Since 2009, Harris has selflessly devoted a significant amount of his time in his support of Mosaic. Harris’ achievements at Mosaic include initiating the Mosaic Patrons Scheme, recruiting a large number of mentors and key supporters, and striving to ensure Mosaic delivers programmes of high quality.
Commenting on Harris’ award, Jonathan Freeman, Managing Director of Mosaic, said:
“Harris’ commitment to supporting disadvantaged communities is exemplary. The dedication he has shown to Mosaic, and so many other causes, is quite extraordinary and I am thrilled that these efforts have been recognised through this award.”
In addition to Mosaic, Harris has championed a wide range of other causes, committing himself to public service. In 2011, Harris founded the Naz Legacy Foundation to continue the work of his late father, Naz Bokhari OBE, the first Muslim/Asian head teacher in the UK.
Through the Foundation’s innovative programmes he has enabled hundreds of young people from deprived, under-represented and minority communities to visit the UK’s great cultural and state institutionsfor the first time, helping them find new role models and aspirations.
Furthermore, in 2013, Harris became the youngest person ever to be awarded, by his peers, the prestigious Beacon Award for Philanthropy Advocate - challenging the perception that minority communities only fund raise for their own concerns and concerns in their countries of origin. He has raised over £1.5 million for charities that support some of the most vulnerable children in this country.
Harris is board member for the Prince's Trust Mosaic initiative. He was appointed as Mosaic’s first honorary patron and was awarded the prestigious Beacon Award for Philanthropy Advocate 2013 for raising £1m within 12 months for various charities working in deprived communities in the UK, becoming the youngest and first Muslim to receive this honour. He now serves as a judge for the awards.
Harris is the co-founder of the Naz Legacy Foundation, which aims to enhance educational excellence and positive integration. It was established in memory of his late father, Naz Bokhari OBE, the first Asian/Muslim head teacher in the UK. The Foundation was honoured to be awarded the Big Society Award 2014 by the Prime Minister. Harris is also an ambassador for the British Asian Trust.
Harris’s interfaith work has included organising the first ever engagement event between national community, women and youth leaders from the Jewish and Muslim communities meeting with the new Chief Rabbi in Finchley Kinloss Synagogue. Harris was one of the first Muslims to be invited to the Chief Rabbi’s installation ceremony and was selected to be an Ariane De Rothschild fellow, in partnership with Cambridge University’s Judge Business School and King’s College. Harris also organised the first youth interfaith iftar at Lambeth Palace, which brought together the Archbishop of Canterbury, Chief Rabbi, Mayor of London and over 100 youth leaders from each of London’s boroughs – representing all faiths and none.
Harris was awarded an OBE in Her Majesty’s Birthday Honours List for services for young people and interfaith relations; named as one of 40 people in finance who goes further for good causes by Financial News Extra Mile List; and named as one of London’s most influential figures by the Evening Standard’s Progress 1000 list.
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Harris Bokhari 
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