Rusna Begum

Rusna Begum, a distinguished community champion from Newport, is celebrated for her unwavering commitment to service, leadership, and inclusion. An NHS professional by day, Rusna also founded KidCare4U, which supports nearly 500 people weekly, empowering women, young people, and working with diverse families from marginalised households.

Rusna inspires others as a magistrate, a member of the Independent Advisory Panel for Gwent Police, and as a board member of the Bevan Foundation, among various voluntary roles. Rusna’s initiatives have broken barriers in education, sport, and employment—enabling women to gain work experience, young people to access coaching qualifications, and making the Duke of Edinburgh Award accessible for the first time in her community. She has championed culturally sensitive health and wellbeing programmes, advocated for accurate public health messaging during the pandemic, and fostered pride through cultural celebrations. Rusna’s compassionate leadership and advocacy for diversity have transformed countless lives, making her a role model and an inspiring figure within Welsh society.