This year’s winners include a local NHS GP who has delivered positive wellbeing workshops to health care professionals and corporate audiences through physical activity and dance, a Law graduate who has been focused on empowering, supporting and connecting women who work and aspire to work in law.

Other winners include an alumnus who was listed in Forbes 30 under 30 for his social impact work, an individual who has been providing free, high-quality education for young people, and a Maths teacher who has been going above and beyond to teach and inspire children and raise aspirations for students.

This year’s winners:

Alumni Rising Star Award winners

This category celebrates innovative and successful young alumni who have showcased determination, drive and excellence in the workplace or community, paving the way for others to follow, demonstrating strong leadership and teamwork skills.

Dr Nirja Joshi

Nirja, a long-time dancer and NHS GP, has been making inspiring improvements to workplace wellbeing.

As part of a fellowship to help up and coming healthcare leaders during her Postgraduate studies in MSc Healthcare Practice at Canterbury Christ Church, Nirja was well acquainted with finding a “creative and physical outlet for the stresses and strains of daily life.”

As co-founder of The WorkWell Doctors, an organization focused on delivering positive wellbeing tactics to health care professionals and corporate audiences through physical activity and dance, Nirja built a social community.

She said: “We wanted to see integration of these tools and ideas into workplaces, so people can feel good at work, enjoy their work, be more productive and hopefully improve staff retention and reduce sick leave. It's a win-win for employees and management.”

Continuing to challenge the status quo and engage as a leader in her field, Nirja recently delivered a dance workshop at the TEDXNHS conference, where she had the audience follow along to a Bollywood dance routine.

Grateful for the opportunity to teach dance alongside working, Nirja commented: “I have been doing my work with dance for health for a few years now, and it is amazing to remember how significant the impact of this is to individuals. My belief is that everyone can dance, so I try and inspire everyone as I go.”

Looking for ways to incorporate dance into your workday? You can find Nirja’s routines on TEDXNHS, RCGP, Stress and Wellbeing in the Workplace, Stress Live TV.

Megan Ryan

With a genuine passion to provide individuals with access to justice and a clear motivation to further her career as a solicitor to support clients, women, and the community, Megan Ryan, has been awarded the Alumni Rising Star Award 2023.

A Christ Church alumna with an LLB Law Degree, Megan started her career by volunteering to offer legal assistance to the public.

No stranger to going above and beyond to support others, Megan wanted to share her passion to empower women in law with future generations.

“Christ Church gave me the confidence and platform to pursue a career in law, and to help current students do the same,” she said.

As co-founder of Women in Law Kent (WILK), an organization focused on empowering, supporting and connecting women who work and aspire to work in law by hosting networking events and meet-ups, Megan retains her strong connection with the University and her local community.

She continues to support as an alumna by inspiring and encouraging current students to engage with law professionals to enhance their career.

Walker Darke

Walker holds extensive experience in communication leadership and initiating sustainable policy at an international level.

Walker, who graduated in 2016 with a degree in French and Music, is now an Economic Affairs Consultant at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. He was listed in this year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 list, in recognition of his work as lead author of the United Nations Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality by 2050 for Europe, North America and Central Asia.

Looking forward, Walker will be participating in the international climate negotiations, COP28, and is excited to return to the University, as a Futures mentor for current Canterbury Christ Church students.

He said: “Winning this award is an incredible honour. Being nominated alongside so many talented alumni from the University was already a real privilege. Sharing it with two other winners doing great work in the legal and medical fields, alumni are making waves across all areas! It was inspiring to hear about the great work everyone is doing.”

Outstanding Contribution Award winner

Janine Allen

Janine, who became a Maths teacher because she wanted to “make a difference,” received the Outstanding Contribution Award 2023 for her devotion and passion to teach and inspire children.

From leading the Kent and Medway Maths Hub and a team of esteemed teachers, to being an inspiration for a student to attend university, Janine commented: “Winning this award is very special. Both in my position and school and now leading the Kent and Medway Maths Hub, I’ve a vested interest in supporting the training of those who will work alongside me in the future. The primary team have supported me to engage more in academic research to support my understanding of pedagogies. I’m increasingly proud to support students as an alumna of Canterbury Christ Church University.”

Community Hero Award winner

Stephen James

Stephen, co-founder of Invicta National Academy and winner of the Community Hero Award 2023, is recognised for his leadership and initiative to provide free, high-quality education for young people.

His dedication, motivation and passion to support the next generation through education along with the values, knowledge and skills gained from his time at University, profiles Stephen as an inspiration to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Stephen said: “My time studying was instrumental in my career and in shaping the mission of Invicta. Not just the values but also the practical aspects of the teaching tradecraft.”

He added: “Canterbury Christ Church University holds a special place in my heart. I was given the tools and support to pursue my passion for education.”