Simona was nominated due to her Cam-do attitude to her studies, for others (working as a student rep and advocating for women’s safety) and to graphic design and was awarded £500 from The CDCT.

At the time of receiving The CDCT Grant in January 2023, Simona was a third year Graphic Design student studying at the University of Derby.

‘Simona always produces outstanding development and final work, in her Second year she also rallied and encouraged the student group around her as the cohort returned to the studio after lock-down. Simona records deep concerns about walking home alone as a single woman and states that she wants to help improve safety for all who find themselves in this vulnerable situation. Some of her recent work addresses this worthy issue. It is our hope that this excellent student continues to produce work of quality and we would like to support her in this award would recognise her design skills but also her personal and professional attitude to working ethically for and with others.’
Leo Broadley, Senior Lecturer

Simona plans to use the Grant to fund potential placement activities in London and enable her to take a break from her part-time job in order to focus on her graphic design studies and long-term career goals.