Zohra Amin, a student from West Drayton, is set to be celebrated at the eighth annual Student Social Mobility Awards on 8 July 2026, for overcoming adversity to succeed in her studies and beyond.
Born in Afghanistan, Zohra came to the UK as a child refugee and has since become an inspirational figure, demonstrating that university can still transform lives for the better. She is currently studying Law with Business at the University of Exeter, where she has just finished her second year and is on track to achieve a First.
Zohra's journey is a testament to her determination and resilience, having grown up in West Drayton with no connections to the legal profession. Her teachers played a significant role in encouraging her to apply to university, and she has since taken advantage of various opportunities, including volunteering as an academic mentor and participating in the prestigious Globalink Research Internship at the University of Ottawa, Canada. She has also shadowed an MP in the House of Commons, represented her university at a Global Leaders Experience in The Hague, Brussels at the Peace Palace (home of the International Court of Justice) and the International Criminal Court.
The Student Social Mobility Awards, organised by the award-winning social mobility charity upReach, recognise students who have excelled in their field and demonstrated great resilience, determination, or initiative.
Zohra has been nominated for the Academic Success Award, and her story serves as an inspiration to others from similar backgrounds.
upReach CEO, Nick Bent, said: “Talent is everywhere, but young people are often held back by things outside of their control. Now more than ever, it is imperative to uplift those who have worked tirelessly to succeed, and who are bringing new life to social mobility in the UK.”
