founder story

Growing up in East London, Farhanah often wondered what success could look like for a girl like her. In Tower Hamlets, she recognised her potential but rarely saw role models who shared her background.

Inspired by her parents, she learned the value of hard work, resilience, and purpose. Though they had limited access to education, their determination sparked her passion for learning, social impact, and business.

Thanks to an excellent state school and a handful of experiences, she discovered what was possible when talent meets opportunity. These moments not only shaped her early career but also revealed how crucial access, mentorship, and representation are in helping young people thrive.

After university, she made the bold decision to step away from the corporate path to “find herself and make change.” She went on to work with charities, lead social mobility programmes, connect young people to quality jobs, facilitate hundreds of school workshops, and helped bring Birmingham’s first TEDxYouth event to life.

Yet she continued to notice a lack of diverse, working-class voices in spaces where advice, ideas, and stories were being shared - and how closely personal growth and career development are intertwined.

Determined to change that, Farhanah founded Inspire LEX - with a mission to empower young people through real-life stories, connecting them to opportunities, insights, and lessons shaped by relatable role models.

Through Inspire LEX, she aims to build a connected community where young people can learn, grow, and truly thrive.