Since 1973, she has taught at the local primary schools, being one of the first Asian female primary school teachers. She taught at Marriott Junior, Bridge Junior, East Park Primary and Spinney Hill Primary Schools.

 

The Lord Mayor first represented the Abbey Ward, following the sudden death of her husband Cllr Paul Sood, from 1996 until 2003. Since 2003 she has proudly represented the Latimar Ward and the Golden Mile - Belgrave Road.

 

Over the past 10 years the Lord Mayor has served on a number of major committees as vice chair of social services, education, equal opportunities, housing, licensing, and chair of the Health Commission.  At present she is Cabinet Lead for Health and Well-being.

 

She is Governor for Spinney Hill Primary School and Ex Governor of Leicester College and Abbey Primary School, Trustee and Executive of the Leicester Council of Faiths.  She was also Chair of Naari Lets and Non Executive Director for NHS Trust and Trustee for North Memorial Homes.  She is currently Public Relations Officer for Fibromylagia disability group - a medical condition she suffers with.  She is also a keen supporter of Fair Trade.

 

The Lord Mayor has two sons; Manish is a teacher and City Councillor and Mitesh is Assistant Vice President to a City bank and is soon to be married to Sheenal. Both sons have gained University Degrees.

 

The Lord Mayor has raised money for charities and sponsored children overseas, as well as raising funds for a fluid warmer cabinet for the Accident Emergency Unit at the Leicester Royal Infirmary.

 

She is the proud holder of the Woman of the Year for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and also cares for her 84 year old mother.

 

 

 

The Lord Mayor’s Consort was born in Leicester and educated at Alderman Richard Hallam Primary School and Beaumont Leys and Crown Hills Secondary Schools. He attended WQEIC College in Leicester.

 

Manish has worked in hotel and catering, education and finance industries and has taught in both city and county primary and secondary schools, as well as lecturing at local FE colleges.  He has also worked at Thames Valley University.

 

He is currently a Governor of Highfields Primary School and is a member of NUT and AMICUS. He is also a member of HCIMA, ECA, and CMA. Manish is a keen supporter of Leicester City Football Club and enjoys keeping up to date with world affairs and reading books. He is a film enthusiast as well.

 

His proudest moment was when he was elected as the City Councillor for Fosse Ward where he grew up, attended the local schools and Boys Brigade at the local Methodist Church.

 

Councillor Sood looks forward to supporting his mother during her year as Lord Mayor.

 

 

 

Sheenal was born in London and educated at The City University, London.  She has worked within the Public Sector for over five years during which time she has gained valuable experience understanding the challenges faced within this sector.

 

Sheenal’s first encounter with Leicester stemmed from working for a South Asian organisation, which had a presence in Leicester.  Her role involved managing a voluntary IT training programme for the Asian community.  She was very impressed with Leicester during her frequent visits, particularly with regard to the rich diverse cultures, vibrancy and established commerce.

 

Upon the successful completion of the programme, she hosted an awards ceremony at the Houses of Parliament, to celebrate individual achievements in learning new skills.

 

In 2007, she received an award for Innovator of the Year, for her contribution in developing a successful proposal for the London Borough of Ealing.  She also managed the council’s electronic government programme, successfully setting up new ways to access services from the council.

 

Sheenal is currently a Management Consultant for Mouchel, a consulting and business services group.  As part of her voluntary work, she supports the community by offering IT training to local community centres.  She enjoys reading, keeping up to date with current affairs and taking part in a number of sports.

 

She welcomes the opportunity to serve the City of Leicester while supporting the Lord Mayor and raising money for various charities.

 

 

 

Mitesh is the younger son of the Lord Mayor, born and raised in Leicester and graduated from City University.  He is a professional Project Manager with over ten years experience attained working within the Financial Services sector in North America, Europe and the City of London.

 

Mitesh is actively engaged in a number of mentoring schemes ranging from Teach First, City University and Business Dynamics, assisting young people and children with a wide range of academia and career activities.

 

He enjoys playing sports, reading, travelling and watching films and is currently an Assistant Vice President for Merrill Lynch Investment Bank in the City of London and is a Governor at a community college.