Alumni UK is committed to building an inclusive global network that reflects the diversity of UK alumni worldwide. We are proud to have an alumni steering group in place to help guide our work in disability inclusion.

In late 2025, we will launch a dedicated Disability Inclusion Community of Practice - creating space for alumni to connect, share expertise, and champion inclusive practices across sectors. Join us as we grow a network where every voice is valued and every experience matters.

Meet the members of our Disability Inclusion Steering Group.

Disability Inclusion Community of Practice

Debra Callender

Debra Callender is a Caribbean Physiotherapist specialising in brain health and dementia care. She is an Alum of Brighton and Sussex Medical School.

Dr Alisa Nutley

Dr Alisa Nutley is a lecturer and researcher in the Faculty of Architecture at Chiang Mai University, Thailand. Her expertise lies in ageing, community-centred environments, and inclusive design.  Alisa is an alum of the University of Birmingham.

Dr Mervat Mohm Al Mharat

Dr Mervat Mohm Al Mharat is an academic leader passionate about driving institutional development, fostering inclusive initiatives, and empowering communities to create lasting impact. She is an alum of Durham University.

Fareed Gombilla

Fareed Gombilla is a Social Development Officer, Disability Inclusion Facilitator, and assistive technology trainer, with an interest in law, dedicated to advancing accessibility and disability rights across policy, technology, and community development.  Fareed is an alum of SOAS University of London.

Fella Bader

Fella Bader is a deaf entrepreneur and advocate from Algeria who believes in turning challenges into opportunities. With a Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, she runs her family business while actively supporting disability advocacy. Fella is an alum of Nottingham Trent University.

John Femi Abe

John Femi Abe is a Global Data & AI Architect and long-standing volunteer in youth development and disability inclusion initiatives across Africa, Europe, and the EMEA region. He is an alum of London Metropolitan University.

Mandar Khot

Mandar Khot has an MBA in Global Healthcare Management from Coventry University and is a pharmacist and healthcare strategist passionate about driving disability inclusion, patient safety, and innovation in global healthcare systems.

Maurie van den Heever

Maurie van den Heever is an Information Management System Coordinator at GoodX Software, with an MBA from Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University, strives to empower people with disabilities in advancing their education and transitioning into employment, drawing from his own experience with brain damage and epilepsy.

Mayra Alexandra Valencia Aragón

Mayra Alexandra Valencia Aragón is a qualified lawyer with a Master of Laws (LL.M) in human rights from UCL. She is passionate about advancing equality through international collaboration.

Munazza Gillani

Munazza Gillani has over two decades of experience in development management and has led strategic initiatives focusing on disability and gender inclusion in health and education sectors. She is an alum of the University of Aberdeen.