Two final-year Aston University students have been announced as among the 21 most inspiring young people in the Midlands.
They were named winners of two categories at the Inspirational Youth Awards which is sponsored by Birmingham City Council and is open to young people across the East and West Midlands
This year was the first time the awards took place, and the prize giving was held on 29th April at Birmingham Eastside Rooms.
Nishika Chettry who lives in Birmingham and is studying for a masters in electronic engineering and computer science won Young STEAM (science technology, engineering, arts and maths) Personality of the Year at the Inspirational Youth Awards 2023.
The title is given for the outstanding achievements of a young individual who has exhibited excellence in STEAM innovation or communication.
While on her degree placement at Renesas Electronics she helped develop two microprocessors for industrial applications which have now been released in the market, and an automated software test system.
She actively campaigns to encourage more young women to follow careers in technology and science by taking part in outreach activities such as Girls into Electronics and Girls that Geek.
She said: “I’m delighted to win this award and make a positive contribution to the technology industry and make a difference at the very onset of my career.”
“It’s important to encourage more young women into the sector so I’ve been supporting this through my outreach activities.”
Meanwhile, politics and business student Yesmeen Singh from West Bromwich won the Outstanding Contribution to Young People title for her youth work.
The former student union vice president for education contributes to decision-making in the region as a member of the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Young Combined Authority. She has led various youth projects across the region and uses social media to speak about issues that affect young people.
She said: “Even a small contribution creates a big impact on somebody’s life. So don’t hold back and don’t think twice, do what you can in your own capacity, and you will feel the change you have initiated.
“Activism is all about starting small, this could be anything from spreading kindness, helping someone in need, donating funds, using a hashtag on social media or protesting for what’s right, because that is how we can make changes.”
