Global finalists - Social Impact Award 2021

Global finalists

  • University of Edinburgh

    Raquel combines her knowledge of film and passion for digital education practices to open up arts, culture and education to people who are visually impaired. Her work has generated new research interest into the use of technology to teach people with visual impairments in Mexico. Raquel’s studies in the UK boosted her professional network, leading to invaluable opportunities to present her work at international festivals and exhibitions.

    Americas: Raquel Espinosa (Mexico)

  • University of Westminster and University of Sheffield

    Orna advises organisations including UNECE and the World Bank on housing policies and investment. Orna helped to implement the EU Urban Agenda Housing Partnership and designed an action plan to improve housing knowledge, regulation and investment. Her work has helped to increase the provision of social and affordable housing in 56 countries. In 2014, Orna was recognised as a World Cities Summit Young Leader for her contribution to improving urban liveability and sustainability.

    Europe: Dr Orna Rosenfeld (France)

  • University of Sussex

    Fadi is a gender activist, blogger and author. His writing challenges mainstream perceptions of gender and sexuality in the Arab world, and has been translated into English and French. In 2012 Fadi published his debut novel, The Bride of Amman, which made the bestseller list in a number of retailers. Fadi’s work is informed by his time at the University of Sussex, where he had the opportunity to take modules on utopia and creative writing, psychoanalysis and sexuality. He is a Chevening scholar.

    Middle East and North Africa: Fadi Zaghmout (United Arab Emirates)

  • Brunel University London

    Dev founded Otermans Institute that upskills underserved learners in ten countries. It helped 30,000 only in the pandemic. He also built the first AI virtual teacher for displaced learners; currently upskilling refugees in UN camps. He received a Points of Light Award from UK’s Prime Minister in 2021 for his bestseller Together: An anthology from COVID-19 pandemic; donating all proceeds to NHS and frontline services. He was also Deputy President of his SU when he raised £185,000 for community.

    South Asia: Dev Aditya (India)

  • Liverpool John Moores University

    Ian Yee is a Peabody-nominated investigative journalist who has covered issues such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, refugee rights, and more; all while working with civil society groups on impact campaigns that tackle the social injustices he and his team uncover. His work has seen him selected for the Obama Leaders, Acumen Fellows, and UK International Leaders programmes. The press freedom he experienced in the UK helped shape his decision to pursue impact-driven investigative work.

    East Asia: Ian Yee (Malaysia)

  • University of Sussex, Institute of Development Studies

    Olusola is the Founder of Project Enable Africa, which connects disabled people with job opportunities, entrepreneurial and employability skills. It delivered training to more than 2,000 disabled people and supported more than 1,000 disabled people to start and grow their businesses. Olusola’s time in the UK gave him the theoretical knowledge and practical skills he needed. He secured a $250,000 grant from the Google Impact Challenge to set up Nigeria’s first disability-friendly digital hub.

    Sub-Saharan Africa: Olusola Owonikoko (Nigeria)

  • School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London

    Mustafa is the director at imece social innovation platform for innovators to find solutions to social and ecological issues. Mustafa worked with local NGO Habitat to develop a financial literacy programme that reached 100,000 young people, and later launched a grant scheme for refugee entrepreneurs. This work has created sustainable livelihoods for more than 1,000 Syrian refugees. Mustafa’s UK education broadened his worldview and introduced him to a diversity of perspectives and cultures.

    Wider Europe: Mustafa Ozer (Turkey)

See also

Global winners 2021

The global winners of the 2020-21 Study UK Alumni Awards were selected for their outstanding achievements as professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders.

Global finalists - Professional Achievement Award 2021

Recognising UK alumni who have distinguished themselves through exemplary leadership and achievements in their professional industry.

Global finalists - Entrepreneurial Award 2021

Recognising UK alumni who are active in initiating or contributing to new ideas and solutions, or business opportunities with the potential for strong growth.

National Awards - winners and finalists 2021

View the winners and finalists of the National Awards 2021.