Meet the Universal Truth Advisory Board
Our advisory board brings expertise, lived experience, and passion to guide Universal Truth’s work.
They are committed to tackling systemic inequalities, supporting BAME women and marginalised communities, and creating safer, more inclusive spaces for all.
They help ensure our programmes, training, and advocacy remain survivor-led, effective, and impactful, making a real difference in ending forced marriage, honour-based abuse, and gender-based violence.
Nyla is a lived-experience leader and gender justice activist. She founded Universal Truth CIC to tackle forced marriage, honour-based abuse, and racialised gender violence. She leads Universal Truth’s survivor-led programmes, policy advocacy, and professional training initiatives. Her flagship Diplomatic Dialogue workshops help organisations overcome racial anxiety and respond effectively to abuse.
She has hosted prestigious events, influenced policy, and created systemic change, always keeping survivors at the heart of every initiative.
NYLA KHAN
Universal Truth Founder and CEO
nyla@universal-truth.co.uk
She also serves as UK Chair for Mental Health at G100, leading campaigns in the UK and internationally to reform systems, prevent crises, and challenge stigma. She has contributed to international discussions on Afghan women’s rights, bringing survivor voices directly into policy decisions.
Nyla is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), the RSE Young Academy of Scotland, and HarperCollins Academy. She is also the author of the forthcoming memoir Privilege to Love.
Neha Aikman is a distinguished Scottish lawyer with over 12 years of experience specialising in both civil and criminal law. Known for her exceptional skills in communication, negotiation, and litigation Neha has served as a partner in a leading firm for several years, where she earned a reputation for her strategic approach and commitment to justice.
In 2024, Neha embarked on a personal healing journey that led her to launch a podcast dedicated to sharing the inspiring stories of women. Her podcast reflects her passion for amplifying women’s voices and fostering a sense of community and empowerment among her audience.
Neha draws her greatest inspiration from women who uplift one another; those who serve as moments of hope and strength for others. She is deeply committed to helping women feel seen, heard, and valued acting as a voice for those unable to speak for themselves and honouring their resilience and courage.
As a valued member of Universal Truth, Neha recognises the unique challenges faced by women, particularly those from ethnic minority backgrounds. She is dedicated to driving meaningful change to ensure that these struggles no longer define their reality, working tirelessly to support and advocate for equality and justice.
NEHA AIKMAN
ANGEL GOMES
Safeguarding champion
Angel Gomes is deeply passionate about supporting women and families who have experienced domestic abuse. She has worked directly with survivors in refuges, helping them feel safe and supported while creating personalised safety plans and guiding them through some of the most difficult times in their lives.
She also supports women in the community, helping them rebuild their independence, connect with services, and find stability after leaving abusive situations. Angel believes strongly in giving women a voice and ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect.
Working alongside health and social care teams and law enforcement, Angel is committed to protecting vulnerable families and creating safer futures. Her compassion, resilience, and dedication to empowering women are at the heart of everything she does.
Assa Samaké-Roman is a French journalist covering Scotland's politics, culture and society for the French-speaking media (Radio France Internationale, Radio-Télévision Suisse, Politis, Le Figaro, Mediapart), and a regular columnist in The National newspaper.
She is also the editor of La Revue Écossaise, a brand new magazine about Scotland's ideas, culture, history and politics created with four other French people.