Dr Kaneez Shaid MBE

Dr Kaneez Shaid joined New Adventures in 2014. Kaneez contacted the company after discovering that our Artistic Director, Sir Matthew Bourne, was a former pupil at the place where she worked - Sir George Monoux College. Matthew grew up in Walthamstow and had studied at the school from 1974, aged 14. Thirty-six years on and much to the delight of his former school, Matthew agreed to return to formally open ‘The Sir Matthew Bourne Theatre’ - a theatre named after Matthew in honour of his lifetime achievements; inspiring a whole new generation of young dancers in Walthamstow - London’s first borough of Culture.

Dr Kaneez Shaid is Chair of Citizens UK and is responsible for overseeing Britain’s largest civil alliance, represents over half a million people, in over 400 member institutions. She is actively involved in its campaigning work across a broad range of issues including refugee crisis, youth employment, keeping streets safe and affordable housing. In 2014, Kaneez was named MBE in the Queen’s Honours List for improving the lives of young people living in East London. She was initially compelled to step into public life following the 911 attacks on the World Trade Centre. Kaneez is a qualified marketing and communications specialist, with two decades of experience in the education sector. She was born and lives in London, is a mother of two children and is a passionate advocate of creative industry.