Read about the Westminster Alumni Award finalists in this category and vote for who you think deserves to win. Voting closes at 11.59pm BST on Monday 20 July.
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Finalists
Dr Jeya Keerthi
Creative Writing: Writing the City MA, 2024
Jeya Keerthi is a medical doctor and published author whose career spans emergency medicine, creative writing and social care.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she served as an emergency physician in India. In 2022, she published her debut novel 732 Miles which explored the India-Pakistan partition, one of the largest forced migrations in human history.
After completing her Master’s at the University of Westminster in 2024, Jeya moved into elderly social care in the UK. Joining a London nursing home group as Business Development Manager, she supported hundreds of families through complex care decisions while partnering with NHS discharge teams to ease pressures on NHS beds. Promoted within a year to Registered Manager of an 86-bed nursing home and rehab unit, she led a team of 100 staff and grew occupancy by 200%. She has since been offered a regional role overseeing multiple care homes across London.
Nadeem Javaid MBE
Information Systems with Business Management BSc, 2008
Nadeem Javaid MBE has dedicated his career to delivering meaningful impact for Londoners through public service, global engagement and community leadership. Over the past decade at the Mayor of London’s office, he has helped strengthen London’s international relationships by helping to attract investment, tourism and global events that generate significant economic benefit for the city, with some contributing tens of millions of pounds to London’s economy.
His work is focused on ensuring that London’s global success translates into tangible local benefits, from job creation and inward investment to opportunities for communities and small businesses. He is an advocate for community cohesion, bringing people together across London’s diverse communities and championing inclusion at every level of his work. In 2019, his contribution was recognised with an MBE for services to community cohesion and young people.
Beyond his role, he has a commitment to improving lives through charitable fundraising and civic leadership.
Reannah Britto
Criminology BA, 2023
Reannah Britto is a social impact leader and co-founder of MAI Cultures, advancing equity, access and opportunity for young people across London impacted by housing instability. Since graduating from the University of Westminster, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, translating lived experience into tangible, systems-level change.
She served as Senior Youth Advisor to the Mayor of London, where she co-designed and led the development of the London Inclusion Charter – a city-wide commitment to inclusion, belonging and fairness across the education system.
Reannah is the Vice-Chair of Governors within the Leathersellers’ Federation of Schools, contributing to the oversight of multiple schools and championing equitable educational outcomes. In recognition of her service, she is a Freeman of the Leathersellers’ Company and will soon become a Freeman of the City of London.
Through MAI Cultures, she is pioneering innovative models that repurpose underutilised spaces and expand pathways for recognition, wellbeing and opportunity.
Shazia Saboowala
International Business and Management MA, 2010
Shazia Saboowala has made a significant impact through her work as an ESOL Tutor, supporting refugees and asylum seekers as they rebuild their lives in London. She delivers English language teaching that is practical, inclusive and tailored to the needs of learners, covering topics that enable individuals to navigate daily life, access services and engage confidently within their communities. Her learners come from a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, creating a diverse and enriching learning environment.
Through her teaching, Shazia has helped many learners progress into employment across various sectors, contributing to improved independence, financial stability and social integration. She has also supported highly skilled individuals in adapting their expertise to the UK context.
By fostering language skills alongside confidence and cultural understanding, Shazia has enabled learners to participate fully in London life. Her work has not only improved individual outcomes but also strengthened community cohesion and inclusion.