Attendees in the chamber included Safiya’s proud family who travelled all the way from her home country of Somaliland in support of her new role.
I stand before you today in great pride and joy, it is more than an honour, I am honoured to be the first black woman wearing a hijab to take this role.
Today, this gives me the platform to grow and give back to my community.
Safiya Saeed, the city’s 128th Lord Mayor
During her time as a councillor, Safiya has held a number of positions and gained a broad range of experience.
Over her career as a councillor, Safiya has taken on a number of important roles including Deputy Lord Mayor and Chair of the North East Local Area Committee.
As a single mother of five wonderful children, she has learned firsthand the importance of nurturing a supportive environment for the next generation, making this a core part of her work with Reach Up Youth, which is rooted in ensuring that young people in our community have the opportunities, guidance, and safe spaces they need to thrive.
A significant part of Safiya’s journey has been as the founder of Reach Up Youth, a vibrant initiative dedicated to empowering young people, particularly those from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds.
Through Reach Up Youth, the team has built a network of ambassadors and leaders, provided professional platforms, and exposed them to opportunities such as independent living, confidence building, reducing isolation, and accessing vital services, including mental health support.
Reach Up Youth also run stalls and events to connect with wider services, creating a lasting impact. By empowering youth as the future, this emphasises equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring every young person has the opportunity to thrive and represent their own voices.
Beyond Safiya’s community work, her hobbies including a love for travelling, connecting with friends, and socializing.
Her passions also lie with continuously learning, often attending workshops and networking events to broadening her horizons and bring fresh ideas back to the community.
I am incredibly proud to step into the role of Lord Mayor, making history as the first Black woman, wearing hijab to hold this position in Sheffield.
I came to Sheffield in 1985, and this city has truly become my home – a place where I have always felt I belong.
Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Safiya Saeed
Safiya’s theme for the year is centered around what she loves most: networking and connecting people.
She aims to turn Sheffield into a thriving hub where investors, entrepreneurs, charities, and residents can build partnerships and support each other, looking to gather Sheffield’s stories, amplify its voices, and proudly represent the spirit of our city.
By developing these connections, Safiya hopes to build a future of collaboration and prosperity, ensuring that everyone in Sheffield is part of our shared success.
Lord Mayor Safiya Saeed finished her acceptance speech: “I want every voice, no matter how quiet, to feel heard in the heart of this city.”