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7 Jun 2006 14:19:35
Arti hopes to inspire other Asian women to succeed
Good role models can be hard to find but Asian women in Luton don’t have to look too far for inspiration.
Arti Kumar, who works as Senior Careers Advisor and Fellow of the Centre of Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) at the University of Luton, has been held up as an example to all at the annual Asian Women of Achievement Awards, which celebrates the achievements and dedication of Asian women from around the UK who have been successful in their careers.
The awards ceremony took place in London on 25 May, where Arti was runner-up in her category, and was attended by a number of high-profile guests including Cherie Blair and HRH the Duke of Kent.
“I have never thought about my career in relation to my gender or ethnicity, but the celebration of Asian women left me on a high – even though I didn’t win,” said Arti, who was joined on the night by her husband and three sons.
“It was like the Oscars and when my nomination was read out, my picture appeared on a big screen. I was so proud when they mentioned the University of Luton.”
Arti was short-listed for the Professional of the Year category after being nominated by senior staff at the University for her curriculum initiatives and strategies, including her unique approach to personal development planning (PDP), aimed at enabling the personal and career development of students.
She was then invited to an interview with judges, where she also got the chance to meet other short-listed candidates.
“I felt a little overwhelmed when I saw the calibre of candidates that I was up against,” she admitted.
It’s not the first time the St Albans woman has been in the national spotlight. Last year she won a National Teaching Fellowship award and funding of £50,000 to pursue an educational project of her choice.
“It has been a fantastic year for me. Getting to the final of this competition has been a very important personal achievement because I have been acknowledged by my own community. Hopefully others will feel inspired to succeed and develop their own individual talents. It’s important to encourage people to do well in their lives and careers.”
Arti doesn’t plan to take a rest after her exciting night in the capital city. She is currently writing a book about personal and career development in higher education which will be published early next year by Routledge Falmer.
“Writing a book is a big commitment because I’m going to have to juggle family life and work, but it’s something I have always wanted to do. I’m looking forward to seeing my work in print. I know it will be worth all the hard work,” she added.
To find out more about Arti’s work, visit www.luton.ac.uk/bridgescetl.
Latest news» 2006» Jun» Asian woman praised for career achievements at national event
