Neelam Heera

Professional Overview

Neelam Heera is a respected leader and advocate in the field of women's healthcare and social justice. As the Founder of Cysters, she leverages her extensive experience and passion for promoting equity and inclusivity to drive meaningful change within the maternity and neonatal care sectors.

Experience Summary

Current Role

Founder, Cysters (2015-Present)

• Established Cysters, a pioneering organization dedicated to supporting women with reproductive and gynecological health conditions, such as PCOS and endometriosis.

• Spearheads the development and implementation of innovative programs and initiatives that address the unique challenges faced by underserved communities.

• Serves as a powerful voice for marginalized groups, advocating for improved access to healthcare and greater representation in decision-making processes.

Lead for Birmingham Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership - EDI, Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (2024-Present)

• Provides strategic leadership and oversight for the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives within the Birmingham Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership.

• Collaborates with key stakeholders to identify and address systemic barriers, ensuring that maternity and neonatal services are inclusive and responsive to the needs of diverse communities.

Associate Committee Member, Platform Housing Group (2023-Present)

• Contributes her expertise and perspective to the strategic planning and decision-making processes of the Platform Housing Group, a leading provider of affordable housing in the UK.

Advisory Board Member, The Equal Group (2020-Present)

• Serves on the advisory board of The Equal Group, an organization dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

• Provides guidance and insights to help shape the organization's initiatives and ensure that they are aligned with the needs of underrepresented communities.

Period Poverty Task Force Member, Government Equalities Office (2019-Present)

• Serves on the Period Poverty Task Force, collaborating with government agencies and stakeholders to address the issue of period poverty and improve access to menstrual products for those in need.

Career Progression

Prior to her current roles, Neelam Heera served as a Board Member at Platform Housing Group from 2021 to 2023, where she played a crucial role in shaping the organization's policies and programs to better serve diverse communities.

Academic Background

Neelam Heera holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Birmingham, where she graduated with distinction. Her academic achievements and specialized knowledge in social welfare and community engagement have been instrumental in her advocacy work.

Areas of Expertise

• Women's reproductive and gynecological health

• Health equity and access to care

• Diversity, inclusion, and intersectionality

• Community engagement and grassroots organizing

• Strategic planning and program development

• Policy advocacy and stakeholder collaboration

Professional Impact

Neelam Heera's tireless efforts have had a significant impact on improving the lives of women, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. She has been recognized for her contributions, receiving numerous awards and accolades, including the "Community Champion" award from the Birmingham City Council in 2021.

Conclusion

Neelam Heera's impressive track record, combined with her unwavering commitment to social justice and her ability to drive meaningful change, positions her as a respected leader and a valuable asset to the organizations she serves. Her passion for empowering underserved communities and her strategic vision for advancing health equity make her a compelling and impactful professional.