Alumni
Celia Pearce
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This award recognises and celebrates our alumni who have gone above and beyond to make a positive impact in the local community and who have contributed their time and talents for the enrichment of others, and the betterment of society.
Criteria
An alumnus* who:
- Is a champion for social change, social good or social mobility, making a positive contribution to their community or an impact on society through their professional, voluntary or charitable activities, unlocking and nurturing opportunity for others.
- Has demonstrated determination and motivation while enriching the lives of others and has shown genuine passion and enthusiasm for making a difference through their chosen cause.
- Can demonstrate the tangible, transformative impact of their work.
- Has received external recognition/praise for their work.
- Is an inspiring role model, mentor or committed to supporting the next generation by being inclusive, supportive, ethical, innovative or compassionate.
Nominate an alumnus for their achievements as a Community Hero:
Read a full version of the Alumni Awards 2026 terms and conditions. Completed nomination forms must be received by the Alumni Relations Team no later than midnight on Sunday 8 March 2026.
Take a look at our alumni stories and be inspired by last year’s winners and shortlisted nominees!
You can read more about our Alumni Awards and the other categories on our website.
*In these awards criteria ‘alumnus’ refers to former CCCU students of all genders/gender identity.
Hayley Stern is a lecturer of health and social.care.at BEKC Broadstairs college. Thanet is the most deprived county in Kent,inspiring young minds to fulfil Thier potential and reach goals. Hayley is passionate about the eradication of poverty in Thanet.
Please do feel free to nominate Hayley for the award!
It is a distinct honor to nominate Dr. Zina Lehef for the Alumni Community Hero Award at Canterbury Christ Church University. Dr. Lehef is the personification of a “Community Hero”, an individual who has seamlessly blended her high-level academic expertise with a deep-seated commitment to social equity and local grassroots empowerment.
Since graduating from CCCU, Dr. Lehef has not only built a successful career but has dedicated her life to unlocking opportunities for others, whether they are struggling doctoral candidates in New York, Sydney, Poland, UK or isolated mothers in Swale (Kent).
Dr. Lehef’s work at Diversity House serves as a masterclass in social entrepreneurship. She does not merely occupy a role; she creates solutions. For example, by delivering the Swale Mums Peer Support Circles, she addressed a critical gap in community connection, fostering social mobility by providing mothers with the emotional and practical support needed to thrive. Her initiatives, such as “Music 4 Wellbeing” and various mental health sessions, demonstrate her belief that social good is rooted in holistic health.
In her professional capacity at Write The Damn Dissertations, she champions social mobility on a global scale. By coaching over 100 PhD students from the USA, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe, she helps first-generation and international scholars navigate the “hidden curriculum” of academia. By tackling perfectionism and limiting beliefs, she ensures that these future leaders, many from marginalised backgrounds, successfully cross the finish line.
Dr. Lehef’s energy is palpable. Since joining Diversity House, her “can-do” spirit has resulted in a flurry of innovative projects. She spearheaded the “Volunteer of the Month” program to nurture local talent and has been the driving force behind numerous fundraising activities.
Her determination was most evident during the recent Christmas period. Dr. Lehef was the visionary behind the “Gifts of Joy” Giveaway, where she transformed into the “Diversity House Community Santa.” This was not just a charity event; it was a bold, courageous logistical feat that brought dignity and happiness to families during a cost-of-living crisis. Her enthusiasm for “making a difference” is not a hobby, it is her professional North Star.
Tangible and Transformative Impact
The impact of Dr. Lehef’s work is measurable and profound:
• Academic Success: Over 100 PhD candidates have moved past writing resistance to complete their research under her guidance since 2024.
• Community Cohesion: Through her work with Diversity House and projects such as the Swale Mums and wellbeing projects, she has contributed to building a localised support network that directly combats social isolation.
• Philanthropic Reach: Her “Gifts of Joy” project provided tangible resources to the community, proving her ability to mobilise resources for the greater good.
External Recognition and Praise
Dr. Lehef’s work has not gone unnoticed. She is widely recognised by her international cohort of PhD coachees, whose testimonials highlight her as a “champion for change.” Within the Kent charitable sector, she is praised for her innovation and her ability to deliver complex projects with both efficiency and heart. Recently, on 26/02/2026, Diversity House is recognised at the Kent and Medway Healthwatch Recognition Awards, winning for Excellence in Addressing Health Inequality and Inequity.
An Inspiring Role Model and Compassionate Mentor
Perhaps Dr. Lehef’s greatest contribution is her role as a mentor. She is an inclusive and ethical leader who is not afraid to make bold decisions. In her coaching, she models a “growth mindset,” showing the next generation of researchers that perfectionism is a barrier to progress. At Diversity House, she is a supportive and compassionate presence, always seeking to empower and help the service users to better their lives.
Dr. Zina Lehef embodies the mission of Canterbury Christ Church University. She is a courageous, innovative, and deeply compassionate alumna who has turned her education into a tool for global and local empowerment. She is, in every sense of the word, a Community Hero.