University of Westminster students and colleagues have been invited to deliver a presentation on the Elevating Futures programme at the London Higher AccessHE 2026 conference. The conference focused on Growth for All and coincided with the launch of a new London Higher report, which featured the Elevating Futures programme as a case study in diversifying the talent pipeline for London’s emerging industries.
The Elevating Futures programme was established in 2024 for final-year South Asian female students of Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage. The programme was initiated in response to research that highlighted the significant disparity in career outcomes for South Asian women in the UK. It aims to explore the root causes of these gaps and offer women a safe space to discuss their experiences.
Throughout the programme, students participate in workshops and discussions led by South Asian professionals in fields like politics, journalism and entrepreneurship to gain valuable insights and build the skills needed to succeed in their chosen career path. The programme also arranges visits to potential employers and provides the opportunity for students to work with their peers and reflect on their experiences to develop practical strategies for overcoming workplace barriers.
The programme was selected as a case study for initiatives that widen participation pathways into jobs in emerging industries in London Higher’s latest report, titled A New Frontier: Higher Education and Diversifying the Talent Pipeline for London’s Emerging Industries. As a result, the team were invited to deliver a presentation at the AccessHE conference to inspire other higher education professionals to implement similar initiatives.
Led by Westminster colleagues and programme co-leads Sobia Razzaq, Senior Lecturer in Law, and Zahra Surooprajally, Events and Student Empowerment Programmes Manager, alongside freelance consultant Humera Khan, the team delivered an inspiring presentation to conference attendees about the programme’s success. They were joined by first-year Sociology BA Honours student Noor Shehzad and second-year Biological Sciences BSc Honours student Sahara Rahman, who discussed the programme’s objectives and outcomes.
Preparing students for career readiness forms a key ambition of Zone29, the University’s new home for careers and enterprise due to open in Spring 2026. The Elevating Futures programme is central to Zone29’s mission of unlocking talent, breaking down barriers and championing social mobility.
About the programme Sobia Razzaq said: "The Elevating Futures programme demonstrates how targeted, culturally responsive initiatives can empower students to build confidence, strengthen their sense of identity, and navigate their transition into employment. By connecting universities with trusted community experts, industry professionals and relatable role models, we can create meaningful pathways for personal growth and help institutions better respond to the lived experiences and aspirations of their students.”
This programme directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5: Gender Equality, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 10: Reduced Inequalities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about the University of Westminster’s commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
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