We are a small team of talented individuals with a wide range of skills and experience. We are passionate about sharing people’s stories, and we are determined to make a change.
Junaid Ashraf
Founder & Director
I launched Melting Scot to create a platform for BAME Scots who need a space to express themselves authentically. My political career started in my teens in the Scottish Youth Parliament before being elected as a Councillor at 20 years old. I have worked on equalities campaigns my whole life, represented Scotland across the world through many different forums and I am thankful for the opportunities I have had. But we need more voices to be elevated from the backgrounds that aren’t often heard, I hope Melting Scot can be the vehicle of expression for your life experience.
Marianna Marcelline
Project Manager
I got involved with the Melting Scot because I think the contributions of ethnic minorities in Scotland are often overlooked. Through providing a space for BAME Scots to share their views and creativity, I hope to see this change. I study Computer Science and Politics at Glasgow University, which I love because of its challenging nature. Outside of my studies, I work part-time at Tesco and due to the covid lockdowns, I have become an avid runner. My goal is to run a marathon very soon!
Muzdalifa Anzum
Research Coordinator
Identity is indeed created not given. When I first stepped into the University of Glasgow in the year 2018, the idea that I would call Scotland my second home seemed a far cry. Although I am currently residing in my home country, Bangladesh, a sense of belonging is still alive as a new version of me was born there. I am delighted and honoured to be a part of Melting Scot and looking forward to working with a proactive team and doing something meaningful for the BAME community. As a research coordinator, I am thrilled to help the community to re imagine and retain their identities through different project initiatives. I am currently working as a Social Development Practitioner in Bangladesh to restrain early marriage and spread sexual reproductive health education among adolescent of minority communities here.
Iqra Ali
Editor
My name is Iqra Ali and I am a proud Scot at heart. You will most likely find me in a Costa or my university library since I spent a lot of time there I live there more than my own house. If I do get time outside from studying and working as a tutor, then I am doing charity work with many amazing organisations! I love my country and in particular my heritage, which is from Islamabad, Pakistan. I want to inspire us BAME Scots, that no matter where we originate from, it’s about integrating and moving together as one country. The Melting Scot is just what this is all about, to help us be heard in Scotland and showcase what we have to offer, as well as educating people about issues that really matter! I can’t wait to read all of your blog posts!
Zain Iqbal
Creative Lead
A former civil engineering student at the University of Strathclyde and now an aspiring personal trainer, I realised that the line we carve will never be the straight one we picture in our minds. My other interests include organising and playing in weekly 11-a-side football (ensuring it starts in time is a whole different task!) and more recently I’ve taken up night time photography. I’ve always had an altruistic personality and to be involved in the Melting Scot project felt natural to ensure that BAME and new Scots have an ever present voice, a void that we as a collective are hoping to fill!
The Melting Scot 