2025 volunteers of the month

We are honoured to have hundreds of amazing volunteers who generously share their time, skills and experience to help our current students succeed. Their dedication makes a big difference, enriching the student experience and contributing significantly to our university community.

To celebrate the incredible impact our volunteers make, our Volunteer of the Month scheme spotlights the passionate individuals who consistently go the extra mile, demonstrating outstanding commitment and making a truly exceptional difference.

Each month, we'll feature a different volunteer, sharing their story, highlighting their achievements, and showcasing the invaluable support they provide. Their inspiring work embodies the spirit of generosity that is so vital to our community.

Are you inspired by our volunteers? Learn more about how you can give your time to help our student and research communities, and perhaps even become our next Volunteer of the Month!

Volunteer of the Month - November 2025 - Urvashi Prasad

What is your current role?

I work as a public health and policy advisor, independently supporting organisations across India. I am also a patient advocate and the founder of 'Space by Urvashi'—a community for cancer patients and caregivers—and The White Ribbon Project – India, the country’s first lung cancer advocacy platform. In addition, I serve as Executive Director of ALK Positive India, a support group for ALK-positive lung cancer patients.

In what capacity have you volunteered for the University?

I have volunteered by participating in alumni engagement activities, including speaking to international students, joining panel discussions during the Open Day organised by the University in New Delhi as well as contributing to a roundtable event on employment and the job market. I have also taken part in the Built in Birmingham video campaign and visited campus to connect with Biosciences students and staff.

What inspired you to volunteer with the University of Birmingham?

The University of Birmingham has played a formative role in my academic and professional journey. Volunteering is my way of giving back to the institution that shaped me, and of supporting current students as they navigate their own paths. 

How has volunteering positively impacted you?

Volunteering has been rewarding. It has allowed me to reconnect with the University, strengthen my mentoring skills and engage with students whose curiosity and ambition are inspiring. A particularly memorable moment was speaking with international students and seeing how my experiences resonated with their aspirations.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering?

Volunteering is a chance to make a meaningful difference while also learning from others. My advice would be: don’t hesitate. Even small contributions —sharing your story, offering guidance or participating in events—can have a lasting impact on students and the wider University community.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your volunteering experience or your connection to the University?

I am glad to remain connected to the University of Birmingham through volunteering. It has been a way to celebrate the values of community, learning and collaboration that the University embodies. I look forward to continuing this journey and supporting future initiatives.

Volunteer of the Month - October 2025 - Zening Zhao

What is your current role?

I’m currently an International Team Leader at true Student Ltd., where I work with international markets, student experience, and outreach. I’m also studying for my MBA at Warwick Business School.

In what capacity have you volunteered for the University?

I stay involved as an alumni of the University of Birmingham, especially with the College of Medicine and Health.

I’ve joined postgraduate community events to speak with current students about careers and real life next steps after the MSc. I’ve also worked with the marketing team to film short videos about my time on the MSc and my current role, so prospective students can get an honest picture of what studying here can lead to.

I also support prospective and new students in more informal ways. For example, I answer questions in the China WeChat group, I speak at Welcome Week panels to help welcome the new students, and I took part in the University of Birmingham China Open Day in Shanghai to speak directly with offer-holders and applicants.

Most recently, I joined the autumn Careers Network Mentoring Scheme because I want to be a practical point of support for students who are trying to figure out direction, confidence, and how to approach the job market.

What inspired you to volunteer with the University of Birmingham?

Birmingham was never just a course for me. It felt like somewhere people genuinely cared about my development. I’m proud to be part of the University and the College of Medicine and Health, and every time I see it move forward I feel proud with it.

Volunteering is my way of giving some of that back, especially to students who are in the same position I once was: ambitious, a bit unsure, and full of questions.

How has volunteering positively impacted you?

Volunteering has reminded me how important community is. Speaking to current and prospective students has helped me develop my confidence in mentoring, public speaking and communicating across different cultures.

The most rewarding part is very simple. When a student says 'That really helped' or 'I feel less anxious now', you realise that what might feel like a small conversation to you can make a big difference to someone else. That is the part that stays with me.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering?

Do not overthink it. You do not need to have a perfect career story to be useful.

Students do not actually want a script. They want honesty, encouragement, and someone who understands what they are going through. If you can offer that, you are already valuable.

And it is not one sided. You learn a lot about yourself as well: how you communicate, what you have achieved, and what kind of professional you are becoming. It is genuinely good development.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your volunteering experience or your connection to the University?

For me, graduating did not mean leaving. I still feel connected to Birmingham. I want new students, especially international students arriving in a completely new environment, to feel that they are not doing it alone. If I can help create that feeling for even one person, that is enough.

Volunteer of the Month - September 2025 - Rohan Hornsby

What is your current role?

Project Manager, in the Environment and Water Sector at Mott MacDonald

In what capacity have you volunteered for the University?

Being an Alumni Ambassador, I currently support University students in three ways:

1. Mentoring for current students, who have been matched up depending on their (and my) interests/experience. This includes meeting monthly to support with career direction questions, networking, CV/Application support, and general advice around their studies and career options.
2. Volunteering at university open days, talking to prospective students and their parents about Civil Engineering degrees, university life, and industry links. As well as sharing some experiences from my time at the University and answering any questions about the course.
3. Delivering Career Talks and Interview Workshops to current and prospective students.

What inspired you to volunteer with the University of Birmingham?

When I was in university, having the opportunity to engage with and learn from alumni inspired me to explore career options early on in University. I hope to be able to do the same with current students, building their confidence and empowering them to be proactive in their career development from an early stage. 

How has volunteering positively impacted you – this could be any skills you have developed, or a particularly memorable or rewarding moment

The big plus for me is learning about the challenges that students coming into the industry face, and how we can help support them in navigating them. Personally, I’ve also been able to build my leadership and coaching skills, whilst applying some of the learning I’ve been doing around people management. It’s been incredibly rewarding seeing students grow in confidence, and succeeding in applications for job roles. 

What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering?

Make the most of it by considering what you want to contribute as a volunteer, and what skills you’d like to develop. Also use it as an opportunity to learn new things from students, and try new techniques/questions in a relaxed environment, making use of student feedback too. 

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your volunteering experience or your connection to the University?

I thoroughly enjoy keeping in touch with the university as an alumnus in this next stage of my career, and seeing students thrive in their university studies and extra-curriculars. 

Volunteer of the Month - August 2025 - Manmohanjit Kaur Sandhu

What is your current role?

I’m the Director and Co-founder of TargEye, a MedTech startup focused on developing an assistive device that enables individuals with limited hand mobility to administer eye drops independently. Within the team, I lead on Product Development, Commercial Growth, and Strategy & Innovation. Our mission is to create innovative healthcare solutions that empower patients and support their independence in managing their own health.

In what capacity have you volunteered for the University?

I’ve been actively involved as a volunteer at a range of alumni and student-focused events, including alumni careers fairs, community engagement events, and presenting at an offer-holder day for prospective Biomedical Science students. It’s been a real pleasure speaking with students, parents, and prospective applicants, as well as reconnecting with professors and professional staff. I’m excited to see where their journeys at the University of Birmingham take them.

What inspired you to volunteer with the University of Birmingham?

One of my core values, rooted in my Sikh faith, is seva — the principle of selfless service, and nishkam seva, which means giving without expecting anything in return. Volunteering at the University felt like a natural extension of this value. It’s a meaningful way for me to give back to the institution where I completed both my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and to support the community that contributed to my own journey.

Through volunteering, I aim to support the next generation of students, share my experiences, and contribute to the vibrant community at the University of Birmingham. I hope to encourage and uplift both current and prospective students as they navigate their own paths.

How has volunteering positively impacted you – this could be any skills you have developed, or a particularly memorable or rewarding moment

Volunteering has given me the chance to use and grow my presentation and networking skills in a very meaningful way. Being able to share my experiences with students, answer their questions, and offer guidance has been incredibly rewarding all while honing my active listening skills. I remember what it felt like to be in their position not so long ago, full of questions and uncertainty, and I’m grateful that I can now give back by offering the kind of support I once looked for.

On a deeper level, volunteering through seva brings a real sense of fulfilment. It reminds me to stay grounded in gratitude — for the opportunities I’ve had, the journey I’ve been on, and the chance to now contribute to others as they begin their own. I’m truly excited to see where their journeys take them and I am wholeheartedly rooting for their success as they move forward.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering?

I would encourage them to volunteer with an open heart and a spirit of nishkam seva — selfless service. Volunteer not for what you will receive in return, but for the opportunity to give back and make a positive impact on others. Volunteering allows you to share your experiences, support those who may be on a similar journey, and contribute to a cause that matters to you. It’s not just about the time you give, but the intention behind it. By focusing on the act of giving without expecting anything in return, you’ll find that the rewards — personal growth, fulfilment, and connection to others — are often far greater than anything you could have anticipated.

It’s a beautiful way to stay grounded in gratitude and to contribute to the community that has helped shape you; while helping you develop new skills and perspectives along the way. It’s an opportunity to give back to the community and make a real difference, no matter how big or small the contribution may seem.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your volunteering experience or your connection to the University?

One of the most rewarding aspects of my connection to the University has been the incredible support I’ve received from Rachel Gamble, who works in Alumni Relations. Rachel has been an invaluable source of guidance and support, particularly as I navigated my entrepreneurial journey. Rachel’s support has been instrumental in helping me, and I’m deeply grateful for her encouragement and the opportunities she has offered me. It’s a true reflection of the nurturing and collaborative spirit that exists within the University community.

My time volunteering has also reinforced the importance of building meaningful relationships and staying connected to the University, even after graduation. Volunteering has allowed me to give back in ways that support current students, while also strengthening my own sense of purpose and gratitude. The University of Birmingham’s alumni network and its staff have been a consistent source of inspiration, and I’m proud to be part of this community that values giving, learning, and mutual support.