University News Last updated 06 July
A Birmingham City University (BCU) student who grew up in care has been named Young Professional of the Year at the West Midlands Lieutenancy Young Active Citizen Awards.
Zaynab Sohawon received the award in recognition of her work as Founder and CEO of Emotion Dysregulation in Autism (EDA).
Drawing on her own lived experiences, she has dedicated herself to improving the lives of autistic young people across the region.
Founded in 2022, EDA has supported more than 1,000 young people through peer-led support, workshops and community-based interventions.
The charity works to empower young autistic people through lived-experience advocacy.
“I want to be the person for others that I wish I had growing up in care,” said the Master of Public Health student. “The charity has become my purpose. I love what I do and I love the charity.
“It’s such an honour to be recognised and have this accolade, but the true prize is the positive impact EDA has on the young autistic people it helps.”
In her work for EDA, Zaynab has secured more than £400,000 in funding and contributed to fundraising efforts exceeding £8 million for mental health initiatives.
She has also been invited to address Birmingham City Council and other major regional organisations, raising awareness of EDA’s work and advocating for autistic young people.
The West Midlands Lieutenancy Young Active Citizen Awards acknowledge the outstanding contribution of young people, celebrating those who have had an extraordinary impact on their communities.