Novi Woman of the Week: Rehana Ramesh – 2024 Novi Bravery Award Winner

This South Asian Heritage Month, we are proud to shine a light on Rehana Ramesh, winner of the 2024 Novi Bravery Award. Rehana’s story is one of strength, resilience, and service to her community.

Rehana is the Acting Director of Customer Service, Digital and Data at the London Borough of Hackney. With over 24 years in local government, she has led important changes in technology and customer services, making a real difference to the lives of residents and local businesses. But it’s not just her work that makes her stand out — it’s the personal journey that brought her here.

When Rehana was 18, her life changed in an instant. Cycling home from her grandparents’ house, she was hit by a truck. The drunk driver fled, leaving her trapped under the vehicle. She lost her leg from below the knee and spent years in and out of hospital while completing her degree.

Through it all, Rehana never gave up. Supported by her family and her childhood sweetheart, Ramesh — who later became her husband — she found the strength to keep going. Together, they built a life in London, raising a daughter and a son, while Rehana built her career in technology, a field where minority women are still underrepresented.

Her courage goes far beyond her personal recovery. Rehana has worked to open doors for others, especially women and young people from underrepresented backgrounds. She mentors women in government technology, encourages girls in schools to explore careers in digital and data, and helps people see that leadership in tech is for everyone — no matter their background.

Winning the Novi Bravery Award in 2024 recognized more than just her professional achievements. It celebrated the determination, compassion, and leadership she has shown in the face of life-changing challenges.

Rehana’s journey is a powerful reminder that bravery is not just about facing danger — it’s about facing life’s toughest moments and choosing to move forward.