Shahnaz Ahmed

Hello! I’m Shahnaz and I'm an award-winning creative and maker with 11+ years in the creative industry.

I’m currently Creative Strategist at Facebook & Instagram.

Over the past 11 years I’ve been creative and design lead for agencies including Livity, Studio Output, iris, HarrimanSteel working for clients like Facebook, Google / Youtube, Dyson, Comic Relief, Ministry of Sound, Girlguiding, Food Standards Agency. (RANDOM FACT: I designed the Food Hygiene Rating stickers you see everywhere ;)

During my maternity leave two years ago, I founded Knit Aid – a global social movement that empowers refugees through the craft of knitting, and uses creativity to bring communities together – www.knitaid.org

I've been recognised as –
> Shortlisted for The Drum's Creative Women of the Year 2017 award in partnership with Creative Equals and Facebook.
> One of 15 high-potential senior creative women globally for Cannes Lions See It Be It 2017 programme
> Creative Equal's and Campaign's Future Leader’s award ‘Women to Watch’
> D&AD New Blood judge for the White Pencil category, awarded to outstanding work that uses the power of creativity to do good in the world.

Being one of few women, and often only ethnic minority woman, in creative teams throughout my career, I’m on a mission to increase equality and diversity in creative roles.

I’m a regular speaker at industry events and work to attain and retain minority talent within the creative industry through talks, panels and mentoring.

I’ve spoken at Cannes Lions in London, Eurobest, Creative Social, Glug, She Says, and General Assembly, and mentor BAME talent to enter and remain in the industry.