Zawadi Mwambeyu

22 years old, attending the University of Bristol. Zawadi was awarded a Beacon Scholarship for Schools in June 2018, and for University in May 2019. Zawadi has also been awarded a Think Big Scholarship at Bristol.

Zawadi is studying towards an MEng in Civil Engineering. Through consistent hard work and wider engagement with her subject, Zawadi achieved a 2.1 in her 3rd year. She continues to build a strong network of relationships with professionals in her field, and secured a summer internship with AECOM.

After attending Salsa classes in term 1, Zawadi then enjoyed social dancing for the rest of the year. She took part in 5k Park Runs and ran regularly to prepare for them. As President of the EASOC, Zawadi wrote their Annual report and took an active role in organising socials for new students. Zawadi also led Peer Assisted Study Sessions throughout the year.

Zawadi uses every opportunity to champion women and Africans in Engineering, viz: her membership of Traversing Liminality; the use of her guest ticket to events; her challenge of the Engineering Dept on recruitment and retention of black students. Her public talks have been varied and led to further opportunities for her.

Zawadi successfully chaired the Student/Staff Liaison committee and has been re-elected as Course Representative next year. She was invited to share her views on the theme ‘Learning, teaching and researching in an Anti-Black World’ as a panellist at the Forever Africa Online Conference and Events.

Beacon Workshop Participation

Zawadi’s 2022 Summer Beacon Citizenship Project was focused on supporting orphans and vulnerable children in Eldoret. 

In Leadership Workshops, Zawadi demonstrated her critical thinking and analytical mind. She added value to her team by contributing ideas and building upon others.