Blake Walker (BSc (hons) Politics with Economics, graduating this summer) was awarded ‘Role Model of the Year – University Student’. Abi Phillips (Deputy Director (Culture & Inclusion)) was shortlisted in the ‘Ally of the year’ category, and Sophie Madison (Chair of Kaleidoscope LGBTQ+ Staff group) was a finalist for the ‘Role Model of the Year – Education’.
They attended the awards ceremony in Birmingham Town Hall alongside Professor Jane White (Vice President for Community and Inclusion).
The judges said of Blake:
Blake has worked hard to ensure students have access to resources which can help affirm their gender and also creating safe spaces to allow conversation, being unapologetically themselves and inspiring others. Their efforts not only support their peers but also educate and inspire the entire university, making them a deserving recipient of this award.
Sophie added:
Working with Blake in their time as co-chair of the Student LGBTQ+ group, and also as SU Community Officer in 2022/23, has been inspiring. Seeing the dedication Blake has put into working to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ students whilst also working hard on their studies has been incredibly motivational for me as a member of staff and staff group Chair myself.
Professor Jane White said:
I was delighted to join our finalists at the QSA awards evening held at Birmingham Town Hall earlier in the summer. Alongside the celebrations, the event was an opportunity to quietly reflect on the commitment to inclusivity of our three finalists. All three have worked really hard to make our university feel safe and welcoming to everyone. Over the past year, our community has benefitted hugely from the work that Abi, Sophie and Blake have done for us, advocates for inclusivity and agents for change and I look forward to seeing how we build on the foundations which they have laid.