UEL celebrates Alumni Achievement Awards

Held at the University’s Docklands Campus, the evening brought together alumni, UEL staff, and special guests to celebrate the winners, chosen from over 400 nominations for their extraordinary achievements.

Opening the evening, Professor Paul Marshall, UEL’s Vice President of Global Campus and Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Careers and Enterprise, shared his pride in the evening’s celebrations, highlighting the vital role alumni play in the University’s ongoing success.

“We are nothing without you,” he said. 

We need to ensure that we are meeting your needs.  As you transition from university into the world of work or entrepreneurship, whether you’re stepping into a new job or aiming for rapid promotion, the University of East London remains committed to supporting you every step of the way.”  

He took the evening’s event to launch UEL’s latest initiative, the Graduate Success Service, which offers a suite of personalised services, including one-on-one career coaching, guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs, and connections to new job opportunities.

“No matter where you are in your career, we’re here to help you reach that next level,” Professor Marshall said. “Our commitment to you doesn’t end when you graduate - it continues throughout your professional journey.”

Professor Marshall also took the opportunity to highlight UEL’s remarkable entrepreneurial success, noting that UEL ranks among the top 20 UK universities for producing CEOs and Managing Directors. He shared that nearly 10% of UEL graduates have launched their own businesses, placing UEL 4th in the UK for start-up creation - a statement that received a huge round of applause from the alumni audience.

The awards ceremony, overseen by UEL's Head of Alumni Charlie Werren celebrates alumni who have made significant contributions in their professional fields, within their communities, or beyond. Nominations span a variety of categories, showcasing the incredible talent and impact of UEL’s alumni community.

The 2024 event’s categories and winners:

• East London Global Engagement Award – Recognising alumni who have positively impacted their local community.

Winner: Dr Cynthia Umezulike – A distinguished Human Rights Barrister, Gender and Women’s Rights Specialist, Consultant, and Lecturer in Law, as well as an internationally recognised climate sustainability activist.  

Cynthia graduated with Masters of Law (International Law and Criminal Justice) in 2012.

• Industry of the Future award – Acknowledging alumni who are at the forefront of activities embracing the next industrial revolution.

Winner 1: Farhan Ahmed, a Civil Engineer at Mott MacDonald, who has made significant contributions to designing the infrastructure that ensures clean water supply to London and its surrounding areas.  

Farhan graduated with MSc Construction Engineering Management in 2021.

Winner 2: Mohamed Alanany, a seasoned Project Controls Engineer and researcher, known for significant contributions to construction project management, whose pioneering research introduces an innovative workflow combining BIM and XR technologies.  

Mohamed graduated with MSc Construction Engineering Management in 2024.

• Diversity award – Honouring alumni who champion diversity and inclusion in their workplaces.

Winner: Amrita Sen Mukherjee, an advocate for disability inclusion in healthcare who has significantly impacted diversity by supporting professionals with disabilities through her research, advocacy, and lived experience, culminating in a TEDx talk, RCGP Inspire Award, and the creation of a vital support network for healthcare workers with disabilities.  

Amrita graduated with MSc Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology Graduated in 2021.

Speaking about receiving the award, Amrita said; 

“I’m honoured and privileged to receive this award. I’m glad the work I’m doing is helping others, which is the reason I put myself out there - so that other people can be seen and heard. This award is for all the people I’m fighting for and advocating for.”

She added, “UEL has genuinely changed my life. My course gave me the opportunity to think in a completely different way and challenge myself daily. Without that, I wouldn’t be doing everything I’m doing today to support others. It’s been absolutely life-changing.”

• Alumni Sporting Success Award – Recognising alumni who have excelled in the field of sport.

Winner: Liam MacDevitt, a former professional footballer, now a BBC reporter for Football Focus and Match of the Day X who has recently launched his own production company.  

Liam graduated with BA (Hons) Sports Journalism in 2017.  

• Sustainability Award – Celebrating alumni contributions in the realm of sustainability.

Winner: Jessica Alviani, founder of Cheshe, an all-gender inclusive up-cycled clothing brand inspired by punk rebellion. Cheshe advocates for human rights and climate action while aiming to change mindsets to reduce violence in the world.

Jessica graduated with BA (Hons) Fashion Design in 2022.

• The Careers Led award – Recognising alumni who support UEL's mission to become London's leading careers-led university.

Winner 1: Bansari Bantwa, a Senior Career Zone Advisor at the University of East London and Vice Chair of the Alumni Advisory Board, uses her psychology background to support students and enhance alumni engagement.  

Bansari graduated with BSc (Hons) Psychology in 2021.

Winner 2: Rafig Yusifzada, CEO of the British School in Baku, is a dedicated leader who has driven educational advancements, including a successful foundation programme for students, while also volunteering to support students in pursuing study abroad opportunities.

Rafig graduated with Master of Laws (LLM) in 2023.

• The Alumni Engagement Award – Acknowledging alumni who have made a significant contribution to the University through various activities.

Winner: Edna Chirwa, a professional with a background in business management who has held key student leadership roles at the University of East London and represented international Black students at the National Union of Students UK.  

Edna graduated with MBA Master of Business Administration in 2023.

Speaking about the Alumni Achievement Awards, Edna, who is Chair of the Alumni Advisory Board, said,

“It’s wonderful to see so many of our alumni here tonight. UEL is a very special place - it's inclusive, and we all feel welcome here. I came to this country as an international student, and UEL has been a home away from home. We are one happy community.

“These awards mean a lot - they really encourage alumni to excel and give back to the community. I’m particularly proud of the Changemaker Awards, as they highlight the positive changes alumni are making in their own communities. This is something we, as UEL alumni, take great pride in achieving. We are here to build each other up and to make a real difference in the communities we serve.”

• Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year award – Recognising alumni who have made transformative contributions to their communities through entrepreneurial ventures.

Winner: Tanecia Britt, a talented filmmaker and creative entrepreneur, known for her unwavering commitment to impactful storytelling. She is the founder of the DMV International Film Festival, DMV Nude, Jane365, and the Black Vine Network, where she has championed diverse voices and community-oriented projects, making a significant mark in the film industry.  

Tanecia graduated with MA Film, Video and New Screen Media in 2008.

• Rising Star of the Year award – Honouring alumni, aged 30 or under, making remarkable professional strides.

Winner: Daniel Jinadu, a former Chelsea and West Ham Academy player, now a goalkeeper at Margate FC, who advocates for personal development beyond football, sharing insights through his YouTube channel and podcasts while supporting the Christian charity F3.  

Daniel graduated with BSc (Hons) Psychology in 2023.

• Mental Wealth Advocacy award – Recognising alumni who promote mental health in their workplaces.

Winner: Anna-Louise Leyden, a People Development Facilitator at The London Clinic and founder of her own coaching company, who is dedicated to fostering growth and inclusivity through coaching, mental health advocacy, and community development, while also serving as Chief Operating Officer of Euro Youth Mental Health and Development Director of the Global Peace Institute.  

Anna-Louise graduated with BA (Hons) Community Arts Practice in 2014.

• UEL Year of Science Award – Celebrating alumni who through the world of science and technology are making an impact on the community they serve.

Winner: Emmanuel Wallace, aka Big Manny, a writer, science content creator and social media sensation who engages millions on TikTok and Instagram with entertaining, educational content to attract young people to the world of science.

Emmanual graduated with a BA (Hons) in Youth and Community Work and Sports Development in 2014.

• Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award – Commending alumni with sustained excellence in their chosen fields.

Winner: Professor Julia Claire Davidson OBE, PhD (LSE), a professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice and Executive Director of Research at UEL, internationally recognised for her expertise in cybercrime, online child sexual abuse, and internet regulation. As Chair of the UK Council for Internet Safety Evidence Group and a member of its Executive Board, she advises government ministers and organisations like UNICEF and the UN.  

Julia graduated with BA (Hons) Sociology with Professional Studies & Research Methods in 1987.

• Alumni Advisory Board Change Maker award – Recognising six alumni, one from each school who have instigated significant change within their communities, and who enter the equivalent of our hall of fame.

Winners:  

• Dr Hashem Taher, the youngest Egyptian Associate Dean at the University of Hertfordshire is an international award-winning academic whose PhD research played a key role in the initiative to transform London into the largest national park by 2050. He continues to combat climate change in Egypt, collaborating with key ministers during COP27. Graduated with MPhil PhD Philosophy in 2021.
• Sam Williams, is a musician who works for Youth Music, the UK’s leading charity supporting young people in accessing music, particularly those from marginalised groups. Graduated with BA (Hons) Music Performance and Production in 2021.

Speaking about his award, Sam, said, “I’m incredibly proud and honoured to have been selected as one of UEL’s Changemakers. I really wouldn’t be where I am without UEL.  It has such an open approach. From the time you are here, they are preparing you to go into the world and that’s in terms of hard skills for your career but also there are more intrinsic things of having a community around you in the sense of friendship, people you can lean on because inevitably in life you are going to need that.”

• Marcia Brissett-Bailey, known as The Black Dyslexic, is a leading advocate for neurodiversity and a powerful change-maker. Recognised as one of the Rising Stars 100 Winners of 2024 and among the Top 50 Influential Neurodivergent Women in the UK, she is a dynamic speaker, author, and thought leader empowering others to embrace their unique strengths. Graduated with MA Special Educational Needs in 2018.

Accepting her award, Marcia, said, “I’m honoured to receive this award. UEL has supported me throughout my journey. I’ve lived in Newham for 20 years, so I’m a passionate advocate for this borough and for the special place that is UEL.

“I want to celebrate those who are neurodiverse, which is why I’m here collecting this award tonight. I shared my story along with the stories of 25 other black and brown people around neurodiversity, intersectionality, and the systemic barriers we face. I just want to say - you are enough. When I was in school, I was told I would never achieve anything. Three degrees later, I’m here, telling my story. The system isn’t designed for us, but we must find our tribe and our village. I’m so thankful to UEL for recognising the work I’ve been doing to champion and make a difference, helping others find their voice. Just keep believing in yourself and never give up.”

• Dr Abhishek Khanna, a dental surgeon who is the National Professional Officer for Health Promotion and Social Determinants of Health at WHO India, with over 10 years of experience in public health, focusing on non-communicable diseases, mental health, immunisation, and maternal and child health. Graduated with MSc Public Health in 2013.
• Vaishali Singh Parmar is a mental health advocate known for integrating well-being into workplace culture, developing comprehensive programs that equip employees with tools for resilience, and promoting open conversations about mental health both within her organisation and globally. Graduated with BSc (Hons) Clinical and Community Psychology in 2020.
• Tsholofelo Desire Namane, a System Analyst at De Beers Group who is an award-winning professional and founder of the Tsholofelo Desire Charitable Foundation, is dedicated to community empowerment and leadership in both business and local development initiatives. Graduated with an MBA Master of Business Administration in 2023.