Student Recognized for Contributions to Social Safety and Inclusion
The ECHO Awards 2024 were presented at a ceremony at Loyens & Loeff in Amsterdam, celebrating students who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to societal impact. Recipient in the category ‘Beta & Engineering’ was Pravesha Ramsundersingh, a student whose initiatives have made notable progress in promoting social safety and inclusion within educational settings.
Pravesha organized an important conference on social safety in 2023, in collaboration with the National Coordinator against Discrimination and Racism. This initiative aimed to improve safety in learning environments and raise awareness about issues of discrimination and exclusion. Her outreach to faculty representatives has led to a restructuring of the appointment process for teaching assistants, promoting a more inclusive approach within education.
The jury noted Pravesha's ability to create both immediate and long-term impact. She has implemented a code of conduct and made diversity and inclusion training mandatory for teaching assistants, contributing to structural changes that enhance inclusion in educational institutions. Additionally, she is working to shift mindsets, mobilizing both formal and informal leadership, particularly in technical disciplines.
Pravesha's dedication to inclusion and social safety represents a meaningful step towards a more equitable educational landscape. As part of her recognition, she will receive an all-expenses-paid summer course at UCLA in Los Angeles, an opportunity that will further develop her skills and impact.