Team / Leadership / Trustees - Angels of Hope for Women

Our Team

At Angels of Hope for Women, our strength lies in the power of lived experience, empathy, and shared purpose. Each member of our leadership and trustee board brings not only professional expertise but also a deep personal understanding of the challenges faced by the women and families we serve. Together, we are committed to creating lasting, positive change within our communities.

Leah Chikamba-Founder & CEO
Award-Winning Community Leader Trainer & Advocate for Women’s Empowerment

Leah Chikamba is the visionary Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Angels of Hope for Women, an organisation built on compassion, lived experience, and a deep commitment to empowering women to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
With a passion for social justice and over a decade of community leadership, Leah has dedicated her life to addressing the root causes of inequality, poverty, and trauma among women — particularly those from marginalised and global majority backgrounds with a focus on creating safe, inclusive spaces where women can heal, rediscover their strength, and thrive.
A respected voice within Manchester’s community sector, Leah is a proud member of Making Manchester Fairer, a citywide initiative tackling inequalities and promoting equity across communities. Leah’s exceptional contributions to social impact have been recognised through multiple accolades, including the AFBC Social Enterprise Excellence Award 2025, celebrating her dedication to empowering women and fostering community resilience. She has also completed specialist training as an Older People Violence Adviser accredited by Safe Lives, further strengthening her expertise in safeguarding and supporting vulnerable women.

Mhlawase Edith Shela (Mu_Sha) Chair of Trustees

With lived experience of overcoming social exclusion and trauma, Mhlawase brings deep empathy, cultural understanding, and a passion for healing to her role. Her trauma-informed approach ensures that support within Angels of Hope is truly person-centred, empowering women to rebuild their lives and thrive.