Meet the Propel Partner: Ubele

Learn a little more about the people behind Propel. This month we chat to Ali Ahmed, Programme Manager at The Ubele Initiative, one of our wonderful Equity Partners.

What does equity mean to you?

To me, equity means ensuring fairness, justice, and equality for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances. It acknowledges that people have different needs and that some may require more support than others to achieve their full potential. Unlike equality, which treats everyone the same, equity recognises that people and organizations start at different points and aims to level the playing field by providing the necessary resources and opportunities to those who need them most.

What is the most interesting thing about your role at Ubele?

The opportunity to support and empower community-led organisations that are working to create a more just and equitable society. I am constantly learning from the amazing people I work with, and I am always inspired by their creativity, resilience, and dedication to finding solutions that work to challenging social issues.

If you could change one thing about the wider funding sector, what would it be?

I would focus on ensuring fair funding allocation across the system. Some marginalised communities often lose out in the competition for funding, whilst others are treated as flavour of the month. To address this, I would proactively assess the landscape to identify underserved organisations and services that lack the necessary resources to effectively tackle systemic discrimination. This would ensure that all communities have access to the resources they need to thrive and that no one is left behind.

Where in London is home for you?

I live in South Norwood, a charming suburb with hidden gems (Shhh don’t tell anyone) with lots of open spaces and parks, including South Norwood Lakes, and South Norwood Country Park, alongside several parks. I love the diversity and vibrancy of this neighbourhood, and I’m always discovering new things to do and see. From exploring the Stanley Halls for drama live gigs and community events. The Crystal Palace FC at Selhurst Park Stadium is also located in the area. There is always something exciting happening in South Norwood.

Three London favourites :

Brixton for its varied market offers street food and lively diverse atmosphere.

Having spent over 12 years working on Tower Hamlets, I grew to fall in love with Brick Lane, for its street and modern art, graffiti and vintage clothes and wide range of international food.

I also like spending time at the South Bank and enjoying the various cultural offerings throughout the year.