Congratulations to Central’s Programme Leader for Learning Development and Inclusion, Dr Javeria Khadija Shah, who has been nominated for a ‘Positive Role Model Award for Race, Religion & Faith’ at the 2022 National Diversity Awards!  

Dr Shah is a cultural sociologist and interdisciplinary scholar with expertise in policy, media education, sociology, and the visual arts.  She is also the Founder of the Social Performance Network which is focused on the centralising of individual voice and lived experience in developing holistic understandings of social phenomenon. 

At Central, Dr Shah has oversight of the school’s Learning Skills Programme, which offers informal learning development to Central’s full student body, while also teaching on a range of programmes, including Research Degrees and MA Acting for Screen. She is the founding chair of the Global Majority Staff Network, and supports the Director of Learning, Teaching and Inclusion in embedding equity across all strands of Central’s pedagogic provision. 

Speaking about her nomination, Dr Javeria Khadija Shah said:  

“I was so moved and surprised to hear that I had been nominated for this award via a tagged tweet from the organisers. I still have no idea on who nominated me, but if they are reading this, thank you!  

The work of challenging inequity, particularly racial inequity is not easy, so this type of recognition means everything. I am just so honoured to be nominated.” 

The National Diversity Awards is a prestigious, black-tie event which celebrates the outstanding achievements of individuals who dedicate their time to tackle the issues of structural inequity that are rooted in today’s society. The night is spent giving them the recognition that their hard work deserves.  

The National Diversity Awards were established by The Diversity Group after they identified the emergent need for positive role models to be actively promoted and recognised on a wider scale, with the target of empowering and encouraging a wide-breadth of diverse communities across the UK. 

The 2022 ceremony will also honour charities, role models and community heroes, showcasing their outstanding devotion to enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion; thus embracing the excellence of all our citizens irrespective of race, faith, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability and culture.