Singapore, 9 February 2018 (Friday) – The Singapore Management University (SMU) is proud to announce that Ms Shereen Williams has been recognised by AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) as a 2018 Influential Leader.

An annual initiative, the 2018 Influential Leaders Challenge celebrates the positive impact graduates make in communities around the globe. It honours notable alumni from accredited schools whose inspiring work serves as a model for the next generation of business leaders.

Shereen Williams, an alumna of SMU School of Accountancy, was recognised at AACSB’s 2018 Deans Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, among a group of 29 business pioneers, from 13 industry sectors, whose careers are addressing today’s most pressing social, economic, environmental, and educational challenges. She has been honoured in the “Alumni Business Leaders Working in Non-profit or Community-Based Organisations” category for her active contributions and commitment to battle hate crime, terrorism and inequality in the Wales community.

Shereen works as a Regional Community Cohesion Coordinator for Newport City Council in East Gwent, where she plays a lead role in managing community tensions and promoting social cohesion. She helps tackle modern day slavery, oversees the resettlement of refugees, and ensures that the local government fulfils its public sector duty in prevention violent extremism. In 2010, Shereen was presented with a Recognising Achievement Award for services to community cohesion in Wales by the First Minister, Rt. Hon. Carwyn Jones AM.

Beyond work, Shereen has a strong interest in ‘Tackling Violence against Women’ and supports victims of domestic abuse, honour-based violence and forced marriages. Shereen is also keen in inter-faith work, and was made the first female Muslim chaplain of a Welsh university in 2010. Her work has earned her a host of community awards and a lot of respect from policymakers and community members. It has taken her to conferences in Europe, where she speaks on anti-hate and integration issues. In 2017, she was made an honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), an honour given for her service to community.

Said Shereen Williams, “It’s an incredible honour to be an AASCB Influential Leader honouree. I’m grateful to SMU for the nomination and that they consider the work that I do a positive reflection of the university. I’ll always have a strong interest in social justice issues and hope this award will open up new avenues for me.”

Professor Cheng Qiang, Dean, School of Accountancy and Lee Kong Chian Chair Professor of Accounting, SMU said, “Shereen was one of the first batch of students to graduate from the School of Accountancy. We are very proud of her contributions and what she has achieved thus far. Her contribution in tackling some of the social issues is admirable. We will continue to produce outstanding graduates who will not only excel in their careers but also pursue their passions and give back to society in one way or another” 

“Each honouree from the 2018 class of Influential Leaders reflects the mindset, knowledge, and passion that impactful business leaders must embody to impart positive change in today’s society,” said Thomas R. Robinson, president and CEO of AACSB. “We would like to thank Shereen Williams for demonstrating the true excellence and leadership we wish to see in the world, and we congratulate SMU for their role in helping to mold a new generation of global business leaders dedicated to driving impact that results in global prosperity.”