UEL student meets former prime minister at House of Lords event

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Published

15 June 2022

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A computer science student from the University of East London (UEL) was invited to a House of Lords event where she met former prime minister, Theresa May.

Dhara Parekh, MSc Computer Science, was invited as a UEL representative to an event at the House of Lords celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. 

The event was hosted by Savvitas, an influential and innovative network which works to create lifelong developments of women, from school students to board level. The day also recognised the 15-year anniversary of their founder, Helene Martin Gee. 

Dhara was selected to attend the event because of her high academic achievements.  

"I was kindly invited to the event by Helene to help host and support their social media channels, posting pictures of the day," said Dhara. 

"The event was celebrating Her Majesty the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and also recognised the achievements of some of the most important and inspiring women in business and other professional sectors. 

"During the event, I got to hear from and speak to people such as Helene; Seema Goya, owner and managing director of GOYALS; Merlin Hay, 24th Earl of Errol and more. 

"Everyone was so very humble and inspiring. I was lucky enough to get a chance to talk about my work with them and talk about my plans for after I graduate as I look for a job in data analytics," she continued.  

Dhara Parekh meets Theresa May

The 24-year-old had previously studied an undergraduate degree in computer science at UEL. Set to graduate in September, Dhara also had the opportunity to hear from and speak with former prime minister, the Rt Hon Theresa May MP.  

"It was a great experience to meet her," said Dhara. 

"She is an inspiring woman and has such a humble personality. Her speech was fascinating and called on women working in all sectors to do their best to achieve their goals. 

"She praised how we arranged and managed everything in helping Helene and wished us luck for our future. 

"I never had a chance to meet anyone like this before, so I was very grateful and honoured to meet her. She also agreed to have a selfie with me!

"I'm very grateful to Professor David Tann, dean of the School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering (ACE) and my tutor Dr Julie Wall, who gave me this opportunity," she concluded.  

For more information on computing at UEL see the School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering (ACE). 
 

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