The president of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce and Initiative has been awarded a Doctor of Science (DSc) Honorary Degree by the University of Bristol.
Jaya Chakrabarti describes herself as a "digital activist" with a passion for using open data and technology for good. She studied Physics (BSc) and Electronic Materials (MSc) at the University of Bristol before going on to be chief executive of tiscreport.org, which tackles corruption and modern slavery in supply chains.
In 2014, Ms Chakrabarti was awarded an MBE for services to the City of Bristol and services to the Creative Digital Industries. Then in 2021, she became the first female, ethnic minority president of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce and Initiative since 1823.
Ms Chakrabarti currently serves as an independent non-executive member on the NHS Integrated Care Board for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
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Phil Smith, managing director of Business West of which the Bristol Chamber is part, said: 鈥滼aya's doctorate from the university is due recognition of her selfless contribution to making Bristol a better place. Whether her dedication to fighting the scourge of modern-day slavery or her leadership of Bristol's campaign to get an elected mayor, Jaya has never been shy of putting her head above the parapet to challenge the status quo.
鈥淪he has brought to her term as President of Bristol Chamber of Commerce new perspectives, healthy challenge, and a sense of fun鈥.
Accepting her Honorary Degree, Ms Chakrabarti said: 鈥淚t is truly an honour and privilege to be here to accept this honorary award at my alma mater today鈥.
In her acceptance speech, she addressed the students graduating and said she wanted to pass on three lessons she had learned;
鈥淭he first lesson is to embrace your failures. The second lesson is - everything is connected. Connect your story with the stories of others.
鈥淎nd the third lesson is a Call to Arms. You are articulate; You are ambitious; You have tenacity; You are completer finishers; You have agency.
鈥淎nd you get to decide your story from here on in. Embrace your power."
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