NETWORK UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2019

MICHELLE DE LEON ITV PRODUCER AND FOUNDER OF WORLD AFRO DAY MY SHANGHAI DIARY WESTMINSTER STUDENTS EXPERIENCE THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OF CHINA’S BIGGEST CITY WRITTEN IN THE STARS PROFESSOR LEWIS DARTNELL ON HOW PLANET EARTH HAS DIRECTED THE COURSE OF HUMAN HISTORY WELCOME FROM THE DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS CONTENTS

WELCOME CONTENTS

4 16 IN TOUCH Some key findings from Your Alumni Survey and comments from our alumni around the world 6 NETWORK NEWS A round-up of news stories from across the University, including the latest research and alumni achievements 16 CREATIVE CREMATION Arthur Mamou-Mani, Lecturer in Architecture, constructed the temple for Burning Man 2018 18 BEING WESTMINSTER: ONE YEAR ON 26 40 An update from our Vice-Chancellor PHOTOGRAPHY ON THE FEEL YOUNGER THAN and President, Dr Peter Bonfield FRONT LINE YOU ARE? HERE’S WHY Photojournalism graduate Alessandro YOU’RE ON TO 20 Rota shares his experiences of SOMETHING GOOD YOUR ALUMNI WINNERS capturing conflict Research suggests that feeling younger We present the winners of this year’s than you are could be good for Westminster Alumni Awards 28 your health WORDS HEAL THE WORLD 22 Alumna Beatriz Buarque’s NGO is using 42 NOTES ON A BIG CITY: the power of words to inspire peace CLASSNOTES It is my pleasure to welcome you to this or would be happy to recommend the In this edition, you can read how MY SHANGHAI DIARY A selection of alumni updates from edition of Network magazine, our University of Westminster. We also Media Studies graduate Michelle The Westminster Working Cultures 30 around the world annual publication to celebrate the appreciate there are areas we can De Leon, founder of World Afro Day, programme heads to Shanghai CHANGING THE WORLD remarkable achievements of the entire improve and we will continue to share realised her purpose was to create WITH STYLE NETWORK Westminster community. It’s been a busy our plans with you. a positive environment and change Network talks to alumna, ITV producer UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER and exciting year for Westminster and We are delighted to support your views on Afro hair. We also catch 30 and the founder of World Afro Day, ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2019 you, our graduates, continue to impress network with the launch of our new online alumnus and freelance documentary Michelle De Leon with your achievements and willingness community, Westminster Connect. This photographer Alessandro Rota between Editor: Jenny Stubberfield to be involved in university life. ‘one stop shop’ for all of our graduates projects and he shares what it’s like Contributors: Heather Ridal, John Maher, 34 Liene Strode, David Brooks and Alyssa We truly value your feedback and around the world is an opportunity to to document life in war-torn areas. IT GIRLS Martin. Thanks to all alumni, staff, students continued support of activities across the connect with fellow alumni through the Meanwhile on campus, Dr Peter Bonfield Westminster is encouraging more and supporters who have contributed to University and we were blown away with directory, to find out how you can give shares his thoughts one year on from women to pursue careers in technology this issue. Cover Photograph: Kacper Rudolf the response rate to Your Alumni Survey. back to the University and to expand taking up his role as Vice‑Chancellor Print: Gemini Print Launched in February, the survey asked your network to achieve what you want and President. 38 for your opinions, feedback and ideas professionally. Westminster Connect is I very much hope you enjoy this WRITTEN IN THE STARS Alumni Relations Office University of Westminster so we can continue to offer you the a hub where you can find access to your edition of Network and continue AND DRIEST DESERTS Cavendish House very best opportunities to engage with alumni benefits and keep up to date with to stay in touch. ON EARTH 101 New Cavendish Street Westminster, both in ways to give back news and activities from around the Professor Lewis Dartnell discusses his London W1W 6XH and your personal and professional University. If you haven’t already signed latest publication and the upcoming T: +44 (0)20 3506 6245 development. We were so pleased to up, we look forward to seeing you online Chris Smith mission to Mars E: [email protected] discover that nine in ten of you have, soon at westminsterconnect.org. Director of External Relations

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IN TOUCH

YOU WOULD RECOMMEND YOU WANT ONGOING WESTMINSTER TO OTHERS OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT YOUR ALUMNI STAY CONNECTED Thank you very much for everyone’s Excited to have joined the support – thrilled to have won and @UniWestminster @uw_alumni We were thrilled to discover that an What stood out most was the high level SURVEY 2019 University of Westminster be recognised amongst such great careers and employability mentoring incredible 90 per cent of you have, of interest in improving professional talented people from the University Alumni Association scheme. I hope to add value and or would be happy, to recommend our skills, with 9 in 10 indicating that they of Westminster – an institution that raise aspirations. In February this year, we launched University to friends or family, and we would like the University’s support with helped me shape my career to an alumni survey to learn about were equally happy to learn that 7 their career development. You also @uw_alumni this day. Dr Maria Kordowicz, your connection to and thoughts in 10 of our alumni are proud to specifically said that improving your @MariaKordowicz (Psychology BSc, tell people that they studied here. digital skills would be useful to your Mariam Ahmadi-Moghaddam 2005), Senior Healthcare Management about the University, as well as University of Westminster professional development. (Professional Practice in Architecture Professional, on signing up to Alumni Association to determine what engagement YOU ENJOYED YOUR TIME AT PgDip, 2011), Architect and Senior support a student through our opportunities and benefits we WESTMINSTER WE CAN DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY Associate at Weston Williamson, Mentoring Scheme. can continue to offer you to westminster.ac.uk on the news she had won the Outstanding Achievement Award best support your development We were pleased to receive the We’ve realised we need to find [email protected] in this year’s Westminster after Westminster. feedback that 93 per cent of you felt different ways of sharing information @ your time at Westminster had a with you as 40 per cent of you weren’t Alumni Awards. Thank you to everyone who took positive impact on your life. Almost aware of any of the benefits available Alumni Relations Office the time to complete the survey; we 80 per cent of you were satisfied with as a Westminster graduate, such University of Westminster ARE YOU MAKING were so pleased with the response rate. your overall experience as a student, as access to online journals and Cavendish House THE MOST OF Alumni all over the world shared their and 70 per cent of you achieved magazines through JSTOR and 101 New Cavendish Street YOUR ALUMNI feedback, with responses coming from everything you set out to during your discount on postgraduate studies. London W1W 6XH Such a pleasure getting the alumni who graduated as far back time with us. opportunity to share my experiences BENEFITS? as 1954. HOW WILL WE USE THESE RESULTS? of being a Female Leader today to Your feedback has been insightful YOU WANT TO BE INVOLVED students who are in the same place and incredibly helpful as we look Your feedback won’t just stay with I was in just last year! Thank you • Expand your network, browse forward to enhancing your experience It was very promising to discover that the Alumni Team. We are working @uw_alumni for the opportunity! job opportunities and plan as a graduate of the University half of you would like to be more to share this information across the #wearewestminster. of Westminster. involved with Westminster and that 60 University to a range of stakeholders events through our exclusive per cent of you are interested in giving to ensure we’re offering beneficial Ethel Tambudzai, @etheltamb alumni platform, Here we share a summary of our back to support students, either through opportunities relevant to you and (Development Studies and westminsterconnect.org International Relations BA, 2018), key findings. mentoring, completing an alumni your development. I wanted to give you some positive • Save 15 per cent on a Masters Founder and Director of TAMBU profile or delivering a careers talk. feedback on the Westminster alumni or PhD at Westminster magazine which I really enjoy reading. GROUP was part of an inspirational It is always really inspiring to hear panel of alumnae at our ‘What It Takes • Come back to campus and of the incredible success of fellow to be a Female Leader’ event. use the libraries with your Through your responses, we know available for graduates to come launched Westminster Connect graduates of the University. alumni access card we need to work on making you, back and speak to students during – an exclusive hub for Westminster I also wanted to make a small plea • Receive discounts on gym our graduates, feel connected to teaching, and with our alumni event alumni to expand their professional – would it be possible to change the membership, room hire and Westminster and feel valued as speaker series What It Takes, this is networks, search for jobs, and offer packaging of the magazine from a summer accommodation members of our vital alumni an area we will explore further in and receive mentoring from fellow plastic wrapper to a paper envelope Once Proud, Forever Proud, to be community. This is an ever-evolving the future. alumni. Make sure you sign up or better still, just a sticker to hold it • Make use of the vast library a member of our global community! and ongoing opportunity for us to After learning about your wish to Westminster Connect at all together? of journals on JSTOR with your Great Shanghai Alumni Night find new ways to keep you up to date to access professional development westminsterconnect.org to learn free alumni access Astrid Blackburn spent! Looking forward to with knowledge of the University as opportunities, we will be working about the many benefits available (Urban Design, 2009) contribute to the Alumni Committee! • Kick-start your career with free well as developing even more unique with colleagues across the University to you now. #westminsteralumni. careers support for three years ways you can be involved. to expand our skills development We will continue to look for You said, we did! We have replaced after you graduate You fed back that you want more offering for graduates. even more new ways to support the polythene packaging with Evelyn Ke (Public Relations MA, public speaking opportunities, and You also showed a strong interest your connection to the University environmentally-friendly film made 2014), Founder of AdaptDept, we know our students are incredibly in connecting with each other to of Westminster, so keep a lookout from potato starch. This can be joined our Westminster Working Find out more: interested in hearing from graduates. make the most of our global alumni for more information in our composted or recycled in your Cultures students at the networking westminster.ac.uk/alumni-benefits While we have current opportunities community. We have recently alumni e-newsletters. household garden waste bin. event in Shanghai.

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THE UNIVERSITY RECOGNISES MENTAL HEALTH DAY 2019 COMMERCIAL MUSIC BA GRADUATE RECEIVES On 7 March, the University of These are some of the reasons why OSCAR NOMINATION FOR BEST ORIGINAL SONG Westminster participated in University the mental health and well-being of Mental Health Day, an annual students is so critical and why we are awareness day which brings together working hard at London Higher Health the higher education community to and Wellbeing Network, bringing make mental health a national priority. London’s universities together to make University Mental Health Day aims to a practical difference.” create and enforce ongoing change for Westminster’s Student and Academic a better future for students’ well-being. Services Department (SAS) and the This year’s adopted theme was ‘Use Students’ Union (UWSU) were present Your Voice’, a campaign which asks Wellbeing Network, which was at the Marylebone, Regent and Harrow all affected students, staff and other established on World Mental Health campuses to speak to students, promote members of the higher education Day in October 2018. student well-being literature and raise community to use their experience Dr Bonfield said: “One in five awareness of future mental-health-focused and stories to change the narrative students has a current mental health events. The University’s Mental Health around the sensitive topic of student diagnosis; one in three has had a Society also brought alpacas from the mental health. serious psychological issue for which Pennybridge alpaca farm to the Harrow The University’s Vice-Chancellor and they need professional help; and four campus to help students de-stress and President, Dr Peter Bonfield, chaired the in five report that they have struggled improve their mental health in support second London Higher Health and with feelings of anxiety. of Wellness Week.

CHAIR OF LGBT CHARITY STONEWALL, JAN GOODING, AWARDED HONORARY DOCTORATE

The University of Westminster named of Women in Advertising and social change champion and Chair Communications, London (WACL), of the LGBT equality charity Stonewall, an influential club for senior women Jan Gooding, Honorary Doctor of in UK Communications. Gooding Letters at the College of Liberal Arts is also the President of the Market and Sciences’ 2019 graduation Research Society. ceremony on 8 July. She received In her acceptance speech at the the award in recognition of her ceremony, Jan Gooding said: “That Westminster alumnus and music Keys, Snoop Dogg, Nas, Plan B, and produced seven tracks on services to diversity and inclusion, you have successfully honed the skill producer Alexander Shuckburgh, Tinie Tempah and Lana Del Rey, Plan B’s album ill Manors as well and her commitment to championing of learning how to come to your own known professionally as Al Shux, and travelled across America as as scoring the music for the film social change. independent conclusion about issues was nominated for the song ‘All the Lily Allen’s musical director. His of the same name. Gooding is Chair of the Board of is priceless. I am here to encourage Photo credit: H.Tempest Stars’, featuring Kendrick Lamar and first major track was Lupe Fiasco’s Graham Ball, Assistant Head Trustees of Stonewall and was ranked you not only to know your own mind, SZA. The track, which Al Shux ‘Hi-Definition’ featuring Snoop Dogg of School for Music, said: “It is 16th in the Top 100 Outstanding in but to speak it. To continue to observe (former Chair of Women’s Business produced alongside Kendrick Lamar, in 2007. always fantastic to see the great Business list published in the Financial and be critical of what you see Council), Richard Boden (television Anthony Tiffith, Mark Spears and In February 2011, he received achievements of former Westminster Times. She also chairs the Publishers around you, but as your sphere of director and producer), Nigel Edwards Solana Rowe was the lead single from a Grammy in the Best Rap Song students being recognised at the Audience Measurement Company influence grows to do something to (Chief Executive at the Nuffield Trust), the soundtrack album for the Marvel Award category for producing and highest levels. Al Shux is an (PAMCo), the governing body which change it.” Mo Abudu (broadcaster and CEO Studios blockbuster film Black Panther. co-writing ‘Empire State of Mind’ inspiration to our current music oversees audience measurement for Other recipients of Honorary of EbonyLife Media) and Colin A West London native, Al Shux has featuring Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. students as well as aspiring the published media industry, and Doctorates at this years’ ceremonies Barrow CBE (former Leader of previously worked with Jay-Z, Alicia Later on, in 2012, he also co-wrote artists everywhere.” is on the executive committee were: Dame Cilla Snowball DBE Westminster City Council).

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WESTMINSTER HOSTS UK’S LARGEST JAMAICAN MUSIC EXPO

Bass Culture 70/50 was a four-week industry practitioners, academics impact of Jamaican music from a exhibition exploring the impact of and audiences. youth perspective. Jamaican and Jamaican-influenced The exhibition also included two The exhibition was staged by Bass music on British culture. interactive events; the first, a ‘Rude Boy Culture Research, a three-year Arts and The exhibition, which took place Catwalk’, invited attendees to come Humanities Research Council funded in Ambika P3, featured previously dressed as they were when they first project set up to explore the impact of unseen artwork, specially commissioned experienced a gig influenced by Jamaican music in the UK. The project film, top industry speakers, UK reggae Jamaican music, such as ska or reggae, made headlines last year after publishing label pop-up showcases, live jungle or grime, to reflect on five decades The Grime Report, which led to the performances, and over 70 hours of of fashion inspired by these genres. withdrawal of Form 696, a controversial individual testimonials, linking – for The second was a mini film festival Metropolitan Police risk assessment form the first time – the memories and that premiered Bass Culture, a criticised for being discriminatory and experiences of black British musicians, 60-minute documentary mapping the targeting genres such as grime.

UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER RANKED IN THE TOP TEN BEST FASHION SCHOOLS

The University of Westminster’s Fashion Westminster’s Fashion Department Fashion Design BA Honours course Department was ranked tenth by has an outstanding track record of was aligned with the international Fashionista magazine in its Top 25 successful internships, with students fashion calendar, making it the Fashion Institutions in the World. gaining invaluable experience at first undergraduate course to be In its analysis, Fashionista took some of the world’s best fashion invited to show on the official into account a variety of different houses including Marc Jacobs, London Fashion Week schedule. factors, including famous and Alexander Wang, Christian Dior, Westminster is also home to the successfully placed alumni, student Balmain and Givenchy. Westminster Menswear Archive, and alumni feedback and annual In 2018, under the direction of the only public menswear archive tuition fees. Professor Andrew Groves, the in the world.

Photo credit: Adrian Boot

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REGENT STREET CINEMA HOSTS ALUMNUS SHORTLISTED FOR THE TURNER PRIZE 2019 Oscar Murillo, a BA Fine Art Mixed from his studio. Murillo’s work reflects Media graduate, was announced as on his own experience of displacement GOLD MOVIE AWARDS one of the four shortlisted artists at and the social fallout of globalisation. Tate Britain. Since graduating from the University The Gold Movie Awards celebrate Gallery throughout the day, the Victoria Yeates, Josh Herdman, Ben The Turner Prize is one of the world’s in 2007, the Colombian-British artist both independent and commercial red carpet event took place in the Lamb, Laura Main, Tamzin Merchant, most renowned prizes for visual arts has shown at ‘Forever Now’ MOMA film and television across all genres evening, followed by the awards, Christina Cole and Charlotte Ritchie. and aims to promote public debate New York, has participated in the 2015 and were created to showcase the networking and an after-party at the The Best of the Year award was given around new developments in Venice Biennale and had a one-man best up-and-coming and seasoned Cuckoo Club. The event also included to Madre by Rodrigo Sorogoyen, Best contemporary British art. It is awarded show at the South London Gallery. filmmakers, giving them a place a champagne reception, a musical Actress was Marisa Tomei for her part to a British artist for an outstanding In February 2013, Oscar sold 24 to have their work screened. interlude and guest celebrity presenters. in Laboratory Conditions and the Best exhibition or other presentation of their works at Sotheby’s and Christie’s for The second annual edition of the The awards jury included Karen Actor award was given to Billy Zane work in the past 12 months. an estimated $4.8m. He is represented awards was held in January at the Bryson MBE, Kacey Ainsworth, for his role in Lucid by Adam Morse, Oscar was selected following his by David Zwirner (London), Carlos Regent Street Cinema. Starting with Chizzy Akudolu, Kevin Guthrie, Elliot who also won Best Director and participation in the 10th Berlin Ishikawa (London) and Isabella live screenings at the Old Street Cowan, Iain Glen, Simon Merrells, Best Feature. Biennale, his solo exhibition Violent Bortolozzi (Berlin). His solo exhibitions Amnesia at Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge include South London Gallery and and his solo exhibition at the chi K11 David Zwirner London. art museum in Shanghai. The jury Speaking about his experience at praised the way Murillo pushes the the University, Oscar Murillo said: boundaries of materials, particularly “The University of Westminster was my in his paintings. His work incorporates very first experience of an incredibly a variety of techniques and media supportive educational system that including painting, drawing, nurtured my desire to develop into performance, sculpture and sound, often the complexities of being an artist in using recycled materials and fragments today’s world.” Photo credit: Joo Yongsung

WESTMINSTER ALUMNI TRIUMPH ON UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE CHRISTMAS DAY SPECIAL

In a match which aired on BBC Two on Christmas Day, Westminster alumni tackled a series of questions to beat University of East Anglia alumni by 130 points to 100. The victorious line-up included comedian and author Danny Wallace, neuroscientist Sophie Scott, photographer Stuart Roy Clarke and architect Torsten Schmiedeknecht. Speaking about the experience, Torsten said, “I had some truly memorable experiences at the Polytechnic of Central London and formed many lifelong friendships. It was good to feel a genuine Westminster spirit in our fabulous team and it was great fun to be on the show.” Photo credit: ITV Studios

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CLICK AND CONNECT Introducing our new alumni portal, westminsterconnect.org

We are excited to announce the launch of our new alumni networking site, Westminster Connect. This online community is an exclusive hub for graduates of the University of Westminster, allowing you to reconnect and engage with your fellow alumni.

Westminster Connect will enable you to:

RECONNECT Utilise the trusted and talented Westminster community THE 125 FUND RECEIVES 290 DONATIONS to expand your professional networks, and locate former REGISTER NOW classmates and friends from your time at university. DURING STUDENT-RUN TELEPHONE CAMPAIGN Sign up at westminsterconnect.org and register GIVE BACK via LinkedIn (recommended), Facebook or by email. More than £100,000 was raised over in 2018/19 and projects now distinguished and interesting Introduce, employ or offer advice to new graduates and Whichever way you choose to sign up, you can the three-week campaign last under way include a spice and Westminster alumni. We all learnt those looking for a career change through the ‘alumni to sync details from your social media accounts by November, made up entirely of relish stall at Borough Market, a so much from the conversations and alumni’ mentoring function. clicking on account settings and the ‘Connect’ button generous donations from Westminster’s documentary film on the LGBT+ gained such inspirational career next to the relevant logo. alumni community. community in India and Goa, and advice from the alumni we spoke to!” EXPAND Established in 2016 to celebrate the establishment of a ‘croquet and Jordan Scammell, Development Enhance your own employment prospects and make new DOWNLOAD THE APP 125 years of the University, The 125 cocktails’ event business. Team Manager, also shared his connections to expand your professional network; search Fund is a matched-funding opportunity Following the Fund’s success over thoughts on the successful campaign, by location or industry to see who is willing to help. Westminster Connect is also available to download as an app for mobile devices. open to all current Westminster students. the past three years, another telephone saying: “The annual telephone ADVANCE The Fund, which is generously matched campaign is scheduled to take place campaign continues to go from Gain access to resources and benefits exclusive to For Android devices go to Google Play and search pound for pound by the Quintin Hogg this autumn. Speaking of last year’s strength to strength thanks to our Westminster graduates and keep up to date with the latest for ‘Westminster Connect’. Trust, allows students to apply for campaign, student caller Hamada alumni acknowledging the importance events and professional development opportunities. financial support to embark on projects Abdelrahman said: “I thoroughly of The 125 Fund, and their commitment For Apple devices, search for ‘Graduway Community’ that will enhance their employability enjoyed working on the campaign and to helping our students access the FIND JOBS in the App Store. Once downloaded, search for and professional development. I know I speak on behalf of all of the opportunities they need to help set Employ from the talented pool of Westminster alumni ‘Westminster Connect’ to install the platform on Thanks to the donations, a total of student callers when I say it was a them apart in today’s competitive by posting job openings, or advance in your career your device. 122 students were awarded funding huge pleasure talking to so many graduate market.” by browsing the opportunities advertised.

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FIVE THINGS

WE LEARNT TWENTY TIMES MORE ENGLISH 5 CHILDREN COULD CYCLE TO THIS YEAR WALKING SCHOOL WITH IN PATIENTS’ BETTER TRANSPORT 4 SHOES CAN PLANNING HELP US UNDERSTAND Academics at the BUILDING CHRONIC DISEASES In a collaborative project, Professor University continue to DESIGN Rachel Aldred, Reader in Transport conduct world-leading, BURNOUT IN CAN REDUCE Dr Tina Cartwright and Candida at Westminster, has developed a 3 Halton from the Psychology new modelling tool which will help impact-driven research DOCTORS HAS AIR POLLUTION Department at the University of transport planners visualise cycling across a diverse range A SHOCKING Westminster, conducted collaborative potential for children in England. 2 According to Dr Rosa Schiano-Phan, research supporting the idea that Currently, only two per cent of of disciplines. IN THE UK, 4.8 IMPACT ON Principal Lecturer in Architecture taking on the real-life experiences of pupils in England cycle to school, Here are just five of the PER CENT OF PATIENTS’ CARE and Environmental Design, the a patient provides an effective way and planning for cyclists – especially PEOPLE HAVE configuration of buildings could to understand disease. school children – is often overlooked many discoveries made 1 Professor David Peters, Director of the “potentially retain or aid The research was funded by the in transport schemes, with commuters this year, which are helping ELEVATED LIVER IRON Westminster Centre for Resilience, took concentration of air pollutants, global pharmaceutical company taking priority. part in major collaborative research while others allow them to disperse Takeda as part of the company’s An analysis of the National School to shape and develop Dr Louise Thomas and Professor revealing that burnout in doctors has more easily”. ‘In Their Shoes’ programme, an Census suggested that if children in the future of healthcare, Jimmy Bell’s new collaborative devastating consequences for the Her research, which examines the immersive simulation launched in England could cycle to school at the research with Perspectum Diagnostics quality of care they deliver to patients. role of vegetation in dispersing air 2015, in which participants ‘become same rate as Dutch children (ie for transport and architecture. reveals a prevalence of iron overload Professor Peters, alongside experts pollutants, shows that incorporating the patients’ to experience what it trips of the same distance and in the UK Biobank population. from the universities of Manchester, plants into building design, as many is like to live with inflammatory gradient), more than two in five The study assessed the combined Keele, Leeds and Birmingham, new buildings have done, can help bowel disease (IBD). children would do so. burden of fatty liver and elevated looked at 47 papers which analysed clean air in windy and airy places By using a variety of different With the development of the liver iron levels within 8,865 UK the responses of 43,000 doctors. by enabling the pollution to pass research methods, the study was Propensity to Cycle Tool (PCT), Biobank participants. Researchers The research found that doctors with through, trapping pollutants when able to demonstrate that participants planners are able to visualise and used the quantitative Magnetic burnout are twice as likely to make arranged in a canopy-like design. in the programme gained a plan for such growth, by mapping Resonance Imaging (MRI) technique mistakes, such as diagnosing Dr Schiano-Phan’s findings significantly better understanding the routes through neighbourhoods behind LiverMultiScan to provide incorrect conditions or prescribing emphasise the importance of of the physical symptoms as well as for individual schools. a non-invasive assessment of the wrong medications. designing buildings that allow for the psychosocial impact of IBD. Furthermore, the PCT shows that if liver iron. Findings also showed that burnout adequate ventilation. “One of the The study also showed that England achieved its school cycling The data showed that over 20 per can double the likelihood of lower biggest barriers in London is really participants gained a much greater potential, the benefits could be huge: cent of this population have excess professional standards and could the poor air quality,” she explains. level of empathy, better connectivity a 97 per cent increase in physical fat in their livers and 4.8 per cent have an impact on patient satisfaction, “Therefore with the PhD students, to IBD patients and a greater sense activity from school travel for have elevated liver iron levels, with which is three times more likely to we are starting to apply some of of confidence in speaking to others secondary school children and the 1.3 per cent having elevated levels be lower when doctors are physically, the methodology of environmental about the impact IBD has on reduction of transport-related carbon of both fat and iron. emotionally and mentally exhausted. design to improve this.” patients’ lives. emissions by 81 kilotonnes per year.

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CREATIVE CREMATION For the past six years, Architecture Lecturer Arthur Mamou-Mani has invited a group of MA architecture students and staff to accompany him to Black Rock City – an ephemeral metropolis in the Nevada desert – and experience the wonders of Burning Man.

What began as a bonfire ritual for the from Isaac Asimov’s 1980s sci-fi book summer solstice, Burning Man is now series Foundation, was formed of 20 an annual end-of-summer celebration of timber trusses which spiralled into a art, community and architecture, where tower and converged to create different revellers set up camp in Nevada’s Black pathways towards a giant mandala at Rock Desert and for nine days create a the centre of the pavilion. ‘leave no trace’ city from scratch. In keeping with the festival’s I, Robot Asked in an interview with CNN why theme, Galaxia was a demonstration he takes his students to Burning Man of the power of robotic devices and every year, Arthur said: “Burning Man was designed with 3D-modelling and is very extreme, it’s like an architecture fabrication tools such as 3D printers boot camp – you take the students there and laser cutters. According to the not just for an architectural experience Burning Man Journal, the structure was but also to experience community living. “the ultimate network, the fabric of the You are immersed into your art.” universe connecting living beings into For the 2018 event, Arthur was one entity”. chosen to design and build the ‘temple’, As is custom, the festival culminated a wooden structure which traditionally with a ritual burning of the temple forms the sacred centre of the temporary and Galaxia was sent up in flames town. His creation ‘Galaxia’, which to represent a ‘collective release’ on referenced the fictional planet Gaia the final day.

Photo credit: instagram.com/jamenpercy

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And our ‘Being Westminster’ strategy is very clear – I commend it to all alumni to read. Testing it with external BEING stakeholders has been another key element that evidences our attractiveness and relevance. I have enjoyed meeting many alumni, WESTMINSTER: either here in London or overseas. What is consistent is the Westminster spirit. It has been apparent in each of you I have ONE YEAR ON met. To all of our alumni on behalf of the University, I thank you for all you contribute – as mentors, as donors, and as emissaries and ambassadors for our I write this note to you having been in post as Vice-Chancellor University. We are so grateful for all you do, wherever you work in the world. for some 17 months since joining in May 2018. I am completely For the 3,000 students who immersed in our wonderful and distinctive University of Westminster, graduated in July and for whom this which has such an amazing and proud history and which, of course, is your first Network magazine, my you are all part of. I am confident we have a bright future ahead message to you is to please join and be active in the alumni network. It is of us that builds on who we are and what we stand for. a brilliant thing to be a part of. Give back to those students who follow you. Become a mentor for our current students. Engage with others, keep It has been a huge privilege and such be innovative and proactive in how connected. Be our voice out there. a delight to discover our University. we move forward. Remember our core values of being I have spent a great deal of time with The spirit, mood and morale that responsible, compassionate and colleagues, students and others who is uniquely Westminster is doing well. progressive. Be forever Westminster. are part of our University. I have There are so many ways in which this And reach out to other alumni who gained a strong understanding of what is evidenced. For example, the types are more experienced to help you makes Westminster and what made the of events we have – political, edgy, grow your career path. Polytechnic special. creative debates, exhibitions and Our future ambition is closely aligned I have tested, explained and shows. Some very large in our Ambika with what we were set up to do over promoted our position with the private facility under our Marylebone Campus, 180 years ago and which we have sector, with our government, with and others that are smaller but still students goes out knowing more about been doing ever since. Our ambition is universities and others – not just in the delivered with intensity and passion. themselves and with the confidence “BUSINESSES AROUND THE WORLD to further that to a very clear and UK but in other countries too – and It’s just extraordinary. Our students are to become good employees – or outstanding reputation about being the what is quite clear is that we are proactive and engaged in so many employers, because many are now NEED PEOPLE THEY CAN TRUST university, the best university – responsible, important and relevant. Our core ways – within their courses and in setting up their own businesses, WITH GOOD CORE VALUES AND compassionate and progressive in the purpose of bringing in students from voluntary activities. We are working rather than going to work for others. way it invites people from diverse a very diverse array of backgrounds hard to engage our commuting and Businesses around the world need A WORK-READY EDUCATION, backgrounds, gives them strong core to nurture them, to give them the working students who are so busy people they can trust with good core values, makes them great citizens, gives confidence and good core values that juggling the different facets of their lives values and a work-ready education, AND SO DO GOVERNMENTS” them the skills and an education that make them very employable citizens in alongside their studies. Many of our and so do governments. We complement make them eminently employable a changing work environment and an alumni will be very familiar with that the more theoretical, research-intensive people. We want to lead the world in increasingly fractured world is arguably because you have been part of this too. universities and we are finding our how we do that and that’s the ambition more important than ever. It’s a unique essence and experience place, becoming better known and affordability of education, at Westminster So, a key component for me over for our University. Please do continue I am pleased to say we are in good of Westminster that is alive and thriving valued for what we do – and that’s both we are doing well, and our unique the last 17 months has been getting to play your part in helping us with shape and set fair for the future, though and is so enjoyable to be a part of. deserved and good for our reputation. offering and spirit remain increasingly to know and understand our University, this journey. the university sector is highly competitive We are stretching, challenging and Despite the challenges of Brexit and attractive to new students. We will work and finding out what we have stood for and subject to changing external individualising the educational the questions about the attractiveness hard to sustain and further improve all this time. What is really relevant to Best wishes factors, so we will need to continue to experience so that every one of our of our country to others and the our reputation. the future is having a clear strategy. Peter

18 NETWORK | | ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2019 ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2019 | | NETWORK 19 WESTMINSTER ALUMNI AWARDS WESTMINSTER ALUMNI AWARDS

RECENT GRADUATE AWARD REASAT FAISAL INTERNATIONAL PLANNING AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT MA, 2017 YOUR As a passionate development practitioner, Reasat’s work is reducing urban poverty in Bangladesh. Focusing on solid waste management and fire prevention mechanisms in informal ALUMNI urban settlements, Reasat’s current CONTRIBUTION TO THE project has helped 50,000 low-income CREATIVE INDUSTRIES AWARD people living in urban slums. He has RITNIKA NAYAN piloted a fire prevention mechanism LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT WINNERS MUSIC BUSINESS MANAGEMENT MA, that is currently being replicated in AWARD 2007 20 cities across Bangladesh. DR MICHAEL TAYLOR Ritnika Nayan started her music company PHD, 1989 Westminster Alumni Awards recognise and celebrate MGMH in 2007, dealing with artist management, live concerts and SOCIAL IMPACT AWARD Michael is a passionate Chartered the outstanding achievements of graduates of the consultancy, as well as operating a Engineer who has consistently used University of Westminster and our predecessors, rehearsal studio in Delhi. She is a strong ALICIA WILLIAMS his engineering skills to improve the advocate for local music and believes the CRIMINAL JUSTICE BA HONOURS, quality of life and safety of others. including the Polytechnic of Central London and the 2016 Indian music industry needs to be at par He has held roles with organisations Regent Street Polytechnic. The awards highlight the with the rest of the world. In 2019, Ritnika When Alicia travelled to St. Thomas including the Metropolitan Police variety of ways our graduates make a real impact set up India’s first standalone music in Jamaica, she noticed that a number Service, the Cabinet Office, and across the globe. business management certification course of children were illiterate, facing trauma AbilityNet. Michael is a Fellow of with Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts and after the loss of one or both parents the IET, the RAeS and the BCS, and Communication, Delhi. The course teaches and severely lacking in confidence. a Freeman of the City of London. He We received almost 300 submissions for the Awards students about the various facets of the She decided to set up Araba Scott is also a Liveryman of the WCIT and this year, and our selection panels had the challenging music industry and helps them get real Children’s Foundation, creating a named inventor of over 13 patents. task of choosing just three finalists in each category, world experience through internships safe haven for children from her The UK IT archives recently published and job placements. grandmother’s church. his profile online. leaving us with 18 finalists overall. More than 2,500 alumni, staff and members of the public then voted for their favourites, and we checked and verified the votes ENTREPRENEURIAL AWARD OUTSTANDING to discover who received the most per category. ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RAHAT KULSHRESHTHA MARIAM This year we introduced a new category for recent TELEVISION PRODUCTION BA HONOURS, 2010 AHMADI-MOGHADDAM graduates. This award recognises someone who Rahat set up Quidich Innovation Labs PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE IN ARCHITECTURE PGDIP, 2011 has achieved something extraordinary within just in 2013, as one of the first few drone three years of leaving Westminster. service providers in India. It has worked Mariam’s work as an architect has with leading companies like National greatly contributed to the success of Here we present the final winners as decided by Geographic, BBC on Planet Earth 2, high-profile infrastructure projects in Red Bull and PepsiCo. His team have London and overseas. In 2017 she was the public vote. developed cutting-edge technology that the Lead Architect on the prestigious enables them to showcase broadcast- Crossrail Paddington project, Europe’s grade Augmented Reality on live aerial largest infrastructure project, and one footage from the drone. This technology of the most complex ever undertaken in COULD YOU WIN A WESTMINSTER ALUMNI AWARD? is the first of its kind in the world and the UK. She was a finalist for the ‘Best Look out for more information from January 2020, or visit was used during the Indian Premier Woman Architect’ in the Women in westminster.ac.uk/westminster-alumni-awards-2019-winners League in 2018, as well as at the Construction and Engineering Awards to find out more. Men’s Hockey World Cup 2018. of 2017.

ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2019 | | NETWORK 21 WESTMINSTER WORKING CULTURES WESTMINSTER WORKING CULTURES

NOTES ON A BIG CITY: MONDAY 22 APRIL TUESDAY 23 APRIL Jet lagged, slightly disorientated we headed to Chenghuang Today we met alumnus Kevin Bao, but excited for the week ahead, Temple and experienced the founder of Imagination MY SHANGHAI DIARY I was up early this morning to Shanghai in a whole different Education Inc. He gave us some meet alumnus Vincent Schoofs. light – old traditional buildings, really interesting advice on how to Our Westminster Working Cultures programme gives undergraduates the Vincent is Partner-Director of small shops and the delicious build a successful business whilst opportunity to travel abroad and experience diverse cultures and working luxury events agency WHAT IF smell of street food. providing something that is and he gave us a presentation The taxi ride home tonight was necessary and benefits society. environments across the globe. This year, for the first time, 14 lucky students on the creative sector and quite eventful as the driver didn’t It was so inspiring to see the spent eight days exploring the bright lights and heights of Shanghai. experience-based advertising in speak English and we had no genuine passion he has for Liene Strode (BSc Real Estate, 2019) shares her travel notes from the trip. Shanghai. He also spoke to us access to the internet! I came up children’s education. It was clear about his experience as an expat with the idea of pointing out the that he really valued the knowledge acclimatising to life in China. Metro station closest to our hotel he gained at Westminster too. Later, we took a trip to the on the map (as all stations are His presentation got me thinking beautiful Jade Buddha Temple listed in English and Chinese). It about the possibility of working at Jiangning Road to try some was definitely a good opportunity in Shanghai one day myself, as traditional tea tasting. Then to test my problem solving skills! it’s such a large market for any industry. Although, in our afternoon presentation we met alumnus Klink Zhou from Grouphorse Group who explained the 9-9-6 rule: people in China work from 9am to 9pm six days a week! I’m not sure I could manage that…

PRE-DEPARTURE SUNDAY 21 APRIL

I have always been fascinated After nearly 12 hours of flight time, by Chinese culture and how it we arrived in Shanghai in the early differs from Europe, although I’ve evening. The coach ride to the never had a chance to visit the hotel was accompanied by rain country before. More than and bright lights all the way. anything, I’m excited to learn We had our first dinner out as about how business is conducted a group this evening and I was in Shanghai and to gain an insight introduced to a large glass spinning into the culture, city life and the tray called a ‘Lazy Susan’ to built environment. experience the food sharing culture. The roast duck, black fungus and lotus roots were divine!

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WESTMINSTER WORKING CULTURES WESTMINSTER WORKING CULTURES

WEDNESDAY 24 APRIL THURSDAY 25 APRIL FRIDAY 26 APRIL

We were back on more familiar After a studio tour of Shanghai During our visit to East China soil this morning with a visit to the Media Group today, we had Normal University today, we British Consulate, where I had the chance to meet lots more enjoyed round table discussions the pleasure to meet and discuss Westminster alumni at the in English with local students. property with Benjamin Jiang networking reception. Everyone The sky was clearer today at last, (the Senior Trade and Investment I spoke to was really friendly and so I could finally appreciate the Officer). We talked about the real knowledgeable about their business Shanghai skyline in all its height estate market and the current sectors, and happy to discuss the and glory. Perfect timing too as we social aspects affecting property pleasures of living in Shanghai. went to visit the amazing Baiku development, which I was keen I learnt how handy WeChat is Jiangxin Art Centre in the world’s to learn about from a local when making contacts too, as second tallest building – Shanghai person’s perspective. it’s a very popular platform for Tower. We may have only made it Strolling through artists’ studios communication, even in business. to the 38th floor, but the view was in the M50 district this afternoon still incredibly impressive. reminded me of Camden Town. Writing on one wall said “Shanghai is the future for 19 time zones”. I think innovation is a priority in both business and creativity here.

SATURDAY 27 APRIL SUNDAY 28 APRIL

For our free day, we chose to visit It was a late one last night, so the Thank you to all our alumni who Qibao – a water town not far from early flight back wasn’t easy, but have supported Westminster Shanghai. I’d been getting a bit we made it home safe and sound. Working Cultures. bored with rice noodle soup and This trip has been a great team If you live in Berlin, Brussels, steamed dumplings for breakfast, experience and I’ve learnt so much Dubai, Hong Kong, Mumbai, so I was very pleased to have the about the society, ethics and Shanghai, Toronto or Washington, option to try grilled frog this business environment in China. I’ve D.C. and could provide a few morning! It actually tasted quite learnt the city is quite Westernised hours to talk to our students or show nice and I’d happily have it again. and I think I could adapt if my work them around your workplace, After some souvenir shopping, ever took me there. we would love to hear from you. we headed back to the city centre I feel very lucky to have had Please email to see the vibrant colours of Yayoi this adventure. [email protected] Kusama’s exhibition.

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PHOTOGRAPHY ON THE FRONT LINE

Photojournalism MA alumnus and Study UK Alumni Awards Global Finalist Alessandro Rota shares the risks and rewards of working as a conflict reporter and photojournalist.

“It’s completely different shooting a only with bullets and explosions, but when you go back home,” he explains. catwalk in Milan to being in a war zone also with kidnapping – which is a really “Sometimes when you come back, you in Iraq,” states Alessandro, who at just tough topic. It’s increasingly difficult to feel like everything is senseless. So you 31 years old, has enjoyed a career report in war zones.” need to be ready for that and learn to spanning both. But since he’s been willing to take that take care of yourself.” Alessandro fell in love with risk, Alessandro’s photography has In his five years of freelancing, photography when studying for a BA featured in publications including the Alessandro has covered four active in Industrial Design in his hometown, Guardian, Der Spiegel, Newsweek, and conflicts and travelled to more than 25 Milan. After learning the basics at night on the National Geographic website countries. Witnessing violence on such school and discovering his passion for – to name just a few. Considering how a scale has inevitably had some being behind the lens, he decided to competitive the industry is, these consequences. “The first time you move to London to study documentary achievements reveal Alessandro’s see a gun or hear a gunshot is very photography at Westminster. seemingly limitless dedication to frightening,” he remarks, “but over the “The UK has a special relationship photojournalism; from the repeated risks years you get completely used to it. This with journalism,” he explains. “I wanted to his safety on location to his day-to-day is dangerous, as the more time you to get a sense of that. That’s what drove life back in Italy. (He lives “in the spend in conflict the less vulnerable you me to choose Westminster, as it’s one countryside of Milano, minutes away feel. Which is one of the reasons you of the most prestigious universities for from International Airport of Malpensa” always need breaks at home with your documentary photography.” – ready to jump on a plane at a friends and family, to properly Fast-forward ten years and moment’s notice.) decompress what you have witnessed Alessandro, now an award-winning Above all, his experience so far has and to realise that’s not your reality, or conflict reporter working with taught him – sometimes the hard way daily routine – but part of your job. humanitarian clients such as Emergency – the importance of being prepared. “I’ve spent a lot of time in Iraq and Oxfam, spends up to six months a “Naivety is so dangerous,” he says. covering the Islamic State war. Even year travelling to war-torn areas of “You can’t just fly to Mogadishu and without assignments, I would travel Africa and the Middle East, capturing shoot a story for two weeks. It’s there for research and to expand my the violence and the lives of those becoming more and more unsafe to network of contacts. It was extremely caught up in it. work in these areas and so constant violent, especially the Mosul Offensive “One of the things I love about training is absolutely compulsory.” in the very last days of the caliphate. It photography is that you have to be The Hostile Environments training was like a house-by-house fight, with a in the field,” he says. “You have to Alessandro is referring to is an intensive lot of casualties, including civilians. It have your feet on the ground to get a five-day course which covers was very tough and one of the most sense of what is really going on. But surveillance, security and first aid; violent conflicts I’ve seen. Alessandro to disconnect from his Greece, all along the Italian coast. experience, and a good way to relax it’s a dangerous job and you must essential knowledge for living in a war “You need to deal with things like this career in conflict when needed. Friends visited sometimes, but I was following my previous year. At the accept that, otherwise you’re stuck zone. However, there are other risks and be at peace with it. Another side “I had a very hard trip to Iraq in basically alone. moment, the boat is in Greece as it and cannot work. which this type of training won’t effect of seeing such terrible events is March 2017,” he explains, “so last “It felt extremely good to start a new needs refurbishment, but I will go back “The biggest threat these days is the prepare you for. that you feel powerless, which can year I decided to take a break and photography project, telling the story of to it in the summer. For the meantime, fact journalists are no longer seen as “A few years ago, I started to make you angry but also depressed. went sailing around the Mediterranean the amazing Mediterranean Sea, which I am starting to feel ready to go back impartial, neutral spectators. Especially confront the reality of being a conflict You need to learn to let things go.” Sea on my own. I found this old 1970s is super beautiful and fragile. I found to the war zones.” in the Middle East with the Islamic State photojournalist; the notion of travelling Fortunately, understanding the boat in France, bought and refurbished some incredible treasures; it was a war. Journalists are now targets – not to these countries and the consequences importance of self-care has allowed it, and sailed on my own from France to completely unexpected and special Photo credit: alessandrorota.photoshelter.com

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How one Westminster alumna is using the power of words to challenge hate and inspire peace.

In the video ‘Behind the Scarf’, a young And while producing messages to When Beatriz won a scholarship and project,” explains Beatriz. “They really woman, eyes smiling, explains to the challenge hate, they also challenge moved to London to start her Masters supported me. It started to gain camera, “I’m the same person with or their own misconceptions.” here, Words Heal the World was international recognition and I was without the niqab.” In another video, Words Heal the World began life as quickly embraced by the University’s invited to conferences to talk about ‘100 Black Girls’, a mother talks about a website in 2017, set up while Beatriz Democratic Education Network (DEN) what we were doing. her search to create a list of 100 was a journalist in Brazil to increase and University of Westminster students. “I am very grateful to the University children’s stories where a black girl is the visibility of organisations that DEN is a network of over 200 students of Westminster because I learnt a lot the main protagonist. And in ‘Who You promote peace but did not have the and staff, led by Professor Farhang there. Not only from the professors, but Fear, You Should Hear’, four students resources for social media teams. Morady (Principal Lecturer in from the other students. Westminster has are challenged to meet blindfolded Beatriz quickly recognised that students Development and International a big diversity of students. You can find and get to know each other through – naturally expert in social media and Relations) that encourages our students, people from all over the world at this voice alone. brimming with ideas – were the perfect alongside colleagues and communities University. This is very, very important.” All these videos are the output of people to do this. So Beatriz began in London, to inspire, engage and apply Words Heal the World is still Words Heal the World, a non-profit a partnership with the Universidade their education creatively in society. growing and is expanding beyond organisation that puts young people Federal do Rio de Janeiro, where “DEN provided me with all of the the UK and Brazil to become an centre stage in tackling extremism and students could gain credits by taking means necessary to turn Worlds Heal international force as universities and online hate. Students are trained to use part in an extension course. the World from a website into a organisations start to realise the impact their natural creativity and digital skills of empowering undergraduate students to write articles, make videos, develop in challenging hate and preventing social media campaigns or produce World. “The methodology I developed between people, young adults are often radicalisation, and involving young documentaries – anything that cultivates critical thinking in our the target of the dark side of social people in their outreach strategies. challenges hate speech or promotes students. They learn about extremism, media. But Words Heal the World sees “We have started negotiating with the work of partner organisations that about the vicious circle of hate, about young people as the answer. other universities to empower students advocate peace. the impact of digital media on these “I think it is crucial to work with to challenge hate in the US and Africa. In only two years, Words Heal the ideologies and they also take action. undergraduates. It is not enough to give Until December, we are going to World has grown to encompass They are encouraged to come up with them a flyer or a book, or ask them to premiere our third movie, Silenced 24 partner organisations, has won the ideas to tackle racism, antisemitism, read something. Our greatest Saints, and launch our first report in Transcendence Award from Michigan Islamophobia, misogyny and advantage is that we inspire students to partnership with UNESCO-MGIEP, State University and been nominated for homophobia. After they share their lead change,” says Beatriz. the Hate Map of Brazil. the Luxembourg Peace Prize (awarded ideas, we implement them and monitor “The impact on our students is the “I really hope Worlds Heal the by the Schengen Peace Foundation and the results. They are involved in the most rewarding part of working on the World will break the vicious cycle the World Peace Forum). full cycle.” project. You witness your students of hate and create a virtual circle of “Our work with students is very Young people are at the heart of growing, not only professionally but peace. That is my vision. We only unique,” explains Beatriz Buarque Words Heal the World. At a time when emotionally. They become empowered need to give young people the (International Relations and Security we value emotions more than facts and and aware of their own potential; the opportunity to use their creativity MA, 2018), founder of Words Heal the digital media is contributing to divisions fact that they can make a difference. for peace.”

28 NETWORK | | ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2019 ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2019 | | NETWORK 29 CHANGING THE WORLD WITH STYLE

Network magazine talks to University of Westminster graduate and World Afro Day Founder Michelle De Leon about world records, cultural education and the joy of finding your purpose.

30 NETWORK | | ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2019 CHANGING THE WORLD WITH STYLE CHANGING THE WORLD WITH STYLE

Sitting on a plush sofa in the ITV Studios, straight hair or natural hair. They’re “For me, it changed when I had my “THERE IS STORY AFTER STORY OF government, and how they allow us overlooking White City outside, I can’t damned if they do and damned if daughter. I chose to make sure that the to be equal,” she explains. “But help but think that Media Studies they don’t.” world she’s growing up in is better than KIDS BEING HUMILIATED AND MADE globally there’s a lack of evidence; alumna Michelle De Leon, now Features Michelle, the Founder of World Afro the world I grew up in.” and research is the key to having Producer for Good Morning Britain, has Day, realised her purpose was to help And change the world she has. TO FEEL THAT THEY HAVE TO GET certain conversations with the really made it. But for all of the talent create a positive environment around On 15 September 2017, Michelle RID OF OR CHANGE THEIR HAIR” government as well as with teachers and hard work which has got her to this Afro hair shortly after becoming a hosted the first World Afro Day event, and Ofsted.” point, Michelle’s career isn’t even her mother. “With Afro hair, it’s always a which was backed by the UN’s Office In order to overcome this obstacle biggest achievement. personal journey first,” she explains. of the High Commissioner for Human and quantify the issues of hair “Afro hair discrimination is the “You work out that you want to embrace Rights. In the borough of Westminster, Education Lesson’. The event went viral I ask Michelle why she thinks it’s discrimination, Michelle worked with absolute norm in society,” she tells me. your own natural hair and in doing that, she brought together 400 school with over 2.5 million views and was important to focus these campaigns on researchers to conduct a survey earlier “The pressure, on women with Afro hair you consciously reject the other children to learn about the qualities and a huge success, winning extensive young children specifically. “Working this year and published the Hair especially, is lifelong. They always feel messages that are out there that say value of Afro hair and set a Guinness international attention and receiving with children means working with Equality Report. scrutinised whether they choose to have your hair is not normal or not desirable. World Record for the ‘Largest Hair tributes worldwide. schools,” she replies, “and the school “Now we have the evidence,” she Since the inaugural event, Michelle’s system is part of the main problem says. “The findings show that one in six creation has gone from strength to in society.” children with Afro hair is having a bad strength, pioneering new ways to What Michelle is referring to are the or very bad experience in school. I change attitudes towards Afro hair. numerous cases of conscious or have gathered the data in a report and For the 2018 event, she held the unconscious discrimination towards so I can confidently say: ‘This is the World Afro Day Awards, to showcase black and mixed-race children in the problem – we need to do something Afro representation and excellence in form of school rules. Last year saw about it.’” the media. Again, coverage was multiple cases of children being And going by her track record, there widespread and attracted support from compelled to ‘tame’ their natural hair, is no doubt that Michelle will do high-profile celebrities such as Naomi under the threat of being expelled. In everything in her power to make sure Campbell, Fleur East and Leicester the USA, one African-American high that happens. City Football Club. school student was forced to cut off his Plenty of parents may aspire to But the growth and success of World hair before being allowed to continue improve the world for their children but Afro Day is a double-edged sword, in a wrestling match. While in the UK, Michelle’s dedication to Afro equality is as Michelle’s determination to combat a five-year-old was denied playtime having an evident impact, with more hair inequality is sustained by the because of his normal haircut. and more children and adults learning to ongoing media reports of discrimination “If we tackle it here,” she explains, love and embrace their natural Afro hair. and repression. “we’re stopping the cycle altogether. “The great thing about finding my “I just get fed up,” she says. “There And that’s the most important thing.” purpose,” she claims, “is that I get to is story after story of kids being It’s for this reason that World Afro use all my skills as a TV producer and humiliated and made to feel that they Day has a second focus: an education all my passion as a black mother to tell have to get rid of or change their hair. programme for young people. the story of marginalised children. And every time there’s an article in the Classroom-based World Afro Day Never think, being a woman or black is press, you just have to read the lessons put emphasis on critical thinking a disadvantage because whoever you comments. You can guarantee there will and cultural education to teach children are, your story matters and using your be parents saying ‘This is happening to that, despite what the system says, experience can help others.” my child.’” Afro hair is valuable, beautiful and I ask Michelle what she believes is For this reason, the focus for World above all, normal. the ultimate goal for World Afro Day Afro Day 2019 will be the Big Hair While the uptake of the education and her response comes without Assembly: a live-streamed global programme has been largely positive, hesitation. “Normalisation,” she says. gathering, which will link up school Michelle’s plans for improving the “Normalisation is always going to be children from around the world to school system and ensuring equal that benchmark. When it’s not a big celebrate Afro hair on an international opportunity are more ambitious. deal if a news reporter or a politician scale. “Afro discrimination is a global “How we’re different from other has got his or her own natural hair. problem,” says Michelle, “so I want to organisations is that we’re focused on When everybody is able to be use this opportunity to bring kids structural change. Because actually, we themselves on screen, without together from different global need to change the whole environment judgement. That’s how everybody with perspectives and show them that rather than focusing on individuals. straight hair lives their life, so why can’t

Photo credit: Kacper Rudolf together, we can change things.” That means looking at the law and the the rest of us?”

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The glaring gender disparity in the technology workforce remains. But University of Westminster alumnae prove that women can be successful – and help create equality – in this lucrative sector.

Ask someone to name a leading roles in the UK are held by women, female in technology and they might while that figure rises to only 22 per say Sheryl Sandberg. Or perhaps cent of STEM professions at all levels. Ginni Rometty of IBM. But if you The discrepancy can be traced back to narrowed it down to the UK, they school, where, according to PwC’s would be hard-pressed. A Google extensive 2017 Women in Tech study, search for ‘influential women in UK 83 per cent of males were studying tech’ even brings back Ada Lovelace STEM A-level subjects compared with – a female computer pioneer who 64 per cent of females. died in 1852. Clearly, if this is any Girls – under-represented in STEM barometer, business needs to face up to begin with – cited various reasons to reality. for not wanting to continue these In the UK alone, the industry is worth subjects at university (where they almost £184bn, and is growing twice remain outnumbered) or pursue careers as fast as the economy as a whole, in these sectors, and these ranged from according to the 2018 Tech Nation being discouraged by a lack of advice report. London is recognised as one to being naturally better at essay-based of the world’s top tech centres, often topics. And this is without mentioning mentioned in the same breath as the ‘self-efficacy’ factor, that is, an Silicon Valley. And, aside from the fact inner belief – or lack of belief – in that tech-driven household names such oneself in a particular subject, which as Deliveroo are based in the UK, confirms that girls still inherently have technology and digital creations are a disinclination towards STEM career omnipresent in everyone’s daily lives paths, perhaps based on the misguided – from Facebook to Skyscanner – idea that these are simply ‘not what regardless of gender. Obviously, half girls do’. of the workforce and half of consumers are women. WHAT CAN BE DONE But our tech worlds continue to be shaped by men. The WISE Campaign’s Universities have a key role to play in 2018 Workforce Statistics show that bridging the gap. They may offer just 13 per cent of leading technology, incentives to women to take STEM engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects, or organise events in schools

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to improve advice and, at least, make ineffective) and act accordingly to make Nina says it is no surprise that pledge a £5,000 prize fund for final‑year Both encourage partnerships with technology sector and ultimately such a route more visible and attractive savings. Nina is a keen advocate of the women are often put off by macho female BSc Software Engineering experienced specialists to help fledgling boost UK business, enhancing its to female pupils. University and its STEM opportunities. terms, including for job roles, and that students who gain a distinction, to be female entrepreneurs get a solid start. competitiveness with the US and China. The University of Westminster is a “That degree provided me with a solid the language does nothing to attract split between those achieving the They urge graduates to tap into the member of the aforementioned WISE, foundation, the roots of what I do now,” females to such roles. “It’s difficult when grade. It’s an encouraging direction, knowledge of seasoned professionals. ENCOURAGING PROGRESS a collaborative network incorporating she says of her time at Westminster. it’s only males involved. But in the tech and it can be bolstered if women “Find someone who is well respected. various businesses and educational “Even then (1995), the University was sector particularly, the terminology is follow their passions despite the Get them to show you the ropes. You Nina and Aliona have seen signs of institutions that is attempting to engage unique. It recognised flexibility, and still so male-oriented. For example, a apparent obstacles. One of these may will benefit from having this interaction. change. Aliona namechecks niche more schoolgirls with STEM subjects. offered part-time programmes, which ‘scrum-master’. That just shouts: ‘No be perception. They will act like a mentor, so take their networks such as Women in Tech, It undertakes research, offers are really important for supporting all girls allowed.’ This is strange when There is a “huge misconception” advice,” says Nina. which have given her encouragement apprenticeships and fellowships, and kinds of people, including women there are so many female consumers.” about the technology sector, Aliona “Find great people on the way. It from the proof that there are like- provides a platform for employers to already working.” Aliona is equally as dumbfounded by says, which means that girls might matters who you meet and who you minded women in business. advertise jobs. Aliona Sladzinskaya (Business a persistent trend that sidelines female fail to see how creative many roles work with. Use those skills,” Aliona adds. And for both of these pioneers, it is Management MA, 2016) created expertise. She started PartyMaker with can be. “They might think it is super- So the benefits of greater diversity for crucial that businesses, big tech firms BUCKING THE TREND and runs the event-planning app male co-founder Stas Kulminski, and complicated but it is broader,” she individuals are clear. But it is also among them, begin to engage women PartyMaker App and is one of the wants to see more businesses pool the adds. “You can create something that imperative that this inequality is with practical experience including And, while the landscape is evidently co-founders of dgArt, a web development talents of males and females so that all is unique through teamwork.” addressed to improve the attractiveness through apprenticeships, and that still not perfect, there are successful agency that, among other things, helps views are represented in the final More broadly, Nina says that of the UK as a place to work. PwC’s universities target talent by partnering women in tech eager to promote start-ups create a minimum viable product. “It is important to have current female students on the brink report outlines how strides towards with these big businesses to make an change – University of Westminster product they can pitch to investors. She balance in everything,” she says. of graduating should have a fearless improvement can break a vicious circle impact. Even the basics – such as alumnae among them. Nina Monckton, echoes Nina’s praise for the grounding “Women and men are different, it’s approach to the world of work. “Don’t – when businesses are seen to be more money – will offer motivation to Chief Insight Officer at the National she got at Westminster. “There was a been proven! But when we combine be afraid to be brave. Ask for what diverse then in turn they will attract the graduates, Nina adds. “The industry Health Service Business Services ‘go and do it now’ approach. The our skills, something great comes out you want. There may be barriers that top female talents. isn’t interested in shouting about Authority, studied part-time for an MSc course was very useful as it helped me of a 50/50 input.” are only perceived,” she says. For Its earlier study, The Female salaries – and there are some big in Statistical Applications in Business to structure business knowledge and example, just ask if you can do a job Millennial, revealed that 83 per cent salaries! The potential is great. It’s and Government. gave a general overview. It allowed THE NEXT STEPS part-time. I’d rather have half of a of British female millennials actively about luring women from other sectors.” She recently won Transformation me to become more confident.” really good person than no one.” target employers with a strong diversity With a course roster including Leader of the Year at the Women in But while both acknowledge that their Efforts continue to be made to redress the Such boldness is integral to Aliona’s record. So diversity breeds diversity. Computer Science BSc Honours, Data IT awards for her work on a data university education helped to propel balance. Along with campaigns such as mindset. “Don’t be scared; if you have And beyond that, an equitable balance Science and Analytics BSc Honours, and analytics lab that has identified £1bn them to greater things, they are also in WISE, there have been targeted attempts an idea just go for it,” she tells may bring down the gender pay gap Software Engineering MEng, to name in cost savings for the NHS. Healthcare agreement that the current gender to promote change. Tigerspike, a digital tomorrow’s tech women. “If you have at the top – men earn a huge 25 per just a few, the University of Westminster professionals can use the system to, for imbalance in the STEM workforce is products outfit that counts Emirates and a great idea it will work. London is full cent more in high-tech roles, according is continuing to support female STEM example, see which antibiotics are being unhealthy and, indeed, counterproductive Centrica among its clients, has teamed of opportunities, as long as you have to consulting firm Mercer. This again students and can play its part in helping over-prescribed (therefore becoming – on various levels. up with the University of Westminster to the entrepreneurial spirit within you.” could help to empower women in the women in technology reach parity.

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Written in the stars and driest deserts on Earth

As a species, humans are having a more profound and destructive effect on the Earth than any natural force. But how did we become so powerful? The answer, as Professor Lewis Dartnell’s latest book Origins: How the Earth Made Us demonstrates, lies in the planet itself.

Professor Dartnell is an astrobiologist, in reference to one study that examines history, so each chapter isn’t the next but his latest and best-selling book is an incongruous patch of blue votes on a part of time but a different theme.” grounded firmly on Earth. “This book political map of the USA’s Deep South. Closer to home, for example, Origins isn’t about change or environmental According to his research, the trail of considers the causes and effects of degradation,” he says. “We now democratic votes which correlates to global warming. “The premise of the recognise the disruptive effect that the banks of the Mississippi is a result book is basically the whole thing humans are having on the planet, so I of the richness of the local soil which that the Extinction Rebellion are take it as a given. Instead, I wanted to makes it ideal for cotton farming. Hence, demonstrating about right now,” says focus on the flipside: how the Earth has in the 19th Century, this area became Professor Dartnell. “Page one, chapter influenced us over millions of years. home to thousands of African-American one of the book is that we now Or more specifically, how features of slaves whose descendants remain there recognise the profound and on the the planet have directed the course of to this day. Due to socio-economic whole disruptive effect that humanity human history and helped build the problems and high rates of is having on the planet. But if we world we live in today.” unemployment, the electorate in this understand how the Earth made us, According to Professor Dartnell, the so-called ‘Black Belt’ of fertile soils I suppose we can consider what force of planetary cycles on plate continue to vote for the Democratic responsibility to take on ourselves in tectonics has dictated our movements Party, sustaining a distinctive curve of order to be a good kind of steward for and our history, from trade routes to the blue votes on the Presidential map. the planet. rise and fall of empires. And it all began In order to trace the origins of pivotal “There is an interesting chapter in in the Rift Valley 200,000 years ago. events in human history such as this the book,” he explains, “about how we “How we first emerged as a species back to movements within our solar got into this situation in the first place. relates to one very curious question: system, Professor Dartnell draws on a There was a peculiar period of Earth’s why we became so exquisitely range of disciplines. “My main field of history about 300 million years ago intelligent,” he explains. “It comes research is astrobiology, which is deeply when trees grew very fervently but down to an interplay between the and intrinsically interdisciplinary,” when they died and fell over, they quirky landscape of East Africa and he says. “I come from a biology refused to rot. It’s because of this cosmic cycles – specifically background, but for my research I’ve strange occurrence with our planet’s “The problem with that solution, as we study of influences on life on Earth “The next step in Mars research is Milankovitch cycles – dictating the had to learn a lot of physics, geology, recycling system that we had these thick have come to realise, is that by burning also helps to inform his research into taking place next year, when the climate and forcing our ancestors to planetary science and instrumentation. deposits of coal from the carboniferous all these ancient forests, we are pumping microorganisms on other planets. European Space Agency is launching adapt and migrate. The basis of why In Origins, I used the same technique: era which powered us through the carbon dioxide into the atmosphere “A lot of my research is on analogue its next generation of Mars rover, we were driven to evolve such high pulling together threads from wildly Industrial Revolution. faster than it can be removed naturally. sites on Earth,” he explains. “Locations ExoMars. We’re going to dig up deep intelligence in the first place, is different fields and weaving “Similarly, something broke in the It was a rational solution to a problem which environmentally mimic places on soil and analyse the Martian dirt for therefore due to an interaction with them together. Earth’s oceans more recently (about in our history but, as I say in the book, Europa or Mars or Titan can tell us signs of organic molecules – the planetary forces.” “The area of study that Origins falls 60–70 million years ago), which gave it was like unleashing a genie with whether microbial life can survive in building blocks of life – but also Thus, by pinpointing events and into is called ‘big history’ and I was us all of the crude oil we have been unintended consequences, and we now that kind of environment. One of the hopefully biosignatures and cells; analysing their position in Earth’s dissatisfied when reading other big sucking up. Thus the problems we need to find a solution to the solution.” sites I use is the Atacama Desert in unambiguous signs of Martian bacteria. history, Origins exposes how everything history books because I found them have with global warming and climate Beyond these fascinating correlations, Chile, which is the oldest and driest I’m just one tiny cog in that whole about the world as we know it has been to be straightjacketed by their own change today are because we were Professor Dartnell’s research is more desert on the planet. So something European-wide venture to explore shaped by cosmic forces. “Even today, chronology. I wanted to look at the facing an energy crisis in the 1600s than a series of thought-provoking case which can survive there, has the right Mars, but it’s very exciting.” the imprint of the Earth is visible in our broad brushstrokes of human history and 1700s which was resolved by studies into the effects of the planet on kind of skills and cells for surviving on political maps,” says Professor Dartnell, and how it’s influenced by planetary digging up ancient forests. humanity. As an astrobiologist, the Mars as well. Originsbook.com

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Feel younger than you are? Here’s why you’re on to something good Professor Catherine Loveday, Principal Lecturer in Neuroscience at the University of Westminster, writes in The Conversation about how challenging attitudes to chronological ageing could help us live longer.

Emile Ratelband made international positive light and are more likely to the egg? Are people who feel younger headlines when he launched a walk faster. One group of researchers simply healthier to start with or are they controversial legal battle to change his even found that people with a lower so keen on being young that they official date of birth from March 1949 subjective age have a younger looking actually take better care of themselves to March 1969, reflecting the fact that brain. Brain scans showed that they and therefore live longer? he felt 20 years younger. The story had more grey matter overall, with Most scientists agree that it is a probably made some of us laugh, but particular resilience in areas called the two-way street. We know that poor who can blame him for wanting to prefrontal cortex (involved in planning health makes people feel older, as share his year of birth with the likes and complex cognitive behaviour) and indeed can stress and low mood. The of Jennifer Aniston, Jay-Z, Steffi Graf superior temporal gyrus (responsible real question is can we do anything to or even my good self? for processing sounds and emotions). break this vicious cycle? If we could The legal bid may have been a first, These findings are not trivial – new somehow feel younger – perhaps by but it is actually common to feel research shows that people who think ignoring societal and personal younger than we are. A 2018 study of themselves as 13 years older are expectations about age – might this with 33,751 respondents showed that 25 per cent more likely to die, even mean we can live longer, happier once people pass the pivotal age of when education, race and marital status and healthier lives? Early indications 25, they typically rate their subjective are taken into account. This study, by suggest yes. age as younger than their chronological a team at the University of Grenoble, In one study, researchers enrolled age. And this discrepancy grows as pooled together data from three large a group of older participants in an we get older – for every decade that longitudinal studies, where 17,000 exercise regime and found that their passes, people tend to feel they have participants were assessed over a performance improved significantly only gained five or six years. This is number of time points. if they were praised – but specifically the equivalent to living Martian years Overall, people reported feeling if they were favourably compared to as opposed to Earth years. on average 16–17 years younger other people of the same age. Reducing It turns out that this phenomenon may than they really were – not far off the age stereotyping might also be helpful have rather important implications. A difference described by Ratelband. – another study showed that exposing recent surge in research in this area has But importantly, this research showed people to photos and words that are revealed that the extent to which people that the risk of mortality was almost typically associated with old age, such feel younger than they are is strongly twice as high in those people who felt as ‘grumpy’, ‘wrinkled’, and ‘helpless’ associated with a whole range of health older than their age compared to those made them feel older. Interestingly, effect on a group of 75-year-old men. same employment opportunities, the relentless societal references to outcomes. People with a younger who felt younger. This effect appeared this was true even when positive After five days of being immersed in couldn’t buy a new house and didn’t getting old, then maybe we will lead subjective age are less likely to suffer for both shorter time intervals (three associations like ‘wise’ and ‘full of a mocked up 1959 environment and get replies when he advertised on the healthier, happier and longer lives. from diabetes, hypertension, years) and for longer ones (20 years). life’ were used alongside a smiling treated as 55-year-olds, these men dating site Tinder. He may not have depression, cognitive impairment and older face. showed increased physical strength, won his legal battle, but if nothing else, dementia. These people also tend to CAUSE AND EFFECT Back in 1979, psychologist Ellen improved memory and better eyesight. this case highlighted an opportunity Read the article online at: report better sleep, stronger memory Langer – now the longest serving Ratelband’s case centred on his for society to change its attitude to theconversation.com/feel-younger- function and more fulfilling sex lives. So it seems that to some extent, we professor at the University of Harvard claims that at 69, society did not allow chronological age. than-you-are-heres-why-youre-on-to- People with a younger subjective age really are as young as we feel. But how – showed that simply turning the clock him to do the same things that he could If we can learn to ignore the numbers something-good-106794 also view their future selves in a more do we know which is the chicken and back 20 years had an age-reversing do if he was 49. He did not have the on a birth certificate and cut down on

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CLASSNOTES

The University of Westminster IMRAN has a global community of SANAULLAH DELPHINE DUFF more than 180,000 alumni in LAW LLB, 2015 SOCIAL WORK DIP, 1989 I’ve worked hard An experienced and versatile criminal over 180 countries worldwide. over the last justice professional, I was employed by Here is a small selection of seven years to London Probation in 1989, initially as a the updates we have received help young probation officer and have since worked from our alumni over the past people from to develop a range of training courses disadvantaged and specialist interventions which include year. We would love to hear and under- assisting offenders into employment and about your career and life represented tackling unconscious bias. In 2010 I was assigned as an expert in Jamaica’s since graduation, so please communities to engage with mainstream Department of Corrections; the programme I designed has now become an send your news and a photo to politics and civil society. As a founding integral component of service delivery. I was one of the first people to receive member and CEO of the Patchwork a Sheriff of London Award and am the first female to twice receive a Butler [email protected] ALISON BANCROFT Foundation, I have helped over 32,000 Trust commendation. Now retired from probation practice, I’m a visiting ENGLISH STUDIES BA, 1996 young people from across Britain to lecturer at Middlesex University, a consultant on criminal justice matters and I was the first member of my family engage with decision makers. My work remain active within the community. to go to university, and the English on political engagement has been programme at Westminster was a recognised by the likes of the Mayor transformative experience for me. After of London, Prime Minister, Leader of SHAHEEN MAMUN graduating and enjoying a career in the Opposition and Speaker of the SOLICITORS EXEMPTING HONOURS LLB, the music industry, I made my way to Commons. Since 2016, I’ve organised 2014 a PhD. In 2012, my thesis became the Youth Interfaith Iftars to bring young After graduating, I qualified as a book Fashion and Psychoanalysis which people of all faiths and none to solicitor and co-founded the Black at the time was one of the only three engage in social action. The annual Antelope Group in 2018. I have a books ever written on the subject. It has Iftar has seen over 500 young people growing reputation in the legal been credited with starting a new from across London joined by the profession as a young award-winning conceptual approach to fashion and Chief Rabbi, Archbishop of Canterbury, solicitor and have been recognised with since its publication, there have been Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Mayor the ‘One to Watch’ at the British Muslim two conferences on the subject, a of London. Awards 2018, the ‘Malcolm X Young special journal edition, several book Person’s Award for Excellence’ at the chapters, and another book on the DARINE GEOFF MULGAN CBE PAOLO CASAMASSIMA Muslim News Awards 2017 and Highly same subject. Outside of academia, HAMZE PHD, 1990 GLOBAL BUSINESS – INTERNATIONAL Commended for the ‘BSN Rising Star’ it was the inspiration for the Christian ARTS AND As Chief Executive of Nesta, the UK’s MARKETING MA, 2008 MEDIA PRACTICE at the UK Legal Diversity Awards 2016. Dior haute couture collection. MA, 2004 innovation foundation, I have played I’m the Founder and CEO of Bighous, a major role globally in public policy, a Social Impact investment firm, focused With the artistic social innovation and collective on purchasing and re-developing KEIRON SPARROWHAWK inspiration I intelligence. My previous roles include distressed properties across the UK, MBA, 1998 gained at director of the government’s Strategy to be let solely to charities helping Following a long career in pharmaceuticals Westminster, I have made more than 15 Unit and head of policy in the Prime underprivileged minorities and vulnerable and after achieving my MBA, I founded hit movies in Lebanon, Germany, Paris, Minister’s office. I was the first director tenants. Since its founding in 2015, PriceSpective in 2003 which worked globally Iran and the USA, alongside 37 TV of the think-tank Demos; Chief Adviser Bighous has grown to close to £2m in to support 17 of the top 20 pharmaceutical series across the Middle East. Now a to Gordon Brown MP and reporter assets and has attracted HNW and companies, helping dozens of new products well-known film star in Lebanon, I tend to on BBC TV and radio. I have also Institutional investors funding. Through be brought to market. In 2005 I co-authored choose roles of Arab women who co-chaired a World Economic Forum partnering with five different charities an article in Nature ‘Pricing medicines: theory question the injustices of society upon group looking at innovation and and housing associations, Bighous is and practice, challenges and opportunities’, female inequality. I’ve been nominated entrepreneurship in the fourth industrial currently helping over 47 individuals, that to this day is the most referenced in for awards at international film festivals, revolution. Currently I’m a senior visiting including former homeless, prisoners, pharmaceutical pricing. I am also the founder including Cannes and the Sundance scholar at Harvard University and individuals with a drug or alcohol of MyCognition, which has developed digital programmes to monitor and Film Festival and recently won the Best President of the Innovation Design addiction, mentally and physically strengthen cognition. The programmes, accredited as medical devices, have Actress Award at the International Department and the Italian University disabled, minor orphans, asylum won prestigious awards and are NHS approved. Arabic Film Festival. for Design (IAAD) in Turin. seekers and victims of family abuse.

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ANJALI PINDORIA NEIL QUANTITY SURVEYING AND MATTHEWS COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT BSC, 2017 HISTORY PHD, My dissertation research gave me the 2014 platform to spread my passion about Since diversity and inclusion within the graduating Construction industry. I was awarded from the Constructors’ Prize by the Westminster, Worshipful Company of Constructors, I’ve completed now a Yeoman with the Livery. As an a successful advocate of diversity, I often speak four-year stint as Development Manager on panels and present with the CIOB, for Historic Houses, the association for BIM Region London, First100Years, over 1,600 privately or independently Willmott Dixon, UK Construction Week owned historic houses and gardens. and London Build, where I strive to More recently, with my wife Helen, bring positive change breaking I’ve written a brand new guidebook DAN LLYWELYN HALL ALEXANDRA PENELOPE stereotypes and tackling myths held to the Chilterns, where we live, with ILLUSTRATION BA , 2002 CONTEMPORARY MEDIA PRACTICE by the younger generations. I am a additional content on the Thames Valley A year after graduation I won Sunday BA HONOURS, 2016 UK Construction Week Role Model, and the Vale of Aylesbury – details are Times Young Artist of the Year and after BRIA WOODS After graduating in 2016, I founded NAWIC Education Ambassador online at bradtguides.com working initially as an illustrator for the MULTIMEDIA BROADCAST JOURNALISM Queerly Beloved, an events and BAME representative whilst also Independent on Sunday, I have slowly MA, 2017 organisation hosting film screenings sitting on five leading industry crafted a career as a painter of I founded Bria Woods Photography and performances featuring LGBT+ change committees. portraits and landscapes. Recently soon after graduating and worked with and feminist works, with the aim of I became the youngest artist to paint London-based bloggers and models creating a safe and engaging space a portrait of Her Majesty the Queen and covered London Fashion Week. to be challenged and educated through and in 2014, was the first ever official Unexpectedly, I was offered a position art and community. Simultaneously, Artist in Residence for the Cannes Film at KAVU-TV, a news broadcasting I work full time for Little Dot Studios, Festival. My work is in public collections station in Victoria, Texas. Now an a next-generation media company such as the Royal Collection, The Imperial Executive Producer of Digital Content, producing digital content for branded War Museum, Contemporary Art Society I manage and curate all of the content entertainment. My work has earned and others. on the station’s website and social the company multiple 100k and 1m media channels. I am extremely subscriber plaques for various clients. JAMES WONG thankful for the superior education that I’ve also been actively involved with PARRY RAVINDRANATHAN MARKETING AND I received at the University, which has the LGBT+ media community, writing INTERNATIONAL JOURNALISM COMMUNICATIONS MA, 2006 allowed me to make a measurable occasionally for DIVA magazine, TOMER BEN (BROADCAST) MA, 2003 difference at KAVU-TV and in the lives including a full article on found families MANAGEMENT PGCERT, 2012 Starting out as an intern with CNN in After leaving of the citizens of Victoria. in the queer community. Realising that all traditional Jewish its Delhi bureau, I joined a fledgling Westminster, media outlets are political, in 2015 media company called TV18 where I I fell straight I founded Solomon Mines Luxury went on to executive produce morning LUAN GOLDIE into a career in LAURENE EYMERE Jewish Magazine. Now for the first primetime programming and then MEDIA STUDIES BA, 2001 entertainment INTERNATIONAL LIAISON AND COMMUNICATION MA, 2016 time, brands and companies can reach evening primetime by the age of 25. I have worked as a business publicity where Following my Masters degree, I had the unique the affluent Jewish market without the Later, I joined Al Jazeera English as an journalist and teacher. At the start I represented the likes of Lady GaGa, opportunity to work as an intern within the University complications and implications of Assistant Programmes Editor and was of 2018 I won the short story prize Chaka Khan and Zendaya. For eight of Westminster’s Press Office. I gained valuable political identification. The magazine among the first journalists at the scene at the Costa Book Awards. I then years I went on tour, hosted premieres real-world experience in a busy Press Office and the has grown from 300 copies to 35,000 to cover the Mumbai attacks in 2008. signed a two-book deal with and organised shows. I stepped to the opportunity enabled me to develop a wide variety of copies printed in 17 countries reaching I joined Bloomberg Media in 2010, HarperCollins. My debut novel other side in 2014 and became a skills in communication. I have since been appointed 250,000 readers via print and digital leading its expansion into India, and Nightingale Point is set 90s East journalist. Today I write for VOGUE Communications Officer which is a role combining both editions. It remains the only luxury am now President and Managing London and follows a working International, so I travel across the public relations and student communication missions. It is a real honour to Jewish magazine in the world to Director for all of Bloomberg Media’s class community as it’s thrown into world to put together travel features work for the institution that offered me both an education and my first work specifically target the high net worth international operations outside the crisis. It has been picked by BBC and guides. My stories are available on experience. I am very proud to be responsible for the promotion of one of Jewish consumer market. United States. Radio 2 for its Book Club. www.boxojames.com the most diverse, progressive and compassionate universities.

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