CLASS OF 2023: Graduate accepts Honorary Award for dedication to cultivating inclusivity

A University of Wolverhampton graduate has accepted an Honorary Award for her tireless work in cultivating inclusivity and accessibility – especially for disabled people. 

Shani Dhanda, who studied at the University’s Business School, has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Social Sciences. 

Honorary awards are presented by the University of Wolverhampton to people who have made a significant contribution to their field of expertise.  

Shani is a prominent Disability Inclusion and Accessibility Specialist, Social Entrepreneur, and Broadcaster, she is one of the most influential disabled individuals and a recognised disability inclusion thought leader.  Honoured as BBC's 100 Women Laureate of 2020, she is dedicated to empowering businesses and brands to foster inclusivity and accessibility, especially for disabled individuals.  

As a South Asian woman who experiences disability, Shani's intersectional activism fuels her mission for global social equity through entrepreneurship. She is the founder and visionary behind Diversability, the Asian Woman Festival, and the Asian Disability Network. Alongside her advocacy, Shani contributes as a broadcaster on daytime TV shows, educating and inspiring audiences with her diverse knowledge.  

With more than twenty-five prestigious honours and awards, Shani's impactful work has earned her a reputation as a leading force in inclusion and activism. She continues to inspire as one of the most influential women in the new world of work and a world-leading changemaker, leaving a lasting mark on society's path toward a more equitable future.