Women of Achievement 2016: Emma McNamara

Emma McNamara, a current Criminal Justice and Criminology student has recently been recognised as one of the University's Women of Achievement 2016.

We are pleased to congratulate Emma McNamara, a current Criminal Justice and Criminology student who has won multiple awards for adult learners and continuing education, and has recently been recognised as one of the University's Women of Achievement 2016.

Over the past few years Emma has won the Regional Adult Learner award at the Yorkshire and Humber Adult Learners Awards in 2014, in addition to receiving the National Institute of Continuing Education Learning in Families and Communities Individual Award in the same year. Last year Emma also won the Access Programme Award.

Emma's numerous successes have led her to be awarded with one of the University's Women of Achievement awards which aim to recognise the significant contribution and impact that women – both staff and students - have made across the University and beyond.

Emma originates from an area of low participation in higher education, and despite some setbacks, Emma joined the University as a mature student on the Criminal Justice and Criminology programme.

Emma said: “I am always willing to give my free time to help others with my volunteer work. Despite personal setbacks, I have continued to be an independent learner and have come so far from when I first began. My advice to others would be to follow your dreams; going back to higher education has been one of the best life choices I have made.”

Find out more about the University of Leeds Women of Achievement Awards.