Gianina Harvey-Brewin (BA Ancient History, 2012) has been recognised as a finalist in the Public Sector & Services Employee of the Year category at the Black Talent Awards, which celebrate the achievements of Black professionals across the UK.

Now Dean of Continuing Education and Executive Director of Roehampton Education Services at the University of Roehampton, Gianina was shortlisted in recognition of her work across pathways, apprenticeships, lifelong learning and education partnerships.

Reflecting on the experience, she said: "Being selected as a finalist for Public Sector & Services Employee of the Year was genuinely exciting. I've spent a lot of my career encouraging other people to recognise their achievements and put themselves forward for opportunities, so it was quite something to find myself on the receiving end of that recognition!"

While delighted by the nomination, Gianina says one of the most significant aspects of the awards was the opportunity to celebrate Black achievement and leadership.

"My biggest takeaway from the evening was that it's not enough to do good work. That work also needs to be seen," she said.

"We talk a lot about creating space for Black talent, and of course there are still barriers that need to be addressed. But the evening really brought home to me just how much Black professionals are already doing. We're leading organisations, building businesses, influencing decisions and contributing in all sorts of ways."

Gianina believes visibility matters not only for those being recognised, but also for those looking ahead to their own futures.

"Seeing people who look like you succeeding in different roles can change what you imagine might be possible for yourself."

Since graduating from Royal Holloway in 2012, Gianina has built a successful career in higher education leadership. She returned to Royal Holloway in 2019 as Head of Careers, describing it as a 'real full-circle moment'. Having been a student there less than a decade earlier, she found it particularly meaningful to help shape the opportunities available to students whose experiences she could closely identify with. She subsequently held a senior leadership role at the University of Greenwich before joining Roehampton.

Reflecting on her own journey, she added: "I've often felt like the unexpected candidate throughout my career." Her advice to students, graduates and experienced professionals alike is to get good at articulating what they've actually done, rather than allowing their job titles to define how others perceive their experience.

"It's about being able to recognise what you've contributed and make sure other people can see it too."

Congratulations to Gianina on this well-deserved recognition and on her continued success in higher education leadership!