A doctor from Leeds who survived a life-threatening illness to help others, and Musharaf Asghar, the inspirational star of Channel 4’s Educating Yorkshire, were among the winners at the Yorkshire Asian Young Achiever Awards (YAYAs) 2025.

The event took place on 27 November at the Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford, where 10 award categories recognised exceptional young people aged 16 to 35 from South Asian backgrounds who were born, live, or work in YorkshireFounded by Bradford-based QED Foundation and supported by title sponsor York St John University, the awards celebrate individuals who have overcome deprivation, disadvantage, or personal barriers to succeed in their fields.

2025 YAYA Winners

Yorkshire Asian Young Achiever of the Year

Winner: Dr Madiah Mahmood (Leeds)
Sponsored by York St John University

Dr Madiah Mahmood is a resident doctor at Bradford Teaching Hospitals. Coming from a lower socio-economic background and initially missing the grades for medicine, she accessed university through a foundation year.

In 2016, she survived life-threatening autoimmune encephalitis. Six years later, she graduated and has since raised awareness for the Encephalitis Society and introduced new innovations at her hospital department.

Media AwarWinner: Musharaf Asghar (Dewsbury)
Sponsored by LocaliQ

Known nationwide from Educating Yorkshire, Musharaf has lived with a stammer since childhood. Despite bullying and social anxiety, he earned a journalism degree and now works as a motivational speaker.

He delivers workshops on leadership, confidence, and social anxiety, supports children with special needs, and inspires students to believe that a stammer does not limit their potential.

Sport Award

Winner: Nohmaan Hussain (Sheffield)
Sponsored by Janan

A rising boxing talent, Nohmaan is a professional bantamweight fighter — and an NHS Cardiac Intensive Care Practitioner. Before turning pro, he represented the University of Sheffield and won gold at the British University Championships (BUCs).

Health / Mental Health or Healthcare Award

Winner: Adil Mohammed (Sheffield)
Sponsored by University of York

Adil, a 24-year-old paramedic, grew up in a deprived Sheffield neighbourhood. He graduated with first-class honours in Paramedic Practice and has campaigned to improve community health.

His work led to the installation of two community defibrillators in Tinsley, life-saving equipment made available for the first time in the area.

Arts and Creative Industries AwarWinner: Awais Hussain (Bradford)

Sponsored by National Science and Media Museum

Awais is the co-founder of Apna Heritage, a UK charity focusing on South Asian history, storytelling, genealogy, and culture. In 2024, he launched a major project documenting South Asian migration and building a global heritage platform.

Education Award

Winner: Mohammed Ali Adnan (Bradford)
Sponsored by University of Leeds

Ali, a wheelchair user living with spina bifida, studies at Bradford College and inspires peers with his determination and positive attitude.

He hopes to pursue a university degree and become an air traffic controller. Ali also plays for the Bradford City Disability Football team.

Private Sector / Young Entrepreneur Award

Winner: Falaq Ujjala (Bradford)
Sponsored by Morrisons

Falaq opened the Skylight Lounge in 2024, a community-focused café that provides a creative, supportive space for students, artists, and locals.

Raised in a single-parent household, she now gives back to her community through entrepreneurship and inclusive leadership.

Public Sector Award

Winner: Aqsa Saleem (Dewsbury)
Sponsored by Born in Bradford

Aqsa, 21, is a police officer and trainee detective. She overcame cultural barriers to join the police force and is now a visible role model for young Asian women, inspiring others while serving her community.

Not-for-Profit Sector Award

Winner: Aleem Bashir (Bradford)
Sponsored by Bradford 2025

Aleem is the CEO of the University of Bradford Student Union and a former imam. Growing up amid social inequality, he now leads grassroots initiatives and community projects, motivating others through his service and leadership.

Overcoming Life Obstacles Award

Winner: Sabba Nosheen (Bradford)
Sponsored by Leeds Community Foundation

Sabba was raised by a single mother in a challenging home environment. Married at 17 and now a single parent to three children with severe allergies, she worked multiple jobs and eventually founded Up and Away Events, her balloon art and event décor business.

Her story is one of resilience, entrepreneurship, and empowerment.

Celebrating Yorkshire’s rising talent

The ceremony was hosted by broadcaster and comedian Noreen Khan, with Rami Baitieh, Chief Executive of Morrisons PLC, delivering the keynote speech.

Inspirational messages were shared by Fouzia Younis MBE (UK Consul-General to Toronto), and video support came from influential leaders including:

• Sir James Hill OBE
• Sir Mufti Hamid Patel CBE
• Julia Middleton
• Sir Alan Parker
• Anne Keast-Butler (Director of GCHQ)

A message from QED Foundation

Dr Mohammed Ali OBE, QED founder and chief executive, said:
“The YAYAs are all about young people and celebrating their talents and achievements – not only the winners, but all of the nominees.”

Adeeba Malik CBE, deputy chief executive of QED Foundation, added:
“In these uncertain times, the YAYAs provide an important platform for our young people to showcase their skills… and remind us of the great talent that exists here in Yorkshire.”

About the YAYAs

Launched in 2020 to mark QED Foundation’s 30th anniversary, the YAYAs have rapidly become one of Bradford’s key annual award events.

QED Foundation itself was founded in 1990 and is recognised nationally and internationally for its pioneering work tackling inequality and supporting the economic and social advancement of ethnic minority communities.