THIS BRITISH MUSLIM WOMAN WAS HONORED BY THE QUEEN

Nighat Khan is the founder and Managing Director of New Vision For Women, a UK community interest company.

She is set to meet Queen Elizabeth as part of recognition of efforts of men and women who use their deep religious faith to unite fractured communities.

“As head of the nation and head of the Commonwealth, Her Majesty recognizes and celebrates religious diversity in the UK and throughout the Commonwealth,” a Buckingham Palace spokesman said.

“Across the UK, individuals of all faiths and beliefs are working at the grassroots and community level to support their local neighborhoods and bring together different backgrounds and ethnicities.”

At the reception held on June 25, the Queen has invited both men and women representing religions including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

The work of the 160 men and women who will attended the reception included supporting young people to make positive life choices, bringing people together through cooking, providing food and clothing to the homeless, and supporting refugees and asylum seekers.

Khan is one of the women who met the Queen. Though having a successful career as a wealth management analyst in private banking, the mother of two felt that something was missing from her life.

“I realized that when I worked nine to five I wasn’t in touch with the community around me,” she said.

After leaving her job, Khan set up New Vision 4 Women, a company trying to improve women’s lives by offering a wide range of workshops and training courses.

Khan said her project has succeeded in breaking down the kinds of barriers that those living in a big city often experience.