University News Last updated 23 March 2010
A Birmingham City University graduate raised the roof at a prestigious housing industry awards ceremony after scooping a top accolade.
Natasha Williams, a former care assistant and part-time housing advice worker scooped the Student of the Year Award from the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) at a national award ceremony earlier this month. Natasha, who started as a volunteer housing assistant in 2006 while studying full-time for a housing qualification, has a keen interest in social housing issues and tackling poverty.
Natasha has now taken her ambition to new heights; and following her success at undergraduate degree level, where she was awarded a prize for best dissertation of the academic year. She is now studying full-time for a masters degree in planning and sustainability at Kingston University.
CIH recognises one student each year who has achieved outstanding success despite having to face real challenges in their lives at the time of their study.
Natasha kick-started her career in housing by taking on work in housing advice alongside her full-time course and continued to work throughout her three years’ study on the BA (Hons) Professional Housing Studies degree at Birmingham City University’s Faculty of Education Law & Social Sciences. But she also combined her studies with being a single mum and, despite having to move to London part way through, she completed her course by commuting long distances every week to study. Natasha decided to re-enter higher education to specialise in sustainability and housing development in September 2009.
Natasha said: “I wanted to develop a career that would contribute to making better places for people to live, and tackle some of the stigmas around social housing. I decided to specialise in the housing development field as it is one important way to improve the lives of vulnerable people.”
Veronica Coatham , Head of Division of Housing and Community Studies at Birmingham City University added: “Natasha’s achievement is a reflection of the hard work and determination she exhibited throughout her studies. We are delighted that her efforts have been recognised by the Chartered Institute of Housing and wish her well for the future.” CIH President Howard Farrand congratulated Natasha as she received a medal and a cheque for £200 at the CIH Presidential Dinner at the Natural History Museum in London last month.
Photo caption : Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP, Natasha Williams, CIH Student of the Year Natasha Williams and Howard Farrand, CIH President