Sunderland College ESOL alumna, Sarah Ahmadi, has been named as one of the top 20 trailblazing refugee women in Europe for the “extraordinary contribution” she has made in the Northeast.
Sarah, an activist turned business adviser and a project delivery manager at North East BIC, was recognised by banking giant Visa for helping hundreds of refugees and asylum seekers better integrate into North East life, using their skills and expertise to contribute to their communities – through her work with the Afghan British Association and United Community Action, which she chairs.
A successful TV journalist, magazine editor and advocate for women’s rights when she had to flee war-torn Afghanistan in 2002, she arrived in Sunderland alone with nothing but the clothes she wore.
Determined to re-educate herself to make a full contribution to society, Sarah enrolled on an English Speakers of Other Languages course at Sunderland College, where she then progressed to masters and PGCE qualification in education at the University of Sunderland.
Two decades later, her decision has not only helped her to lead a happier, more fulfilled life in the UK, but also hundreds of other refugee women who have also sought to use their skills and expertise to contribute to their communities.
Today, she is Project Leader of the AMIF Project, working closely with the North East BIC’s social enterprise team. The project aims to support migrants to fulfil their potential when they arrive in the UK.
Sarah said: “It is an absolute honour to have been named among Visa and WeAreTheCity’s ‘20 trailblazing refugee women living in Europe’ list for 2023. I think my whole career started when I began ESOL at Sunderland College. I had excellent teachers, and I will always remember their help.”
Founded in 2008 to help women progress and excel in their careers, WeAreTheCity partnered with Visa to celebrate the work of refugee women living in Europe who are breaking down stigmas and stereotypes, campaigning, changing lives, challenging narratives and empowering women and girls across the continent.
Samia Gillani Lecturer and Programme Leader for ESOL, said: “Sarah joined us online at our First ESOL Alumni Event organised at Sunderland College’s Bede Campus in June.
Paul McEldon OBE, Chief Executive of the North East BIC, where Sarah is said: “I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this accolade than Sarah.
“Since she joined the BIC in 2018, she has made a real impact not only upon the team, but on the lives of so many people across the region seeking a better, more prosperous life.
“She is a real credit to her profession and we are absolutely delighted to have her as part of our team.”
Katherine Brown, Vice-President, Inclusive Impact & Sustainability at Visa Europe, said: “It is an honour to be able to highlight the journeys of these inspirational women such as Sarah who make up the inaugural Pioneer 20 list.
“In many different ways, they have all worked incredibly hard to not only rebuild their lives after significant trauma and upheaval, but to support others who are going through similar experiences.”
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98% of our students progress to a positive destination
(*Destination data for Sunderland College students aged 16-18, academic year 2017/18).
Our achievement rates are well above the national average.
We are the College of the Year.
(*Top college nationally for BTECs, Pearson 2019)
100% of our HND and HNC students progressed to employment or further study.
(*Destination data, academic year 2016/17, HNC 19+)
We have recently invested £50 million in our facilities.
