Urpha Javed is an accomplished scientist and businesswoman living in Bradford. Her story is one of triumph, built on years of hard work, determination, and the delicate balancing act of pursuing academic and career success while raising a family and staying true to her faith.
Reflecting on her early days studying in Pakistan, Urpha recalls: “I would just come home, eat, sleep and go to university again. I had to take three buses! For four years I was travelling three hours a day – and that’s in the extreme Karachi heat!”
Born in Multan in 1983 and later moving to Karachi in 1988, Urpha grew up in a large Christian family with eight siblings. She credits her cultural roots with shaping her outlook: “Karachi is a metropolitan city – like London. It has people from all over Pakistan as well as Indians, Hindus, and others. It’s a city that never sleeps and is known for being open-minded. That shaped who I am.”
Her love for learning was ignited during her time at a convent Methodist school: “A turning point for me was in year eight when my principal, an American Christian, taught us maths for six months. She encouraged me so much, and I wanted to make her proud. Before she left, she gave me a pen – it inspired me to study harder.”
Urpha’s interest in science blossomed later in year twelve, when an inspiring chemistry lecturer led her to pursue a master’s in chemical engineering: “I realised that chemical engineering is everywhere – in food, pharmaceuticals, oil, cosmetics, and personal care. I was fascinated.”
Her academic success led to a prestigious role in Research and Development at an Active Pharmaceutical Development manufacturing plant in Pakistan in 2006. However, her path took a new turn when she met and later married Reverend Nathan A Javed and moved to Bradford in 2007.
Taking a career break to support her husband’s church work and raise their two boys, born in 2009 and 2011, Urpha found comfort in her new home: “The church here supported me like family. My in-laws were also very welcoming. On my first day, my father-in-law took me for Yorkshire pudding – I loved it! I also fell in love with fish and chips and the rain!”
When her children were older, Urpha decided to return to education, but it wasn’t easy: “The main challenges were finding the fees and balancing motherhood with my studies. I realised my confidence had gone. I wasn’t the same – I had to work harder this time.”
Living with extended family and supporting her husband’s full-time church work added to the pressure: “I was a mother, wife, and student all at once. I’d put my kids to bed at 9 pm, study until 1 am, then get up at 5 or 6 am. I was tired and had headaches, but I wouldn’t give up. I knew I had to keep swimming to avoid being pulled under.”
Through sheer determination and financial constraints Urpha successfully completed her master’s degree in advanced Analytical Sciences. Today, she is a Group Quality Manager at Vitrition and Health Innovation.
The sacrifices have paid off and Urpha has proved that you can have it all, faith, family and fortune
Urpha shares the key lesson from her journey: “Enjoy your work. I love my career, helping my husband, and being part of church life. That passion kept me going.”
She is passionate about empowering other women: “Do something positive for your community – even small acts like helping a neighbour. See the potential in others. Never give up. Stretch yourself and do everything with pride. Helping others will enrich your own life.”
Today, Urpha balances work, family, and faith with grace. Her two sons are thriving at Heckmondwike Grammar School, and she looks forward to a bright future.
“I am enjoying work, family, and church life. My boys are doing well, and I feel blessed.”
Urpha’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the unwavering pursuit of knowledge.
