Directors info

Gurmakh Singh

I work at South City college in Birmingham.

I have been at the college since 1993, this year i would have been there for 30 years. I started as a volunteer at the 524 centre which was set up in the heart of the asian community in Sparkhill (Stratford road), at the time the centre was called this because it used to be an old bank and it took name after the number 524.

The reason I started at the centre was that when it newly opened they needed a bilingual speaking person who spoke Urdu and Punjabi. From there the college offered me [part time work, which led to full time, during my time at the centre with the help of a member of staff ( Ms Parry ) we started up the duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

After working at the centre for ten years the opportunity came up of a Centre Support Manager looking after day to day running of the centre.

Due to funding and other matters the college was forced to close the centre and I was moved to the Amington Road campus.

I have worked with the local community since 1993 and enjoyed and still enjoy doing so, God willing I will retire (next year) . I would like to continue helping the local community.

Nazneen Kazi

Hi, my name is Nazneen, known as Naz to most. Since graduating. I began working for a global company in the Financial Services sector and have been there ever since (11 years and counting!).My roles have varied across Operations, Marketing/Product Development and now Fraud.

Through my time here, I’ve had the chance to take part in fundraising for various local charities/hospice, including the food bank and Marie Curie something close to my heart.

My father once told me that charity starts from home, And so with that in mind, I am honoured to be a part of Swali’s Community project. To give back to an area I grew up in and know so well.

I am excited to take on this role and be part of a team determined to make positive changes to our community.

Gurditta Swali

Hello all, my name is Gurditta Swali, better known as Gee. A little bit about me; I am currently employed in a global financial company based in Solihull and have been here for a decade (and counting!). Prior to this I spent my time volunteering in charity shops in and around Acocks Green. And this is where my passion to help others was born.

Through my current place of work, I have had the opportunity to partake in fundraisers, namely for the Marie Curie hospice and local Food Banks (something close to my heart). I also initiated the idea of donating surplus food items (during seasonal periods) to hostels and children’s homes. Giving back to our community and spreading kindness (no matter how big or small the gesture is) is a part of my personal ethos.

And so, it gives me great pleasure to be a part of: Swali’s Community Project; a team driven to make positive changes to our community. I am excited to see the differences we can make, together, as well as seeing how we can grow, to help other neighbouring areas.

Gurpreet Swali

Hi, my name is Gurpreet Swali, known to most as Dasi. From a young age I have always been passionate about helping others and learning new skills along the way. I began at the age of 10, by joining my local gym and enrolling in different classes, helping me to stay fit, focused and disciplined. Which in turn helped me to help others that looked to acquire fitness knowledge and skills. I have never looked back.

Keeping the above in mind, I began looking at various schools and care homes and how I could best utilise my skills to help young people. This is where I began my journey as a support worker and mentor. Taking the children out and helping them build and learn new skills to help them grow.

This has been a career highlight for me, being involved in a child / young adults, personal development and watching them progress into bigger and better things.

I am honoured to be a part of ‘Swali Community Support Group’, To give back to an area i grew up in and know so well. I am looking forward to being a part of community projects, helping people in need / vulnerable. Something which is close and dear to my heart.

Laura Tombs

Hiya, My names Laura. I’m 28 and have 2 lovely children both boys. They definitely keep me on my toes! I’ve grown up in Birmingham all my life, growing up in a community where our neighbourhood supported one another. So when I had the opportunity to join this team I couldn’t turn it down.

I would describe myself as outgoing, bubbly and definitely a people-pleaser. In my spare time I enjoy getting outdoors and spending quality time with my boys.