Read about the Westminster Alumni Award finalists in this category and vote for who you think deserves to win.
Finalists
Martijn Cooijmans
Urban Design MA, 2009
Martijn Cooijmans has built an outstanding career in resilient urban planning, transport, and climate action. As Director of Climate Change and Transport at Islington Council, he has become a nationally recognised leader in shaping people-centred cities and pioneering policy innovation at the intersection of health, climate, and social equity.
He has played a central role in delivering Islington’s Vision 2030 to achieve net-zero carbon emissions and has led transformational projects such as Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, School Streets, and the expansion of London’s first-of-its-kind Bunhill Heat Network. These initiatives have directly improved the lives of thousands of residents by reducing pollution, improving air quality, encouraging active travel, and creating safer, more inclusive public spaces. They have become models of best practice for other local authorities across the UK.
Through his continued contribution to sustainable urbanism, Martijn has shaped policy and practice well beyond his borough.
Mihaela Shehova Simitchiyski
Professional Practice Architecture PgDip, 2018
Mihaela is an award-winning architect, working across sectors that influence and shape our cities. She’s a member of the High Street Expert Panel at NLA, and has worked with some of the biggest retail brands on a national scale, encompassing projects with construction costs ranging from £500k to £70m. She contributed to Primark's flagship store in Birmingham City Centre, which won two Revo Gold Awards and received a Guinness World Record.
In addition, Mihaela leads and champions the Health & Wellbeing team at Child Graddon Lewis and authored the firm's menopause policy. She is a registered Executive Practitioner of Holistic Medicine with a focus on women's hormonal, reproductive, and menstrual health. As well as being a co-founder and director of the Women Academy, and an Associate at Foundation Endometriosis and Reproductive Health BG, she is also a published author, medical content writer, support group leader, and art therapist.
Paul Newman MBE
Business Administration MBA, 2003
Paul is a purpose-driven leader who has transformed the lives of thousands through his work in health and social care. Paul has led national organisations with vision, compassion, and commercial acumen, most recently as Chief Executive of Greensleeves Care, one of the UK’s top-rated care charities for older people.
In 2025, Paul was awarded an MBE by His Majesty King Charles III in recognition of his exceptional contribution at both national and international levels. He has championed innovation in dementia care, digital transformation, workforce development, and sustainability, while shaping global standards for inclusive ageing through his leadership at the UN-affiliated International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Paul has also served as an unpaid board member of numerous national and local organisations, including King’s College Hospital Charity, National Care Forum and Council of Deans of Health, always giving back to the communities he serves.
Shaninga Marasha
Multimedia Computing BSc, 2004
Shaninga Marasha is the founder and CEO of the BIGKID Foundation, a multi-award-winning youth charity working to end social exclusion and youth violence. Shaninga has dedicated over two decades to empowering young people from under-resourced communities in London, using leadership development, mentoring, and community outreach to transform lives and reduce violence.
Under his guidance, BIGKID has grown from a grassroots initiative to a citywide movement, impacting thousands of young people each year. Shaninga’s commitment to systemic change has led to invitations to speak at international conferences and national roundtables on youth violence, social justice, and education reform advising the Prime Minister, the Metropolitan Police and His Majesty King Charles III. He was also awarded the Freedom of the City of London and is a member of the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers, sitting on their Foundation Sub-Committee, and an Acumen Fellow.