Surayya Kausar, a BEng Mechatronic and Robotic Engineering student, achieved the runner up position in the annual awards in November, for ‘Emerging Young Leader’ for her work as Education Officer for the BAME Engineering Society at Sheffield.
Overcoming personal challenges, Surayya’s achievements are vast: not only was she the youngest finalist for the Emerging Young Leader Award, she's forged impactful partnerships with industry giants like ABB, IBM, and Odoo and with agencies like MI5, MI6, and GCHQ, opening doors for BAME students, and paving the way for unique events like the society’s upcoming GravitAI hackathon.
Her desire to create safe, supportive spaces for others led to a Steamworks partnership which offered accessible, paid outreach opportunities for students at rates of £15-£45 per hour, with no prior experience requirement.
Fostering mentorships for BAME students at Sheffield has been instrumental to Surayya’s work. Initiating a mentoring program with IBM, and organising a 'Night to Network' event which connects BAME students with BAME professionals, ensures that each student finds a relatable mentor who can help shape their aspirations.
Surayya also took the initiative to develop the BAME Engineers Society app from scratch, due for release later this year. The platform will serve as a comprehensive resource for students nationwide, offering not just guidance on university life and career planning, but also providing a gateway to opportunities for many students, especially those from international or underrepresented backgrounds.
Surayya said: “My goals are focused and clear: to boost confidence in BAME students, increase their access to opportunities, and build a robust support network. I am driven by a deep belief in the potential of my peers. I believe this, coupled with my enthusiasm, has been instrumental in motivating students to explore avenues they may have previously viewed as out of reach. The award has made me feel seen and valued and it’s a reminder for me to be appreciative of those around me so that they feel the same!”
Liz Taylor, Skills Advisor & Research Associate for DiCE (Diversity Confidence in Engineering), said: “Surayya is an inspirational student who is not only breaking down barriers but is also supporting others to reach their potential. This award is testament to all of the hard work and determination that she has and I am sure, is the first of many accolades that Surayya will achieve over her career. Congratulations Surayya!”
The Leadership Awards, sponsored by The Institute of Leadership, celebrates the remarkable individuals and organisations who embody the true essence of inspiring leadership across all levels. From the rising stars of young professionals to the senior leaders and their exceptional teams, the awards highlight those who have made a resounding positive impact within their respective fields.
More information about the awards can be found here.
