HELPING ALUMNAE TAKE ON NEW CHALLENGES

| Emerging T al e n t Award 202 0 |

Supporting Alumnae Beyond the Classroom

Our Emerging Talent Awards 2020 winners have put their funding to great use over the past 12 months. To see their full reports, please visit the Emerging Talent Award page on www.hollesconnect.org.uk.

2020 Winners Reports

Dr Gayatri Saxena, Class of 2011

Having worked on the frontline fighting COVID-19, Gayatri used her Award to develop specialist training for medical students whose training had been hit by the pandemic.

She was able to create a new interactive virtual simulation package which allowed students to decide the next course of action. “We could then show students how their answer progressed the scenario clinically and whether they needed to go back and rethink. It was a cool project and we were able to inject some much-needed fun into learning at a point when students were as fed up as the rest of the planet and growing ever-anxious about falling behind in learning to be a junior doctor.”

Kate Marlais, Class of 2002

Composer Kate, who is an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music, put her Award to use to help fund the recording of her first-ever album.

She says: “It was a joy to be afforded the time to create my own music again, and also get back in the studio with my co-producer Jon, after such a strange year of pandemic. It made my creative process feel all the more special and vital.”

Priya Velusami, Class of 1997

Clothes designer Priya used her Award to develop a website and expand her product range for her new business selling colourful accessories and kids wear made from upcycled saris.

Priya says: “Receiving the Emerging Talent award has helped me to create my own website and expand my product range to include bags, bunting and baby muslins. This gave me confidence to think about the business as a real brand, one that was no longer just a hobby. I have since gained press coverage in national newspapers, radio interviews, podcasts and have climbed a steep learning curve in digital marketing.”

Antonia Beck, Class of 2003

Theatre maker and performance artist Antonia tells stories using writing, theatre and music. She used her Award to help her explore the concept of creating new rituals and connections.

Antonia says: “I’ve started writing a piece of performance poetry which will become the narrative of a new site-specific performance in 2022. Inviting audiences to come together and take part in a new creative experience that explores intentional and everyday ritual, the art and importance of being, and encourages connection amongst a group of strangers.”