University of Northampton student shortlisted for National Diversity Award

Entrepreneur Susanne Rees, who is studying Psychology and Business Entrepreneurship at the University of Northampton, has been shortlisted as a Positive Role Model for Disability in the prestigious National Diversity Awards 2014.

While studying at the University, Suzi launched iDID Adventure CIC, an all-inclusive adventure club for young adults who are deaf or disabled. iDID gives young adults aged between 14-25 the opportunity to take part in specialist adventure programmes such as rock climbing, wakeboarding, canoeing and snow sports.

Suzi, who is profoundly deaf, won funding for the enterprise from the University of Northampton’s Big Ideas Bonanza – a unique initiative focused on generating new and developing existing socially innovative ideas, managed by the University’s Enterprise Club. The University has helped her to develop her business, with support, mentoring and business modelling advice.

On her shortlisting, Suzi commented: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been nominated, let alone shortlisted. These awards are filled with such high calibre and inspirational people, it really is an honour. As to my work, it is a great recognition and quite frankly, I’m touched that people view me as a Positive Role Model… It’s the young people that I work with who inspire me every day!”

​Wray Irwin, Head of University Centre for Employability and Engagement, commented: “It is fantastic that Suzi’s hard work and commitment to her social enterprise has been recognised with such a prestigious national nomination.  It has been a real privilege to guide and support  Suzi over the last three years in her social enterprise and one which  has made a massive difference to people with disabilities.”

Winners of the National Diversity Awards will be announced in London on September 26. Other award categories include the Diverse Company of the Year Award and Lifetime Achiever Award. For more information, visit the website.