Dra ZaZa Johnson Elsheikh
Having qualified as a medical doctor (University College London, 1994) and solicitor (Hempsons, 2004), Zaza’s innate interest in human interaction attracted her to mediation.
She trained as a Civil/Commercial (CEDR), Workplace and Family Mediator, and International Commercial Arbitrator (CIArb).
Zaza regularly settles various commercial and probate disputes, and instructed to conduct independent investigations within private and public sector organisations under her private practice, Commercial and Medical Dispute Solutions LLP (CMDS LLP).
Training and Mentoring: Over the years, Zaza has trained many adults and young people in Conflict Resolution/Prevention and Mediation skills. She also provides “Management of Change” training to managers and their teams in organisations undergoing restructuring or significant change. Under Converge, a family and schools charity founded in 2009, she teaches and mentors children with Special Educational Needs to handle conflicts with their peers, siblings and parents, more constructively. She also serves as a mentor to other young people.
Speaking Engagements: Zaza is often invited to speak at public forums, particularly where the following subject matters are discussed: general issues or topical matters in the world of mediation; alternative dispute resolution and Islam; family relationships and cultural matters within the Muslim community; Inter-generational tensions and conflict within schools; commercial and healthcare mediation; equality and gender issues.
She has also delivered lectures at universities including Faculty of Divinity, University of Cambridge; School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London; and University College London.
Diverse Background: Zaza has a mixed cultural (Afro-Arab/Caribbean) background with (Baptist-Muslim) parentage. This heritage has provided her with first-hand personal experience of the tensions that can arise between people of different backgrounds and enabled her to effortlessly build rapport with and between diverse groups. She is fluent in English and several dialects of Arabic.
Interests and Personal Life: Zaza is a partner at CMDS LLP and a co-founder of BIMA and Converge. She supports the growth of alternative dispute resolution services for faith communities and the less privileged in society. In the past, she was on the Management Committee of the Muslim Mediation Service in Newham 2008-2010, and as a Service Lead Mediator and Trainer at Bromley Community Mediation Service, serving Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich Boroughs. Zaza is married with three children and lives in Bexleyheath, Kent.