University News Last updated 18 August
A Birmingham City University graduate is celebrating after being nominated for a coveted International Alum of the Year award.
Oluwadamilola ‘Dami’ Samiat Iyanda – who has also worked in various positions at BCU’s Students’ Union – is up for the accolade at this year’s PIEoneer Awards, a global ceremony celebrating innovation, excellence and achievement in international education. The awards’ global reach means that Dami has been shortlisted among graduates from the USA, Jamaica, India and Germany. The ceremony will take place in London on the 4th September.
Originally from Nigeria, Dami was put forward for the category by her colleagues and fellow members of the international education community. “I believe I was nominated because of the work I’ve been doing to lift others up, helping international students find their footing, sharing opportunities and showing that you can build a brilliant career, regardless of where you come from,” Dami explains.
Dami looks to her work at BCUSU and the support she gave her fellow students as the catalyst. “I’ve always tried to lead with care, be a voice for the unheard and show that our differences are our greatest strengths,” she says. “I think I have been recognised for not just what I have achieved, but how I’ve tried to achieve things with kindness, integrity and commitment.”
The work Dami conducted with BCUSU coincided with her time studying a Master’s in Project Management. Drawn to BCU’s welcoming and international community, she took the decision to uproot to Birmingham from her native Nigeria. “It was one of the most exciting challenges I have ever taken on,” she admits. “But alongside these challenges came incredible opportunities, from being trusted with leadership roles to finding mentors who believed in me.”
Looking to the future, Dami is eager to deepen her connection with BCU via mentorships and CPDs.
For now, though, Dami is counting down the days until the awards ceremony in September. “I can’t wait to celebrate with other finalists, inspiring peers and sharing this special moment with everyone,” she says. Whatever the outcome, though, Dami is thrilled and humbled by the recognition. “It means the world to know that people see and value what I do for students, staff and the wider community in this space,” she says. “I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to nominate me.”