We are proud to announce that Niusha has become a finalist of the ECHO Award HBO 2022. A connector, a storyteller, and a colorful personality.
The Expertise Center Diversity Policy (ECHO) advises higher education institutions, organizations, and companies on their diversity policy. They do this through customization for vision and policy development and its implementation. In addition to the ECHO Mentor program and ECHO Junior Academy, an Award is presented annually to students of non-Western origin who are committed to diversity and inclusion.
Why Nisha?
Each college and university was allowed to nominate one student. This year the Hogeschool Utrecht nominated Niusha Froozesh. For us, she is one of the pioneers who put the theme of diversity & inclusion into action within the university of applied sciences. She inspires us with her insights and her organizational skills. Her positive message revolves around living together in harmony. She is ready to reach out to everyone. At the same time, she is firm when it comes to exclusion: she stands up for women’s rights.
The Diversity & Inclusion Network offers Niusha a platform to propagate its social commitment. Because of her role within the network, she is an example for her fellow students. She gives communication about diversity & inclusion a face. For her, telling stories is the way to bring people closer together. As far as she is concerned, all perspectives can be discussed. For some the scent of jasmine, for others, the color of the tulip is a source of recognition. According to Niusha, compassion and curiosity form the basis for mutual understanding.
Reaction
Niusha herself could not believe that she was nominated at all. According to her, it is self-evident that as human beings you are committed to each other. Her reaction to her final position: ‘No, stop it?!”. Niusha is grateful for the opportunity she has been given to participate. She will always be committed to women’s rights. Whether it concerns an Iranian woman who is fighting for her freedom, a Muslim woman who chooses to wear a headscarf, or the right to abortion. One thing is clear Niusha Froozesh is always behind the women. “I hope that with the visibility I get, I can echo this message so that more people get the message and help empower women around the world,” Niusha says.
The final
As a nominee, Niusha, along with 33 other nominees from different educational institutions, participated in ECHO’s Ambassadors Academy. And now she is a finalist. This means that she can make her pitch to the Jury on Thursday 27 October. The winners will be chosen by an independent jury chaired by Ms. Kathleen Ferrier, Chair of the UNESCO Committee. The award ceremony will take place on Tuesday 6 December and the winner will be announced.
Do you know a non-Western student who has a heart for diversity and inclusion, then register them for the Echo Award HBO 2023 (via info.di@hu.nl ).
Did you find this interesting? Check out what else the Network D&I has to offer via current.
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