These awards recognise and celebrate students in the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture for their outstanding contributions to ADA’s student experience, community and culture. Our 2023 winners reflect the passion, commitment and creativity of our student cohort. Their accomplishments highlight the incredible capacity within our student body to lead and inspire. We are proud to showcase their achievements.
MEET THE WINNERS!
EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STUDENT AWARD
We recognise the value of diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, and acknowledge that these contributions may not always be immediately visible. This award, therefore, seeks to recognise and celebrate the contributions of students from diverse backgrounds and experiences to our faculty.
SIRIN SATTHATIPS (she/her) is an awardee under the Australia Awards Scholarships from Thailand, currently studying a Master of Property Development and Construction Management. With her previous working experiences in Asia, the Middle East and America, she has embraced the value of cultural diversity and gender equality. At UNSW, Sirin has engaged herself in various activities such as becoming an ADA student experience ambassador, participating in the international student community and has recently become an executive member of the Australia Awards Scholarship Society club at UNSW. She also shares her university and living experience in Australia through her Instagram page, @hey.sirin.
PAULA-ROSE BASSETT (she/her) is a proud Wiradjuri and Wakka Wakka woman, and an honours student studying a double degree in Law and Social Work. She is a proud and active member of the UNSW community. You'll often find her involved as a Student Ambassador for UNSW gateway programs or a supervisor for an array of Indigenous youth programs, such as Winter school, Pre-programs and Indigenous Youth Leaders programs. She recently founded a society called Little Sister Big Sister (@lsbsunsw), a student-led initiative that fosters the networking, support and advancement of First Nations women at UNSW. Its strategy is to provide an informal mentoring program, an accessible platform to share achievements, scholarship opportunities, job opportunities and extra-curricular activities whilst also engaging in cultural and social events throughout the year. The society also aims to continually up-skill its members to eventually provide cultural, cross-cultural and diversity training to organisations and corporate companies in the future. Her passion lies in promoting Blak Excellence and driving positive cultural and social change. She is committed to making a positive impact and creating a safer and more inclusive space for younger generations.
JOSEPH STANLEY (he/him), is second-year undergraduate student at UNSW. He was born and raised in the small rural community of Guyra NSW and relocated to Sydney to commence his studies in 2022. Joseph is studying a Bachelor of Arts with a focus on people, workplace culture and industrial relations. He has an extensive passion for development, both personally and professionally. He is a passionate advocate for rural and equity students and is excited to continue developing his relationship with UNSW in this field. Find him on Instagram @_josephstanley_.
KATHERINE VU (she/her) is in her first year of undergraduate study, commencing a Bachelor of Arts/Laws. She is the first person in her family to attend university and is extremely passionate about making education as inclusive and accessible as possible. Coming from a low socioeconomic and refugee background, she believes that education can transform and elevate lives, building new opportunities and career prospects for both current and future generations. Katherine is committed to helping students reach their utmost potential, evident through her work with UNSW's Equitable Learning Services and active involvement with extracurricular groups and leadership roles. She's on Instagram @_katherinevu_ .
OSCAR ZHENGYI ZHANG (he/him), is a second-year interior architecture student hailing from a Chinese background. He is honoured to be a cultural mentor, guiding and supporting others along their journey. He has also taken on roles as a peer demonstrator and student assistant, eager to learn and grow alongside his peers. Stepping beyond his comfort zone, Oscar embraces the journey of growth and self-discovery. Embodying his values, Oscar strives to foster inclusivity and understanding while continuously learning from others. With a heart open to new experiences, he aspires to make a positive impact on those around him, contributing to a harmonious and supportive community. Find Oscar on Instagram @ozinteriorwork.
ADA STUDENT EXPERIENCE AWARD
This award seeks to identify and celebrate students who are going above and beyond in their contributions to ADA’s student experience. We acknowledge the importance of recognising and celebrating the many ways that our students positively shape our student experience. While we take great pride in the academic success and engagement of our students academically, we are equally proud of the myriad of ways that they immerse themselves in, and contribute to, the ADA student experience.
CHIBUIKEM MICHAEL ADILIEME (he/him), is a property professional from Nigeria. He is a second-year PhD candidate investigating the reduction of client influence through the application of blockchain technology in property valuation. He actively promotes the student voice through his role as the HDR representative on the ADA faculty board and education committee. Chibuikem serves as the president of the African Students Union at UNSW Sydney and provides support as a student skills mentor with the equitable learning services unit. Additionally, he supports incoming HDRs through the GRS online chat initiative. Find him on Instagram @adiliememichael and on LinkedIn.
SABAH CHARIF (she/her), is a fourth-year Social Work student who embodies the true essence of a well-rounded university experience. Beyond the classroom, she's actively engaged as Vice President in the Social Work Student’s Association, leading academic, social, and wellbeing events to foster community and support. Additionally, Sabah is a member of the Students as Partners Consultative Group and is a university ambassador for EDI as well as for the ADA faculty. Drawing inspiration from her lived experiences, she passionately endeavours to cultivate a harmonious space for her peers. Her leadership, empathy, and passion make her a true asset to the university community. Find Sabah on Instagram @ssabah.c.
NHAT MINH (WILLIAM) NGUYEN (he/him) is a first-year Education/Design student at UNSW and an award-winning international student from Can Tho, Vietnam. He actively engages with his community, holding positions as the International Student Officer at the UNSW Paddington Student Representative Council, an Ambassador for the NSW Department of Education International, and a NSW Youth Ambassador for MYAN NSW. William's initiatives focus on supporting students facing rising living costs, bridging cultural gaps, and promoting diversity among those from refugee, migrant, and international backgrounds. He takes pride in winning the Australian Defence Force Leadership Award (2022) and being a finalist for both the NSW International Student of the Year Award (2022) and the NSW Department of Education International Student Award (2023). Find William on Instagram @williamnguyen_3.
DANIEL MULIA (he/him) is an Honours year Media Arts student, Paddington Campus representative and filmmaker from unceded Gadigal and Bidjigal land. His Honours project involves online and offline organising methods students unions can use to enact change within an institution. He plans on collectivising the $1000 to the Paddington student body for free art materials, an emergency crisis fund for students and to expand the free food program. Daniel acknowledges and gives thanks to his fellow students, tutors, casual support and technical staff for their help in winning this prize. Even under mass staff casualisation, their help proved invaluable to the student body. Find Daniel on Instagram @danthedissapointment and on his website.
VICTORIA ZHOU (she/her), is a fifth-year Arts/Law student majoring in Film Studies. Victoria was welcomed into the UNSW Arts Society (ArtsSoc) Council in 2020 and remained involved for three years, most recently as the former President. During her memorable time in ArtsSoc, she was able to both form and facilitate genuine and lasting friendships with her ADA peers. She continues to support incoming students as a 2023 ADA Student Experience Ambassador. Outside of university, Victoria has immersed herself in the broader community through volunteering efforts with the Arts Law Centre of Australia and the Refugee Advice and Casework Services. Find her on Instagram @victoriaycz.