Meet the Universal Truth Board
NYLA KHAN
Founder and CEO, Universal Truth
nyla@universal-truth.co.uk
Nyla has first-hand, lived experience of forced marriage. This has come at considerable personal cost – alienating her from family and some members of the Muslim community. Historically she knows women face struggles when they can’t easily be put into a box. That doesn’t trouble her. ‘My vision for Universal Truth is based on what happened to me and what I wanted and want to prevent happening to others,’ she says. ‘I am very clear. I won’t be silenced. I have my truth to share in the hope it helps and empowers others in need.’
Nyla has managed to heal herself and sees herself as living her life’s purpose: to share her story and the wider vision of Universal Truth as a vehicle for change and a better world.
She sees Universal Truth as an inclusive platform free from judgement where difference is celebrated; a place where all are received with unconditional love and supported throughout to follow their own unique journey unburdened by guilt or fear.
Nyla’s personal experiences have been featured on various media outlets including the BBC’s major news channels and website where it reached an audience of millions worldwide. She continues to give workshops to local organisations and public service groups and has over 13 years of experience in social services in Scotland.
Nyla is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and is a Harper Collins Academy Graduate and is writing her first book to share her story and inspire others to stand up for themselves and against their abusers.
NEHA AIKMAN
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.
DR. DEBORAH MENEZES
Policy and research
debbie@universal-truth.co.uk
Dr. Deborah Menezes is currently the Research Lead for the Social Action Inquiry, Scotland. She has completed her PhD from the University of Edinburgh and has proven expertise in both the theory and practice of knowledge mobilisation, knowledge exchange, research design approaches, and co-production of knowledge. A critical scholarship rooted in intersectional, value-based, and decolonial paradigms best describes her pedagogical position. Deborah’s research focuses on social care and wellbeing, minoritised identities, spaces, and agency. Her related research interests include gender, aging, activism, demography, and development. Her methods create a bridge between policy, practice, and community. Deborah’s aspiration is for an ecosystem of support for all, that is holistic and interdependent, that we shape together.
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.