Jaya Chakrabarti (pictured with her husband, Stuart and children Talin and Arjun), the highly respected President of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce and Initiative, was today (Tuesday 1st August 2023) awarded a Doctor of Science (DSc) Honorary Degree by the University of Bristol.
Phil Smith, Managing Director of Business West of which the Bristol Chamber is part, said:
”Jaya'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.
“She has brought to her term as President of Bristol Chamber of Commerce new perspectives, healthy challenge, and a sense of fun”.
Jaya 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 and went on to be Chief Executive Officer of the award winning tiscreport.org which tackles corruption and modern slavery in supply chains.
In 2014, Jaya was awarded the MBE for services to the City of Bristol and services to the Creative Digital Industries.
And in 2021, Jaya became the first female, ethnic minority President of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce and Initiative since 1823.
Jaya currently serves as an independent non-executive member on the NHS Integrated Care Board for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
Accepting her Honorary Degree, Jaya said:
“It is truly an honour and privilege to be here to accept this honorary award at my alma mater today”.
In her acceptance speech, she addressed the students graduating. Jaya said she wanted to pass on three lessons she had learned.
“The first lesson is to embrace your failures. The second lesson is - everything is connected. Connect your story with the stories of others.
“And the third lesson is a Call to Arms. You are articulate; You are ambitious; You have tenacity; You are completer finishers; You have agency.
“And you get to decide your story from here on in. Embrace your power”.
You can read Jaya’s inspiring full speech here.
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