We are proud to share that our founder and leader, Severine Ntanda Kipili, has been nominated for the Honouring Black Britain Awards!
As part of Black History Month 2026, HEY Confident Futures has also spotlighted Severine’s contribution to Hull, celebrating her leadership and the work we do at Bora Shabaa Refugee Community Organisation.
For our community, this is a wonderful opportunity to recognise the compassion, commitment and lived experience that Severine brings to her work every day.
From personal experience to community leadership
Severine arrived in Hull as an asylum seeker. She understands how difficult it can be to begin again in an unfamiliar place, especially when separated from loved ones and facing uncertainty about the future.
That experience has helped shape Bora Shabaa: a welcoming organisation where refugees, asylum seekers and migrant families can access practical support, build relationships and develop their confidence.
What began as a small voluntary group has grown under Severine’s leadership into a registered charity supporting hundreds of people across Hull.
Our work recognises the skills, experiences and aspirations that people bring with them, alongside the challenges they may face as they settle into a new community.
Supporting everyday life and a sense of belonging
At Bora Shabaa, we help people access advice on housing, education, health, food, household bills and finances. We also offer English-language classes, interpretation and translation, food support, women and family services, and a children’s club.
This support can make a real difference to everyday life. It can help someone communicate with their child’s school, speak to a doctor, understand their options or take steps towards greater independence.
Our gardening, sewing and other group activities also create opportunities to meet people, share skills and build friendships. Through community gardening and walking, people can support their wellbeing while getting to know their local surroundings.
We know that feeling welcome, having someone to talk to and finding a place to belong matter deeply. Compassion, integrity, inclusion, empowerment and collaboration are central to how we work.
Recognition from HEY Confident Futures
Severine has been involved with HEY Confident Futures from the beginning and was part of its first New To Leadership cohort, known as the original “Badass Leaders”.
In its Black History Month feature, HEY Confident Futures recognised her growth as a leader and advocate, alongside Bora Shabaa’s contribution to supporting refugees and displaced people in Hull.
The feature also highlighted the Reaching Communities funding secured by Bora Shabaa to expand the support our small team can provide.
We are grateful to HEY Confident Futures for sharing Severine’s story and recognising the importance of community-led organisations like ours.
Building connections across Hull
Severine is also a founding member of the Global Majority Collective Hull, previously known as the HEY Leadership Advocacy Network.
Through the collective and our wider partnerships, we work alongside other community leaders, local organisations and public services to help people reach the support they need.
People may be navigating housing, health, education, employment and family concerns at the same time. Working together helps us respond to these connected needs and strengthen relationships across our city.
A moment for our whole community
Severine’s nomination is a recognition of her dedication and leadership. It is also a moment to celebrate the people who make Bora Shabaa what it is: our staff, volunteers, community members, partners and supporters.
Every class, conversation, shared activity and act of support contributes to a community where people can feel valued and find opportunities to flourish.
Thank you to HEY Confident Futures for celebrating this work.
And congratulations, Severine — we are proud to see your contribution recognised!