We bring different perspectives to the table, but we’re united by a love for purposeful work, thoughtful design, and real connection.
Our Team
Sheikh Babikir
Founder
The vision behind Rumi's Cave from day one. Sheikh built this space out of a simple belief that everyone deserves a seat at the table, whoever they are, whatever they're carrying. Years later, that's still the rule the Cave runs by.
Aminah Babikir
Director
Keeps the Cave running the way it's meant to warmth first, logistics second. Aminah holds the whole operation together, from the kitchen to the courtyard, without ever letting it feel like an operation.
aminah@rumis.org
Grants Manager
Glaiza Padulla
Makes sure the funding matches the mission. Glaiza writes the case for Rumi's Cave to funders, councils and partners. Translating what happens here into the kind of language that keeps the doors open.
glaiza@rumis.org
Executive Assistant
Huda Emeraan
The one who knows where everything is, who's coming in today, and what needs doing before anyone else has thought of it. Huda keeps the back office as calm as the front room.
huda@rumis.org
General Manager & Facilities
James Blackmore
Keeps the building itself standing, working, and warm literally. If a tap's dripping or a radiator's cold, James has usually sorted it before anyone noticed.
james@rumis.org
Partnerships & PR Manager
Adam Lane
Builds the relationships that carry Rumi's Cave beyond Craven Park Road with local press, partner charities, and anyone who wants to help it reach further.
adam@rumis.org
Education & Welfare Manager
Ummu-Kulthum Mohammed
Runs the Cave's education side Breakfast Club, the after-school programmes, and the courses and workshops beyond them and keeps an eye on the welfare of everyone who comes through. Practical support, delivered without ever feeling like charity.
ummk@rumis.org
Rumi’s Care Manager
Nazra Zuhyle
Runs the Care programme for adults and the youth, the befriending visits, the check-ins, the quiet follow-ups after someone's first cup of tea here. Nazra makes sure no one who walks through the door is forgotten once they leave.
nazra@rumis.org
Culture & Pastoral Care Manager
Rakin Fetuga
Shapes how Rumi's Cave shows up and looks after the people inside it. The tone of an event, the feel of a room, and the quieter, pastoral side of making sure everyone in it is actually okay.
rakin@rumis.org
Arts Manager
Rakaya Fetuga
Curates the Stage the open mics, the spoken word nights, the evenings where strangers read their poems out loud for the first time. Rakaya has an eye for who's ready to be heard.
Retreats administrator
Safa Trevathan
The organisation behind the Retreats programme booking the dates, confirming the details, making sure everyone who signs up knows exactly where to be and when.
retreats@rumis.org
Baker and barista
Abdullah
Pulls the espresso and bakes what's on the counter most mornings. Ask Abdullah what's fresh he'll usually just hand you a piece to try.
Barista & Administrator
Yusra Sharif
Splits her time between Rumi's Cafe and administration usually the first face you see behind the counter, and the one quietly keeping the tabs on adminstration of projects.
info@rumis.org
Emad Hamaridha
Rumi’s Kitchen Van Manager
Takes Rumi's Kitchen beyond the Cave's four walls, running the van that brings our comfort food to people who might never make it through the door otherwise.
Driver & Chef
Ryan Tolentino
Drives Rumi's Kitchen van to wherever it's needed that day. A new addition to our family drop him some love.
Run the Malaysian kitchen under the Rumi's Kitchen roof, wrapping up proper nasi lemak and the kind of comfort food you'd actually travel for. If there's a queue at the counter, it's usually for them.
Nasibungkus Restaurant Inside Rumi’s Kitchen