persist into professional life."

A data-driven approach with heart

Elham's love of data and her meticulous approach set Migrant Leaders apart. From vetting applicants to defining the 52 characteristics of an ideal leader, she ensures every element of the programme is thoughtfully designed.

Despite her strategic focus, Elham remains personally involved, mentoring up to 10 individuals herself. For her, it's about more than skills--it's about inspiring a new generation of leaders to dream big and make a difference. At a time when immigration rhetoric is divisive, Elham's message is clear: migrants are net contributors to the UK economy, and their ambition and cultural capital are invaluable assets.

"My message to the British people is simple: let us serve this country we owe so much to."

Elham's work is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the impact of creating opportunities for others. Through Migrant Leaders, she continues to prove that diversity and inclusion aren't just ideals--they're essential to building a brighter future.