A Computer Hardware lecturer from Havant & South Downs College has said she feels ‘overwhelmed’ after being nominated for the Women in IT Awards.
Lecturer Nadia Arab has been selected for the ‘editor’s choice’ nomination as part of the prestigious awards evening taking place on 31 January.
Nadia came from a sociology background and achieved a 2:1 in her first degree before deciding to complete an MSc in Information Systems in 2003, being one of the few females on the course.
Nadia then worked for QA Hospital as a volunteer web designer, learning skills in web design and development before transferring those skills to teaching IT to adults. Nadia completed a PGCE in teaching IT and her patience and determination lead her to her full-time position at Havant & South Downs College.
Nadia teaches 16 to 19-year-olds the build of computers, virtual machines, operating systems, technical supports, computer systems and human computer interaction – and is still the only female on the computer hardware team at the College.
Because of her success, Nadia was recently awarded ‘exceptional lecturer’ at HSDC in 2017.
When not in College, Nadia works for a company she started herself called CaptureITraining Solutions. In the summer break Nadia helps end users to use social media and how to understand computer components. Nadia has trained users from the guildhall barristers in Portsmouth as part of this company as well as private clients from home.
Talking about her nomination, Nadia said: “I am amazed I have been selected, I don’t know who nominated me!
“I feel very privileged to be shortlisted for this prestigious award. It is nice to be recognised for the work and achievements I have done.”
Nadia also mentors for The Girls Network. Through this she helps girls from low income areas to be more successful in life through implementing goals and strategies to change their thinking to be more positive. Nadia helps to promote women in IT by being a woman in IT herself, showing girls that they too can be successful in this field.
Mike Gaston, Principal and CEO of HSDC, said: “I am delighted for Nadia and believe the nomination reflects the professionalism and enthusiasm she has for teaching and learning and of her desire to ensure the best for her students of all ages and backgrounds.”
The Women in IT Awards ceremony will take place on 31 January at Grosvenor House in London.
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