Our Team
We bring different perspectives to the table, but we’re united by a love for purposeful work, thoughtful design, and real connection.
Sheikh Babikir
The vision behind Rumi's Cave from day one. Sheikh built this space out of a simple belief that everyone deserves a seat at the table, whoever they are, whatever they're carrying. Years later, that's still the rule the Cave runs by.
Founder
Aminah Babikir
Keeps the Cave running the way it's meant to warmth first, logistics second. Aminah holds the whole operation together, from the kitchen to the courtyard, without ever letting it feel like an operation.
aminah@rumis.org
Director
Grants ManagerGlaiza Padulla
Makes sure the funding matches the mission. Glaiza writes the case for Rumi's Cave to funders, councils and partners. Translating what happens here into the kind of language that keeps the doors open.
glaiza@rumis.org
Executive Assistant
Huda Emeraan
The one who knows where everything is, who's coming in today, and what needs doing before anyone else has thought of it. Huda keeps the back office as calm as the front room.
huda@rumis.org
Adam Lane
Partnerships & PR Manager
Builds the relationships that carry Rumi's Cave beyond Craven Park Road with local press, partner charities, and anyone who wants to help it reach further.
adam@rumis.org
Nazra Zuhyle
Rumi’s Care Manager
Runs the Care programme the befriending visits, the check-ins, the quiet follow-ups after someone's first cup of tea here. Nazra makes sure no one who walks through the door is forgotten once they leave.
nazra@rumis.org
Rakaya Fetuga
Curates the Stage the open mics, the spoken word nights, the evenings where strangers read their poems out loud for the first time. Rakaya has an eye for who's ready to be heard.
Abdullah
Pulls the espresso and bakes what's on the counter most mornings. Ask Abdullah what's fresh he'll usually just hand you a piece to try.
Emad Hamaridha
Rumi’s Kitchen Van Manager
Takes Rumi's Kitchen beyond the Cave's four walls, running the van that brings our comfort food to people who might never make it through the door otherwise.
General Manager & FacilitiesJames Blackmore
Keeps the building itself standing, working, and warm literally. If a tap's dripping or a radiator's cold, James has usually sorted it before anyone noticed.
james@rumis.org
Ummu-Kulthum Mohammed
Education and Welfare Manager
Runs the Cave's education side Breakfast Club, the after-school programmes, and the courses and workshops beyond them and keeps an eye on the welfare of everyone who comes through. Practical support, delivered without ever feeling like charity.
ummk@rumis.org
Rakin Fetuga
Shapes how Rumi's Cave shows up and looks after the people inside it the tone of an event, the feel of a room, and the quieter, pastoral side of making sure everyone in it is actually okay.
rakin@rumis.org
Safa Trevathan
The organisation behind the Retreats programme booking the dates, confirming the details, making sure everyone who signs up knows exactly where to be and when.
retreats@rumis.org
Yusra Sharif
Splits her time between Rumi's Cafe and administration usually the first face you see behind the counter, and the one quietly keeping the tabs on adminstration of projects.
info@rumis.org
Ryan Tolentino
Rumi’s Kitchen Van Driver
Drives Rumi's Kitchen to wherever it's needed that day.