High Sheriff of West Yorkshire tells graduates to have courage
The High Sheriff of West Yorkshire Professor Adeeba Malik CBE DL has been awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Bradford in recognition of her commitment to supporting disadvantaged communities and enabling social cohesion.
Born in a back-to-back house right next to the University campus, Adeeba’s connection to the university is lifelong, turning into a professional relationship 30 years ago when the QED Foundation - the Bradford based national charity of which she is Deputy Chief Executive - worked alongside the university to encourage local people to consider studying there.
She was presented for her award by Professor Uduak Archibong, Pro Vice Chancellor for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, who said: “Adeeba Malik’s story is one of significant impact locally, regionally and nationally to eradicating poverty, disadvantage, and discrimination, which resonates with the University as we place equality, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to social mobility at the centre of our mission and ethos.
Her journey, insights and experiences serve as an inspiration to us all.”
A leading voice for the socially disadvantaged, Adeeba uses her expertise in equality, diversity and inclusion to its full potential, from facilitating integration to shaping Government policy. Currently, she is an External Expert Advisor for the Home Office Strategic Race Advisory Board, Director of Bradford Culture Company, Member of the State Honours Committee, and Member of the FCDO’s UK-Pakistan Advisory Council. In a career spanning 34 years, she has a long record of working in ministerial and non-ministerial roles, influencing and changing policies of seven successive Governments in areas including education, the regeneration of towns and cities and social mobility.
Adeeba’s honorary doctorate award comes as the University of Bradford is shortlisted for the eighth annual Social Mobility Awards 2024 for its range of projects designed to increase social mobility. These include loans, support for care leaves, scholarships and a range of support for students and graduates, including careers advice for up to five years after graduation.
Speaking to students as she was presented with her award, Adeeba - who is also a Deputy Lieutenant of the West Yorkshire Lieutenancy - said: “It’s a great privilege and honour to receive this honorary doctorate from the University of Bradford.
“I would like to say a few thanks to the people who helped me to get here. Firstly, I want to thank my parents who are no longer with us. They were pioneers who were selfless, brave and remarkable people. They left behind their families and loved ones to move from Pakistan to the UK in search of a better life. They were visionary people who believed that education was the route out of poverty and supported me to go to university to fulfil my potential, letting me fly my wings and leave Bradford to study in Hull, one of the first girls of Pakistani/Muslim heritage to do this.
“Alongside my family and friends, I’d like to thank Dr Mohammed Ali, the Founder and Chief Executive of the QED Foundation, who has supported me in my career.
“Congratulations to my fellow graduates. You had a vision when you came here and now you are leaving equipped with the skills, knowledge, experiences and life-long friendships you have worked so hard for.
“My advice as you go forward into the world is to have the courage to push boundaries and learn something new, often.”