2026 winners

Anastasia Vinnikova (Business Management, 2014)

Anastasia Vinnikova is a mental health advocate, speaker and writer who graduated from the University of Westminster in 2014. Currently the Suicide Prevention Officer at the City of London Corporation, she is passionate about workplace mental health, inclusion, digital mental health interventions and lived experience co-production. Alongside her professional work, she supports a number of leading charities, including Samaritans, MQ Mental Health Research and Little Wings of Hope. 

Since 2022, Anastasia has been a dedicated volunteer with the Westminster Working Cultures UK programme. Through five inspiring sessions, she has shared her personal and professional journey with more than 230 undergraduate and postgraduate students, speaking openly about mental health and encouraging students to seek support when needed. Her honesty, empathy and willingness to discuss challenging topics have had a lasting impact, helping students feel understood and less alone in their experiences. 

Beyond her scheduled sessions, Anastasia actively looks for new ways to support the Westminster community, regularly volunteering her time and expertise to engage with students. Her commitment, compassion and advocacy embody the values of the University of Westminster, making her a truly deserving recipient of this recognition. 

Anastasia said about winning the award: “It is an honour in itself to have the opportunity to give back to the Westminster community, but to be recognised with a Long Serving Volunteer Award has been an immense privilege. I have been so grateful to engage with the Westminster Working Cultures UK programme – spending time discussing difficult but important topics like mental health with participants has been engaging, empowering and rewarding. I look forward to (hopefully!) many more years supporting students, staff and other alumni.”

Gary Morley

Gary Morley is a chartered accountant and Honorary Fellow at the University of Westminster. He served as a Governor of the University and Chair of the Finance & Resources Committee for ten years, alongside holding senior voluntary roles across a number of charitable organisations. 

Since 2020, Gary has been a dedicated member of Westminster’s mentoring community, providing exceptional support through the Future Ready Mentoring and Career Mentoring programmes. Through one-to-one mentoring, he has helped students gain industry insight, build confidence and develop the skills needed to achieve their professional goals. This year alone, he has supported four mentees through the Career Mentoring Programme. 
Gary is highly regarded for his generosity, expertise and commitment. He has supported mentees with CV development, interview preparation, career planning and job applications, while providing ongoing encouragement and tailored guidance. Students consistently praise his ability to inspire confidence, offer practical advice and help them navigate the finance industry with greater clarity and ambition.

What sets Gary apart is his willingness to go above and beyond for his mentees. His patience, professionalism and genuine care have had a lasting impact on the students he has supported, making a significant contribution to their personal and professional development. 

Through his continued dedication to mentoring and student success, Gary embodies the values of the University of Westminster and is a truly deserving recipient of this recognition. 

Gary said about winning the award: “I’m very proud to be helping the University of Westminster to continue to produce top quality graduates fit for today’s world.”

Dan Figueiredo

Dan Figueiredo is a strategic AI and cloud leader at Microsoft with more than 20 years of experience driving business transformation through partner ecosystems, data and emerging technologies. A University of Westminster graduate in Cognitive Science (2002), Dan specialises in helping organisations unlock growth through AI, cloud technologies and innovation-led strategies. 

Since the launch of Westminster Working Cultures UK in 2020, Dan and his Microsoft colleagues have been dedicated supporters of Westminster students, delivering seven impactful sessions and engaging with more than 300 students from a wide range of disciplines. Through panel discussions, networking events, mentoring conversations and office visits, they have provided valuable insights into careers in technology and helped students build confidence in their professional aspirations. 

Most recently, Dan helped organise a visit to Microsoft’s Paddington AI Hub, giving students behind-the-scenes exposure to one of the world’s leading technology companies. By connecting students with Microsoft employees and sharing personal career journeys, Dan and his colleagues have inspired participants to think ambitiously about their futures and recognise the opportunities available to them. 

What sets Dan apart is his long-term commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for students. What began as volunteering as a guest speaker has grown into a wider partnership that enables Westminster students to engage with multiple Microsoft professionals, gain industry insight and expand their networks. Through additional initiatives, including workshops and innovation challenges, Microsoft has continued to support student development across the University. 

Dan’s generosity, leadership and dedication to empowering future graduates have made a significant impact on the Westminster community, making him a truly deserving recipient of this recognition. 

Dan said about winning the award: “This recognition means a great deal to me, but it truly reflects the impact of the wider Microsoft teams who have generously shared their time and stories with Westminster students. The Working Cultures programme creates meaningful moments where students can see what’s possible—and if we’ve helped build even a small amount of confidence or aspiration, then that’s what matters most.”

Shelby Martin

Shelby Martin joined CIS Security in 2021 as a Talent Resource Specialist, where she is responsible for sourcing and engaging talented candidates and helping connect people with career opportunities. Through her role in recruitment, she has developed a strong understanding of employability, career development and the skills needed to succeed in today’s job market. 

Shelby made an outstanding contribution to the University of Westminster’s South Asian student community through her participation in the panel event How to Find Your Next Career Opportunity. Despite it being her first panel event, she immediately connected with students through her warmth, honesty and practical advice, offering valuable insights into job applications, networking and career development. 

What set Shelby apart was her commitment to supporting students beyond the panel itself. Following the event, she spent time speaking with students individually, offering guidance and encouragement tailored to their circumstances. In one particularly impactful example, Shelby supported a recent graduate who had been struggling with confidence and finding employment, providing detailed advice on entering the security sector and personally following up with additional support and career guidance. 

Her willingness to go above and beyond, combined with her approachable and supportive nature, left a lasting impression on students and graduates alike. Through her generosity, professionalism and genuine desire to help others succeed, Shelby has made a meaningful impact on the Westminster community and is a truly deserving recipient of this recognition. 

Shelby said about winning the award: “Receiving the Guest Speaker of the Year Award from the University of Westminster was a proud achievement and a testament to the value of knowledge sharing and mentorship. I am grateful for the opportunity to engage with students, contribute to their development, and support the next generation of professionals.”

Ken Subraj

Ken Subraj is a successful entrepreneur and alumnus of the Polytechnic of Central London, who moved to London from Guyana to study Engineering before building an international career in structural engineering. He later co-founded Zara with his brothers, helping to grow it into one of New York’s leading property ownership organisations. Through the Zara Charitable Foundation and the Subraj family’s philanthropic initiatives, he has supported a wide range of educational, healthcare and community projects around the world. 

Ken has remained deeply connected to the University of Westminster, using his success to create opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. Through his generous support, Westminster students have been able to access prestigious United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) internships, gaining invaluable experience in international development, humanitarian response and global policymaking. Since 2022, these fully funded placements have enabled students to undertake internships across Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, helping to remove financial barriers to participation. 

Beyond his philanthropic contributions, Ken actively invests his time and expertise in the Westminster community. He has hosted events in London and New York to celebrate student achievement, bringing together alumni, University leaders and interns to inspire future generations and strengthen Westminster’s global network. 

Ken’s generosity and commitment have helped open doors to international careers, broaden access to life-changing opportunities and demonstrate the lasting impact alumni can have on future generations. His dedication to empowering students and creating pathways to success makes him a truly deserving recipient of this recognition. 

Nancy Nisa Beso (Film and Television Production, BA 2009) and Jigar Mehta (Marketing Communications, MA 2010)

Nancy Nisa Beso is a film producer, entrepreneur and founder of Undercover Squirrel. She has produced over 200 projects across film, television and digital media, with work screening at leading international festivals including Berlinale, IFFR, Palm Springs ShortFest and MAMI Mumbai Film Festival. Alongside her work in storytelling and creative entrepreneurship, Nancy is passionate about supporting emerging talent through mentorship, industry engagement and knowledge-sharing. 

Jigar Mehta is the Co-Founder of Nectwork Foods Pvt. Ltd. and the driving force behind Honey Twigs, a food brand with a presence across India and nine international markets. As an entrepreneur, he has built a successful business focused on quality, sustainability and innovation, while championing value-driven products within the food and hospitality sectors.

Nancy and Jigar demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting students, graduates and the wider alumni community through their contributions to the University’s India engagement activities in January 2026. As part of Westminster Working Cultures Mumbai, they delivered inspiring sessions that provided students with practical career advice, industry insights and encouragement drawn from their own professional experiences. Nancy shared valuable perspectives on creativity, resilience and leadership, while Jigar offered guidance on entrepreneurship, brand development and career growth. 

Beyond Westminster Working Cultures, they played a key role in the success of alumni events in both Delhi and Mumbai. Through their generosity, local knowledge and professional networks, they helped create meaningful opportunities for alumni to connect, collaborate and strengthen the Westminster community in the region. 
Their enthusiasm, professionalism and dedication to supporting others embody the very best of alumni volunteering, making them truly deserving recipients of this recognition. 

Jigar said about winning the award: “It is an absolute pleasure to co-win the Outstanding Support for Students and Graduates Award. Working with the Westminster Alumni Team, the Alumni Committee in India, and the Westminster Working Cultures programme has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I am grateful for the relationships I built during my time at Westminster and for the opportunity to give back by sharing my knowledge and experiences with students and fellow graduates.” 

Nancy said about winning the award: “I’m truly touched to receive this award. It is especially meaningful because it recognises something I genuinely care about and enjoy doing, connecting with people, sharing what I’ve learned, and supporting others as they navigate their own journeys. I’m grateful to Westminster for fostering a community where these relationships continue to thrive long after graduation. This recognition is a reminder of the power of connection, mentorship and generosity, and I’m honoured to be part of a network that continues to create opportunities for others.” 

Berkeley 

Berkeley Group is one of the UK’s leading property developers, recognised for creating high-quality residential and mixed-use neighbourhoods across London, Birmingham and the South of England. Alongside its focus on sustainability and regeneration, the company is committed to skills development, apprenticeships and creating opportunities for future talent. 

Over the past three years, Berkeley Group has provided outstanding support to University of Westminster Real Estate students through sponsored internships, annual site visits and personalised professional feedback. These opportunities have given students valuable industry insight, practical experience and a greater understanding of careers within the property sector. 

Through its partnership with the University, Berkeley has welcomed almost 100 students to visit active development sites, offered internships and work experience placements, and supported students through initiatives such as its Youth Advisory Board. Many participating students have gone on to secure further internships, placement years and graduate roles, demonstrating the lasting impact of Berkeley’s support. 

What sets Berkeley apart is its commitment to going above and beyond for students. From creating bespoke opportunities to offering one-to-one guidance and mentorship, the company has consistently invested in student success and employability. 

Through its generosity, collaboration and dedication to developing future professionals, Berkeley Group has made a significant contribution to the Westminster student community and is a truly deserving recipient of this recognition. 

Berkeley said about winning the award: “Berkeley has built a fantastic relationship with the University of Westminster, and our internship competition is a great example of that partnership in action. We consistently receive high-quality candidates, and we’re proud to support the university through careers events, whether that’s joining employer panels or taking part in careers fairs. It’s a collaboration that genuinely benefits students and strengthens the talent pipeline into our industry.” 

Kitchen at Holmes 

Kitchen at Holmes is a contemporary Mediterranean restaurant in Marylebone, known for its seasonal menus, open kitchen concept and innovative approach to modern dining. Alongside delivering exceptional hospitality experiences, the restaurant is committed to engaging with education and supporting the development of future talent. 

As a new partner of Westminster Business School, Kitchen at Holmes has made a significant impact through its enthusiastic support of student learning and employability initiatives. The organisation played an important role in the Westminster Business School Hackathon and contributed to the Business Management curriculum by providing students with a live industry brief based on real-world marketing challenges. 

Drawing on genuine commercial considerations such as customer behaviour, brand positioning and competitive differentiation, Kitchen at Holmes gave students the opportunity to apply their knowledge to authentic business scenarios. Through direct engagement with students, constructive feedback and professional insight, the team helped bridge the gap between theory and practice and encouraged students to think creatively and strategically. 

What sets Kitchen at Holmes apart is its willingness to engage beyond the expectations of a new partnership. By supporting multiple teaching activities and working closely with academic staff and students, the organisation has demonstrated a genuine commitment to student development and industry collaboration. 

Through its generosity, professionalism and dedication to enriching the student experience, Kitchen at Holmes has strengthened the connection between academia and industry, making it a truly deserving recipient of this recognition. 

Harley Street Business Improvement District 

Harley Street BID is a not-for-profit Business Improvement District established in 2022, bringing together businesses, landowners, medical organisations, charities and the wider Harley Street community. Working across Marylebone and Harley Street, the BID supports community initiatives, promotes economic growth and strengthens the area's reputation as a world-leading destination for healthcare and business. 

Harley Street BID has become an exceptional partner of the University of Westminster through its commitment to building meaningful connections between the University and its extensive business network. By actively promoting Westminster’s activities and achievements among its members, the BID has helped raise the University’s profile locally while creating valuable opportunities for students and staff to engage with industry professionals. 

Beyond advocacy, Harley Street BID has made a significant contribution to student development through mentoring, workshops, volunteering and leadership initiatives. The organisation provides business leaders, including CEOs, to support the University’s leadership programmes, giving students unique access to experienced professionals and real-world business insight. BID members have also generously shared their expertise through mentoring and skills-based activities, helping students build confidence and develop their professional networks. 

What sets Harley Street BID apart is its genuine commitment to supporting student success. From creating networking opportunities and facilitating industry engagement to offering employment opportunities for graduates and supporting University events, the BID has consistently gone above and beyond to strengthen the relationship between Westminster and the local business community. 

Through its collaboration, generosity and dedication to empowering students, Harley Street BID has made a lasting impact on the University community and is a truly deserving recipient of this recognition. 
Harley Street BID Director Nicki Palmer said about winning the award: “I’m delighted that Harley Street BID has been recognised as the co-winner of the University of Westminster’s Local Community Partner Award. Building strong partnerships that connect education, business and our local community is incredibly important to us, and I’m proud of what we have achieved together. We are so fortunate to have the University within our footprint and I’d like to thank the University for this recognition. I look forward to strengthening our partnership in the future.”

Sir Simon Milton Foundation

The Sir Simon Milton Foundation is a Westminster-based charity dedicated to creating opportunity and improving lives across the city. Established to honour the legacy of Sir Simon Milton, the Foundation supports disadvantaged young people through education and training, while also working to improve the wellbeing of older residents through a range of community initiatives and partnerships. 

The Foundation has been one of the University of Westminster’s most valued and longstanding partners, supporting students through a series of impactful programmes since 2017. Initially partnering with the University through community engagement initiatives, the relationship has grown into a significant collaboration focused on widening participation and student success. 

In 2022, the Foundation awarded £30,000 to support Care Leaver Completion Bursaries, helping 15 final-year students over three years with financial assistance during a critical stage of their studies. The bursaries enabled students to focus on their academic success by easing the pressures of living costs, travel, study expenses and the transition into employment after graduation. 

More recently, the Foundation awarded £32,000 to support the University’s participation in The Brilliant Club’s Join the Dots programme. Through this initiative, 32 first-year students received one-to-one mentoring, academic coaching and bursary support designed to strengthen their confidence, sense of belonging and long-term academic success. Recognising the unique needs and strengths of Westminster’s student community, the Foundation demonstrated exceptional commitment by providing additional support beyond that offered through similar partnerships elsewhere. 

What sets the Sir Simon Milton Foundation apart is its shared belief that talent should never be limited by circumstance. Through its generosity, long-term investment and commitment to educational opportunity, the Foundation has helped transform the lives of countless Westminster students and has become an invaluable partner in the University’s mission to support future generations. 

Through its enduring collaboration and meaningful impact, the Sir Simon Milton Foundation is a truly deserving recipient of this recognition. 

The Foundation said about winning the award: “The Sir Simon Milton Foundation is deeply honoured to receive the Westminster Partnership and Impact Award 2026. At its heart, this award recognises the value of partnership in creating lasting impact. We are grateful to the University of Westminster for this recognition and look forward to building on our shared commitment to supporting the next generation.”

Cognizant

Cognizant is a global technology and professional services company that helps organisations modernise their businesses through digital transformation, cloud, data and artificial intelligence solutions. A longstanding supporter of the University of Westminster, Cognizant is also a founding member of the Chancellor’s Circle, recognising organisations that create significant opportunities for Westminster students. 

Through its global Synapse commitment to upskill two million learners in digital skills, Cognizant has made a substantial impact on the Westminster student community. Over the past four years, the company has supported more than 150 students through professional training courses, mentoring opportunities and career-focused experiences designed to develop skills in technology, AI and digital innovation. 

Cognizant colleagues have played an active role in helping students build confidence, expand their professional networks and explore careers in the technology sector. Through mentoring, workshops and high-impact industry experiences – including immersive exposure to the Aston Martin Formula 1 team – students have gained valuable insight into the skills, knowledge and opportunities available within a rapidly evolving industry. 

What sets Cognizant apart is the scale and consistency of its engagement. Team members have generously volunteered their time and expertise year after year, supporting initiatives such as the University’s award-winning Future Ready Mentoring programme and helping students develop both professionally and personally. 

Through its commitment to digital upskilling, social mobility and student success, Cognizant has created meaningful opportunities for Westminster students and graduates. Its collaborative approach, generosity and long-term dedication make it a truly deserving recipient of this recognition. 

Cognizant said about winning the award: “It is a real honour to have been awarded the Chancellor’s Award for Impact. Cognizant is proud to partner with the University of Westminster, whose compassionate and progressive approach strongly aligns with our commitment to digital upskilling and social mobility. Many of our team have really enjoyed mentoring students through the University’s award-winning Future Ready Mentoring programme. Westminster is notably flexible, collaborative and proactive, and genuinely understands how employer partnerships can open doors for students who may not otherwise have the means or networks to access meaningful employment. Here’s to our ongoing partnership.”

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