“My belief as a responsible citizen is that we should all contribute to our community by offering our skills, knowledge, experience, and expertise in order to further develop our society.”

Impressing the judges with her positive, can-do attitude and work ethic, Naznin Chowdhury was shortlisted in our Alumni Awards 2024 for embodying the characteristics of a CCCU Community Hero. Here we share the impact she is making on her local community and the difference she makes.

Naznin completed her PGCE 11-18 (Science) in 2009, and as an overseas student from Bangladesh, life in the UK threw up a few challenges for her. However, her time at CCCU helped her not only with establishing herself as a secondary school teacher but also obtaining her citizenship as a British national. Using this experience, she has since supported others through the application process to get into teaching, with guidance, tips, and advise to become confident trainees at their placement schools. And this is just the first of many examples of how Naznin goes above and beyond to support others and set such a good example of citizenship.
 
Now working in Birmingham, she has the lived values of being “committed to giving back to my community and making a difference as a grateful citizen and responsible individual”. Since 2018, she has been a school governor at a local community primary school in Birmingham. As the Vice-Chair of the Governing Board and Chair of the Standard and Performance Committee, she is an important voice regarding the strategic development of the school. Additionally she is involved in the Head Teacher Performance Committee – holding the Head accountable for their actions. She also sits on the Safe Recruitment committee, and Staff Disciplinary committee.

Naznin is passionate about ensuring all pupils have access to a broad and balanced curriculum, make good or exceptional progress, and enjoy their time at school. This is critical in her role as SEND Link. 
 
On top of this she also works  with the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner as an Independent Custody Visitor since 2018, responsible for monitoring the welfare of the PIC (person in the cell). She works to ensure that the detainees are safe while in custody and their rights are safeguarded. She specifically prioritises the juveniles, ensuring they are singed up to all the support they need and can access.

“I do my best to motivate them to avoid any crime and avoid returning to this place. The way most of them respond to my words and how they feel confident is truly overwhelming. Female and vulnerable detainees are also of utmost importance to me. My focus is to ensure they receive the necessary support while they are in custody and also assist them in rehabilitating and returning to their normal lives, ensuring education is a key aspect of this.” 
 

The judging panel were impressed with her dedication, team player attitude, work ethic and her exceptional achievements in her career to date. 

“I feel tremendously proud of who I have become and how I have been contributing to my community to make it a better place for the people to feel safe and supported.” 

If you think you reflect these values and are making an impact in your local community you nominate yourself, or another alumnus, in our Alumni Awards 2025.