Isma Almas

Isma Almas is a vibrant and insightful keynote speaker whose work highlights the importance of racial diversity, South Asian representation, and inclusion. Born in Bradford and having spent her childhood split between Pakistan and Yorkshire, Isma embodies the best of British multiculturalism. Her comedic journey, shaped by her experiences as a British Muslim woman, provides her with a unique lens to tackle complex social issues with humour and relatability. Audiences are drawn to her Bradford-infused charm and her ability to shatter preconceptions with wit and candour.

In addition to her success as a comedian, Isma has a rich professional background in social work and social sciences, which informs her work as a speaker. She has experience managing independent fostering agencies and working in forensic units with individuals facing significant mental health challenges. This blend of lived and professional experience lends credibility and depth to her discussions on diversity and inclusion. Isma’s personal journey as a mother of three, including an adopted child, further enriches her perspectives on inclusion and family dynamics in multicultural Britain.

Isma is a seasoned performer who has graced some of the UK’s most prestigious stages. She has entertained audiences at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Barbican Centre in London, Bradford Literature Festival, and even aboard a lively luxury gay cruise around the Mediterranean. With accolades like winning The First Laugh at Sheffield Comedy Festival and reaching the finals of Funny Women, she has cemented her place as a vital voice in comedy. Isma’s warmth and incisiveness make her a much-needed figure in today’s conversations about diversity and representation.

Her appearances extend beyond the comedy stage. Isma has been a regular contributor to BBC Asian Network and has appeared on popular podcasts such as Drunk Women Solving Crime and Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Podcast. Additionally, she co-presented the mid-morning show on BBC Radio Leeds, where she interviewed several notable personalities. Through her speaking engagements, Isma draws on her life story, professional expertise, and comedic skill to inspire audiences to embrace diversity, challenge stereotypes, and create inclusive environments.