Mahboobeh Rajabi, Creative Engagement and Community Leadership   

Mahboobeh is a creative leader, social entrepreneur and community innovator who is passionate about using creativity, culture and participation to create more inclusive, equitable and connected communities. With more than sixteen years of experience working across the arts, culture and community sectors in the UK and internationally, she specialises in designing and leading initiatives that amplify underrepresented voices, build leadership capability and create lasting social impact. 

As Co-Founder and CEO of the award-winning DIPACT CIC, Mahboobeh has developed pioneering community-led approaches that redistribute power, support shared decision-making and create opportunities for people who are often excluded from traditional leadership spaces. Drawing on her lived experience as a refugee, she brings a deep commitment to equity, anti-racism and culturally safe practice, ensuring that people’s experiences, identities and aspirations are at the heart of change. 

Mahboobeh has led a range of innovative programmes that support leadership development, creativity and community participation, including Thinking Artists, Global Roots Café, Canvas, DIGI GEM and the Rochdale Women’s Voice initiative. Through this work, she has built a strong reputation for nurturing emerging leaders, developing collaborative networks and creating environments where people feel valued, connected and empowered to shape their communities. 

Her work sits at the intersection of creativity, social change and community development, helping organisations and partnerships engage people in meaningful ways and develop more inclusive approaches to leadership. She is particularly passionate about co-production and long-term capacity building, supporting communities to move from participation to influence and from influence to leadership. 

Known for her warmth, creativity and ability to build trust across diverse communities, Mahboobeh combines strategic leadership with a deeply relational approach. Whether designing programmes, facilitating conversations or supporting leadership development, she helps people recognise their strengths, grow their confidence and create positive change that is rooted in lived experience and collective action.