20 inspirational women at King’s

“I nominate Zahra for her fight for inclusion and diversity at King’s, and for being a real feminist!”

“Zahra is an amazing person, she is well regarded on her course and she always speaks what’s on her mind. She is a strong minded woman (hence why she is women’s officer). She is responsible for creating the group KCL Women of Colour (alongside Hareem and Asmaa) and is looking to start an online magazine run by women of colour, evident that Zahra is a person of action.”

“This year King’s rolled out a £40 application fee at MA level, and a mandatory deposit of £1000 for domestic and £2000 for international student. Giovanna started a petition, blog, social media pages. Her hard work and persistency in starting this campaign (bearing in mind it didn’t affect her as she was already an MA student at this point) is inspirational.

“She managed to secure a removal of MA deposits for one year. Many students owe her a great deal and I’m grateful that I have had the chance to know such a wonderful woman.”

 11. Nicole Seredenko

“Nicole is a big character, let’s just say she always has something to say and that has really saved some of our seminar classes (the awkward silences etc). She puts her department first whether this be from organising parties, coffee mornings, volunteering to lead an SCLC meeting and just being so easy to talk to. She is the best!”

12. Nadia Vogel 

“Nadia is inspiring for too many reasons to count – her mobilisation with KEMA over the past year and work with the Sisters Uncut organisation being two of them. She is passionate and resolute, and well deserving of a place on this article.”

“Gul has been a constant source of inspiration for me during my short time at King’s. She was one of the architects and leaders of the Islamic Society’s Welfare initiative and, with her team, made it the open, inclusive and helpful service that it is today.

Throughout the year, I have been able to hear Gul single-handedly inspire a packed lecture theatre (note, Gul is also fantastically eloquent when she speaks), I was able to attend a female leadership conference that Gul had invited me to and I have seen my own peers benefit hugely from the work that ISOC Welfare has been carrying out.

All this, Gul does with a niqab – not only is she evidence of a woman who is proud and sure of who she is, she is someone who shatters stereotypes simply by being her amazing self.”

14. Amini Siddika

“Amini is fierce, intelligent and outspoken. With the Bangladesh Society, I have seen Amini meld poetry with knowledge and move an audience whilst speaking passionately against colourism, as Outreach Officer I have seen her bring smiles on the faces of the elderly people at Sonali Gardens, whilst managing a schedule and volunteers at the same time.

This is a woman who combines her love for God with her belief in female empowerment to create amongst her friendship groups a sense that, together and individually, we are all capable of doing amazing things.”

16. Kate Aspinall

Kate graduated with a First in Business Management which is a huge achievement. She co-directed and devised the sold out production of Caged at The Rag Factory in her second year. She also directed ‘An Evening of Feminist Monologues’ in order to support and raise money for Rape Crisis centres around London (in connection to the campaign It Stops Here).

17. Lam Oshunniyi

“I first saw Lam at the ‘Black & Brown, Shut It Down’ protest and she gave a speech about the disparity within the medical profession, placebo testing etc. She was very moving and inspirational!”

18. Surya Elango

“Surya is a radio legend, she is responsible for presenting and producing ‘Enough About Eve’ (a talk show with a feminist twist). She is at the forefront of many initiatives celebrating diversity such as her blog WHOIAM and in general a super cool person. I won’t be surprised if she becomes the manager of a radio station because she has transformed King’s media.”

19. Tskenya-Sarah Frazer

Tskenya has worked in places that fashion lovers would only dream of working for! She is an inspiration for taking action and creating her own online magazine which is described as aimed at “young man and woman who has an eye for counter-culture fashion and culture”. She is an inspiration to all women, an example of independence, persistency and determination.”