- Award recognizes Mohammed’s exceptional work at MCB and consultancy in women’s leadership.
Zara Mohammed, the first woman to become secretary-general of the Muslim Council of Britain, has been named as the University of Strathclyde’s Alumna of the Year 2023.
The Award, in its 30th year, recognized Mohammed’s outstanding work as the Secretary General of MCB, as well as her consultancy work focusing on women in leadership, the university wrote on its website.
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During the graduation ceremony, Therese O’Donnell, Reader in the Law School, praised Mohammed’s embodiment of Strathclyde’s values and lauded her as a role model for those aspiring to succeed in public life.
“Zara embodies Strathclyde values and is a role-model for those who aspire to be successful in public life by being as socially inclusive and progressive as possible,” Therese O’Donnell, Reader in the Law School, said in an address at the graduation ceremony.
“Zara has demonstrated boldness and ambition in her career. As the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain she pursues collaboration to achieve a more diverse and understanding society.
Success Story
Born in Glasgow, Mohammed graduated in Human Rights Law from Strathclyde in 2016.
She made history as the first woman to lead the Federation of Student Islamic Societies, representing 115,000 students across the UK.
Elected as Secretary-General of the MCB in 2021, she also holds the distinctions of being the first Scot and the youngest person to hold the position at 29 years old. Earlier this year, she was re-elected for the 2023-2025 term.
“When I was elected I had a journalist say to me ‘many people that have your position are much older and much wiser, do you think you have the wisdom to do the job?’. And I said ‘well, I’ve got the energy and the drive and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to learn, and guess what – wisdom comes with experience’,” Mohammed said.
“And what I found in myself was a bit of Scottish power and fire. I guess what Strathclyde really taught me was to believe in myself and my potential. I am immensely grateful for this award.”
Alumna/Alumnus of the Year Award celebrates the outstanding accomplishments of Strathclyde’s alumni from around the world in the arts, sciences, sports, and in business, public or academic life.