Award nomination for inspirational mentor

Professor Laura Serrant-Green, Director of Research and Enterprise at the Centre for Health and Social Care Improvement, has been announced as a finalist in the Mentor of the Year category of The 2011 Precious Awards.

The Precious Awards recognise and celebrate Black and Asian women in business and leadership, who demonstrate exceptional determination, innovation and entrepreneurial skills and talent.

She was nominated for the award by Concilia Ajuo, a nurse from London. Professor Serrant-Green mentored Concilia as part of the Mary Seacole Leadership Awards which enable nurses, midwives and health visitors in England to undertake a specific health care project which benefits people from black and minority ethnic communities.

Professor Serrant-Green said: “I was surprised to be nominated, and felt very humble. I have kept in touch with Concilia and she will be coming along to the awards with me. I am also pleased for the Mary Seacole Awards, which are well established and go beyond the boundaries of a traditional research grant.”

The award ceremony will take place on Thursday, 27 October 2011 at St Pancras Renaissance London Hotel.

Professor Laura Serrant-Green is on the steering committee of the Department of Health-funded Mary Seacole Leadership and Development Awards, after receiving an award herself in 1998.

Laura supported Concilia through a one-year project which aimed to raise awareness among black African and Caribbean youths aged 15 – 25 years of HIV/AIDS and its prevention. During this time Professor Serrant-Green provided support with Concilia’s project proposal, met with her regularly and ensured her report would meet the criteria needed for the award funding.

On the Precious Awards nomination form, Concilia described Laura as a “role model” and “knowledgeable, patient, very approachable and always available”.

ENDS

Picture: Professor Laura Serrant-Green

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