2025 winners

Satya Shekhar (Accounting BSc, 2020)

Satya is a highly ambitious individual who is dedicated to learning and passionate about supporting others. After graduating in accounting, he became a Transfer Pricing Consultant at Deloitte. He participated in two panel events organised by the School of Finance and Accounting in November 2023 and October 2024. 

During these events, Satya provided students with valuable insights into recent trends and developments in accounting careers, essential skills to focus on while studying and how to make the best use of the University's resources, including the Financial Market Suite, library services, careers events, mentoring schemes and placement opportunities. 

Satya also shared his knowledge and experience regarding job applications in accounting, interview techniques and psychometric tests. He offered practical tips on career planning, which students found extremely helpful. Satya's willingness to engage with students, answer their questions and maintain contact via LinkedIn has been greatly appreciated. The positive feedback from students highlights the significant impact of his contributions on their career planning and overall experience at the University. 

Dr Prem Puwanenthiren, Course Leader BA Accounting and Business Management, commented on Satya’s achievement: "Satya is an inspiring example of how alumni can shape the student experience beyond the classroom. His sessions consistently bridge the gap between academic study and the real-world challenges and opportunities that await. His presence at our events has had a meaningful impact—students leave feeling motivated, better informed, and more confident in navigating their career journeys". 

Prof. Abdelhafid Benamraoui, Director of Employability, said: "Satya Shekhar has been instrumental in supporting accounting and finance students and has been always willing to share his insights and work experience at Deloitte, one of the major accounting firms. He participated in the School of Finance and Accounting employability panel events where he presented his thoughts and suggestions on how to meet employers expectations in terms of knowledge and skills, what needs to be considered in terms of the recent trends and developments in the accountancy profession, the best approaches to navigate the career journey and how to improve own chances of being hired in such very competitive job market environment. Students appreciated the various tips provided by Satya and has been an inspiring figure for them". 

Kubi Springer (Commercial Music Marketing BA, 2001) 

Kubi Springer is an award-winning brand specialist, author and international speaker with over 22 years of experience in brand marketing. Now serving as Global Marketing Director at AVANTGARDE Group, she has worked with global companies including Nike, L’Oréal, MTV, Rolls-Royce and Aston Martin. Early in her career, Kubi worked in PR for global icons like Beyoncé, laying the foundation for a career rooted in excellence and impact. She is also the author of "I Am My Brand," shortlisted for the 2020 Business Book Awards, and a regular contributor to Harper’s Bazaar and BBC Radio 5 Live. 

Kubi gave a talk at the WWC Dubai trip in September 2024. The session was a transformative experience and a turning point for all students in the room. From the moment she stepped into the session, she captivated the group with honesty, vulnerability and unwavering passion. Her ability to connect deeply with students was remarkable, creating a safe, and powerful space. She brought her full self to WWC, inspiring students to look inward, challenge their thinking and truly believe in the value of their own journeys. Students were captivated by her talk, feeling seen, inspired and empowered to embrace their full potential. 

Kubi’s session and her messages not only resonated but stayed with every student in the room. Many students left the session feeling changed, empowered to be kinder to themselves and to take back control of their narratives. Her transparency around her own journey, balancing ambition with personal values and embracing her identity as a proud Black woman, brought a unique and authentic depth to her presentation. 

Kubi said about winning the award: "I’m truly honoured to be named Alumni Speaker of the Year. To inspire the next generation and give back to the place where my journey began means the world to me."

Ruth Elizabeth Rouse (MA Diplomatic Studies, 2002)

Ruth Elizabeth Rouse has played a vital role in providing outstanding support for our students and recent graduates through the Career Mentoring Programme and the Ask a Mentor service at the University of Westminster. Ruth is a recently retired public servant, now living in Grenada. Since 2021, Ruth has been a dedicated mentor, showcasing the value of mentoring and the profound impact a positive mentoring relationship can have on the lives of our students.

Ruth has supported three mentees on a one-to-one basis as part of the Career Mentoring Programme, providing over 15 hours of individual mentoring. One of her mentees shared their experience, highlighting Ruth's extraordinary guidance on their journey towards a career in diplomacy. Ruth's warmth, wisdom and genuine desire to see her mentees succeed have made her not only a mentor, but also a source of inspiration and support. Her years of experience in the diplomatic field, combined with her ability to instil confidence while providing realistic expectations, have been invaluable.

Speaking about the award, Ruth said: "I am deeply honoured to have been selected for this award. It humbles me to share my many years of experience in diplomacy with students who are seeking a career in International Relations and its related fields. The University of Westminster may count on me to continue this mentoring service".

Katie Fisher (Professional Practice Architecture (Pg Dip), 2020)

Katie Fisher is a founding member of the Professional Architect Mentors (PAM), a collective of early-career architects dedicated to bridging education and practice. Since 2020, Katie Fisher has been a dedicated and highly influential volunteer at the University of Westminster. Katie has mentored Part 3 students annually, providing invaluable guidance to support their qualification process. Recognising the challenges of the law exam, she has taken the initiative to run additional preparation sessions, ensuring students are well-prepared for this critical milestone. Her friendly and approachable presence has instilled confidence in many students, making her a trusted mentor.

Katie's dedication extends beyond mentorship. She has been invited to review undergraduate final projects multiple times, hosted students for work experience and mentoring and played an integral role in securing RIBA funding for additional workshops. Her leadership in RIBA initiatives and her coordination of group feedback and continuous improvement efforts with Westminster University have made a lasting impact. She consistently delivers high-quality support, fosters inclusive and meaningful discussions, and creates opportunities for students to thrive. The positive outcomes of her work—improved student confidence, successful qualifications, and enhanced interdisciplinary learning—reflect the deep and lasting impact she has had on the university community.

Speaking about winning the award, Katie said: "I’m truly humbled and grateful to accept this award as one of the Professional Architect Mentors (PAM). It’s been inspiring to be part of a group so committed to championing emerging designers — this award really belongs to all of the Professional Architect Mentors."

Christopher Ross (Polytechnic of Central London, Business Studies BA, 1990)

Christopher has maintained an exceptional connection with Westminster since graduating in 1990. Since joining as a mentor in 2017, he has supported multiple group mentoring programmes, as well as providing one-to-one mentoring. He has facilitated multiple group mentoring sessions for Computer Science students on the Software Development Group Project and Information Driven Entrepreneurship and Enterprise modules. Christopher has generously given his time to facilitate over 9 hours of group mentoring, working with 36 students and providing them the opportunity to ask questions and learn from his career journey.

Christopher brings insights to mentoring derived from experience spanning FTSE-250 corporates, tech, telecoms, pharma and fintech sectors. Helping students bridge the gap between academic knowledge and professional practice has been an enduring passion. Christopher's unwavering commitment to mentoring has made a significant impact on his mentees' professional development. His dedication to fostering innovation, coupled with his ability to inspire and challenge his mentees, makes him a standout leader in mentorship.

Christopher said about winning the award: "It's been my mission to help make the world a better place, and the Westminster alumni mentoring programmes have helped to realise this ambition: it's inspiring to meet and work with motivated students and graduates who will be movers and shakers in the business world and our communities in the future".

Dr Noura El Ouahhab

Dr Noura El Ouahhab is a seasoned professional with over 14 years of experience, currently working in international cooperation as Head of Special Projects and Partnerships at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy. Noura has demonstrated remarkable commitment to supporting students through the University of Westminster’s Westminster Working Cultures (WWC) programme in the UAE. From the very first phone call, Noura has been an enthusiastic and dedicated champion of the WWC programme, deeply connecting with its mission to help students from underrepresented backgrounds build networks and access opportunities.

During the UAE trips, Noura hosted students at the prestigious Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy in Abu Dhabi, providing exclusive insights into the world of diplomacy. Her efforts culminated in offering one of our students an internship at the Academy in the summer of 2025, a life-changing opportunity that brought the student closer to their aspiration of pursuing a career in diplomacy. This act perfectly illustrates Noura’s generosity, dedication and belief in nurturing the next generation of Westminster's global professionals.

About winning the award, Noura said: "Being part of this project was already rewarding by itself, but receiving an award for it is a gentle reminder that sometimes life honours the paths we would have walked anyway."

C. Lorenzo Evans III

C. Lorenzo Evans III, MBA, is a visionary finance executive and lecturer with over 15 years of accounting and financial management experience. Since 2020, Lorenzo has been dedicated to sharing his knowledge in the arts and finance worlds with Westminster students as a volunteer on the Westminster Working Cultures International and UK programmes. He has volunteered on 8 programmes, supporting almost 250 students virtually and in person, sharing how he combined his passion for the arts with finance to build his career. Lorenzo speaks honestly about the ebbs and flows of his career and serves as an incredible role model to students looking to find a way to make working in their passion successful.

In addition to sharing his journey, Lorenzo has worked his schedule around the WWC programmes and opened his network. He visits London annually, coinciding his visit with the UK programme, and has volunteered for both the UK and Washington DC programmes in the same week in September. In Washington DC, he shared a contact at the British Embassy who coordinated a visit and arranged a session and tour at the Kennedy Center, a leading arts venue.

About winning the award, Lorenzo said: “Sharing insights from my career journey with Westminster Working Cultures students continues to be a professional highlight for me. Whether traveling to England or hosting students in the United States, it’s a privilege to be involved in such a meaningful and impactful program. I take great pride in staying connected with many of the participants and enjoy witnessing their careers and business ventures flourish. My sincere thanks to the University of Westminster and the Westminster Working Cultures team for the incredible honour of receiving the Industry Volunteer Award 2025.”

Johnathan Lucky

Johnathan Lucky is a seasoned Delivery Manager and Lean/Agile practitioner with 16 years of experience across product management, marketing and Agile leadership. Johnathan first became involved in the 2023–24 academic year, supporting the Work-Based Learning (WBL) module, Agile Project Management (APM). He proposed a real-world project brief from Sky, challenging students to design a mobile app addressing a business problem. Johnathan delivered multiple in-person workshops, attended all student presentations, evaluated projects and provided detailed feedback.

In the current academic year, Johnathan proposed another real-life project brief for the Software Development Group Project (SDGP) module, mobilising a team of colleagues from Sky to support over 400 students. Beyond classroom support, Johnathan organised two company visits to the Sky campus, attended by approximately 60 students. Johnathan's dedication has been evident in his commitment to support students. He has repeatedly gone out of his way to be on campus, delivering high-quality workshops, providing personalised feedback and engaging with students in a hands-on manner.

Johnathan said about the award: "It is a pleasure to work with so many talented students and faculty at the University of Westminster! Their ambition and energy really inspired me. When I was in university, I had great mentors and professors who poured into me; it is only right that I do the same."

Baker Street Quarter Partnership

Baker Street Quarter Partnership is our local Business Improvement District (BID) in Marylebone, and they have been an exceptional partner. Their support has boosted our employability and business engagement ambitions, resulting in donor funding and enhanced networks and reputation, essential to the development of Zone29.

Baker Street Quarter Partnership has played a pivotal role in enhancing our employability and enterprise programmes. They offer students valuable work experience and mentoring opportunities, actively hire our students and promote student talent within their member network. This has provided our students with a competitive edge in the job market. Their CEO Penny Alexander has delivered two successive leadership experiences and brokered connections leading to many more.

In addition, they have provided access to their extensive corporate network, enabling our students to gain practical experience and build essential skills. One notable example is the partnership with the Wallace Collection, which led to a WWC visit, a paid placement and new mentoring opportunities.

Baker Street Quarter Partnership connected the University to the Portman Estate, which funded an architecture student showcase. They also created a dedicated page for the University, advertising funding and employability support opportunities to encourage charitable donations from members.

They invited the University to join their social impact and sustainability steering group, providing an opportunity for us to build new relationships and support our ambitions around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Throughout our collaboration, they have also strengthened our relationship with the local community by promoting our events, supporting academic programmes and facilitating research collaborations. They were a key supporter of our planning application for Zone29, demonstrating their interest in the university's growth.

Baker Street Quarter Partnership's efforts have enriched the student experience by attending welcome fairs and promoting local discounts and cultural opportunities. Their steering groups have led to a cleaner, safer and more vibrant environment around Westminster Business School.

Their enthusiastic support has greatly enhanced the community and student experience. Their dedication to various initiatives makes them an excellent example of the ideal Volunteer Partner.

Baker Street Quarters’ Community Impact Manager, Hannah, said: “We are thrilled to receive this award recognising our partnership with the University of Westminster. Collaborations between businesses, students, charities, and the local community offer meaningful benefits on all sides, and we’re excited to continue nurturing this relationship through future initiatives.”

Manuel Heichlinger (Human Resource Management, MA 2012)

With nearly 20 years of international experience in executive talent acquisition, Manuel Heichlinger works as Managing Director at Audeliss Ltd, an executive talent search firm specialising in diversity that champions change from the leadership level. Since 2017, Manuel has given four talks at the University, all different and of the highest quality.

In 2017 he gave a LinkedIn careers talk for the Westminster Business School, and in October 2019 he delivered the keynote event: What it Takes to Rock your LinkedIn Profile. Almost 150 students and recent graduates attended in-person, resulting in incredibly positive feedback. In October 2020, Manuel was a dual keynote speaker for What it Takes to Master your Digital Branding for your Career, the first online event within the series, attended by over 160 students and alumni. In 2024, Manuel was a keynote speaker for What it Takes to Successfully Navigate Career Transitions with Confidence, the first event in a new online mini-series targeted at alumni graduating in 2020 or earlier.

Around 380 students and alumni have benefited from attending Manuel’s various talks. He has always been friendly, relatable and engaging throughout his presentations, seamlessly adapting to the various needs and iterations of each event. Manuel's unwavering dedication makes him a truly deserving recipient of this award.

Speaking about winning the award, Manuel said: “It is an absolute honour receiving this recognition from the University of Westminster–especially as it came as a total surprise. I love what I do and feel grateful that sharing some of my experience and learning resonated with the students”.

Dr Kiu Sum (Human Nutrition with Foundation, BSc 2017)

Dr Kiu Sum is a Lecturer in Nutrition at Solent University specialised in workplace health and nutrition, public health nutrition and nutritional behaviour. Since completing her undergraduate studies, she has remained an active contributor to the Westminster community. She has supported students through initiatives such as What It Takes talks, School of Life Sciences panel events and mentoring 14 undergraduate and postgraduate students. She has been part of the mentoring community at Westminster since 2018, providing exceptional support through the Career Mentoring Programme and Ask a Mentor Service, offering industry insights and advice to help mentees set and achieve their professional and personal goals.

Over the last three years, Kiu has supported seven mentees with one-to-one mentoring, providing over 35 hours of individual mentoring. As a former mentee, Kiu has come full circle, returning as a mentor to inspire the next generation. She has always gone above and beyond in her endeavour to provide high-quality mentoring, advocating for the programmes within her networks and supporting the recruitment of new mentors within the nutrition industry.

Kiu has made a significant impact on the personal and professional development of her mentees, supporting those interested in research both within and outside her field. Her transformative and inspirational mentoring has led her to return as a mentor after taking part as a student.

Kiu said about winning the award: “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition for my contributions to the University—an institution that has given me so much in return throughout my journey as a student. This award is not only a privilege, but also a reflection of the strong sense of community and belonging that Westminster fosters. To me, Westminster is far more than a place of study; it is a space where students are empowered to grow, explore their identity and realise their potential. The people I’ve had the privilege to meet and work alongside have played a profound role in shaping my experience, and it is their support and collaboration that have made Westminster such a special and transformative place for me.”