University of Birmingham graduate wins West Midlands Young Active Citizen Award

University of Birmingham graduate Zaynab Sohawon has been named Young Professional of the Year at the prestigious West Midlands Lieutenancy Young Active Citizen Awards (YACA), recognising her outstanding contribution to improving the lives of autistic young people across the region.

The Young Active Citizen Award celebrates young people who use their skills and talents to make a positive impact in their local communities, particularly in the areas of community cohesion, climate, and culture. Zaynab was nominated by Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adam Tickell, in recognition of her leadership and commitment to driving systemic change in mental health support.

The award was presented at a ceremony held at the University’s city-centre venue, The Exchange, attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands and Professor Matthew Leeke, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience).

Commenting on Zaynab’s success, Professor Adam Tickell, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Birmingham said:

“From her first year studying Human Neuroscience at the University of Birmingham, Zaynab set out on a powerful mission to be a catalyst for systemic change. She has already achieved this and far more.

“Zaynab delivered an inspiring speech at one of our anniversary events last year, and I was deeply impressed by her vision and her ability to galvanise others. At Birmingham, we are committed to equipping our students with the skills and opportunities to make a meaningful difference in society, and Zaynab’s achievements are testament to the impact of investing in the whole student experience.”

Zaynab is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Emotion Dysregulation in Autism (EDA), a mental health charity supporting autistic young people aged 12-25. Established in 2022 with funding from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the charity has already supported more than 1,000 young people through peer-led support, workshops, and community-based interventions.

Drawing on her own lived experience of autism and complex mental health challenges, she founded EDA to create the support she wished had been available to her as a young person. Under her leadership, the organisation has secured more than £400,000 in funding from major organisations including the Commonwealth Games, National Lottery and Innovate UK, while also contributing to wider fundraising efforts, exceeding £8 million for mental health initiatives across the region.

Reflecting on her award, Zaynab said: “This award is a celebration of what’s possible when passion meets purpose, and a reminder that young people with lived experience can drive real social change.

“At EDA, we are committed to providing a safe, understanding and empowering environment for autistic young people. By doing so, we aim to create lasting change for those who need it most. I’m incredibly proud to receive this award and grateful to everyone who has supported our mission.”

Alongside her work with EDA, Zaynab continues to contribute to research and policy through her role as a Youth Advisory Group member for the University’s Institute for Mental Health and as a former peer researcher on the EXCITE project.

The Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Derrick Anderson CBE, said: “Zaynab’s courage, resilience and determination to turn lived experience into meaningful change is truly inspirational. Through her leadership of EDA, she is transforming lives and creating a lasting impact across the West Midlands.”

Proudly rooted in one of the UK's most vibrant and diverse cities, the University of Birmingham is a global institution with a continued commitment to its city. Using its world-changing research and dedication to the highest quality education, the University of Birmingham is equipping students with the skills and confidence to make a meaningful and positive impact on society, in Birmingham, across the West Midlands and further afield.