Spotlight on... Kemi Hassan

What is your role and what does it involve?

I am the Senior Outreach Officer at The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment.

I am responsible for developing and managing outreach projects and activities within the Faculty. I collaborate with outreach organisations, Bartlett students and staff and schools across the country.

How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?

I have been at UCL for just over five years. I started in the central Widening Participation team, where I worked in academic liaison and post-16 teams.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

This year, I developed a pre-16 outreach programme called Design Unlimited. The project’s aim is to introduce young people to the built environment and the prospects of higher education. These young people design and build structures that will be used in their school, visit the Design Museum and work with Bartlett student ambassadors.

This year, they designed a nook structure that will be displayed in their school library and not only enjoyed being part of the project, but were able to take ownership throughout the whole process. I’m looking forward to doing this project again, working with a new cohort, and hope to achieve more success.

Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of your to-do list?

Most of my projects are in the pilot phase. Therefore, top of my to-do list is reviewing and evaluating them. I’m currently reading through feedback and comments from participants and organisations I’ve collaborated with. Evaluating allows me to critically think and reflect on what aspects of the projects worked well, what requires improvement and ensure my strategic plans remain the focus.

What is your favourite album, film and novel?

Album: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill;
Film: Training Day and I enjoy the MCU films;
Novel: Americana by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?

Why do we tell actors to ‘break a leg?’
Because every play has a cast.

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

My great-grand mother, Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, Wole Soyinka, Denzel Washington and Chinua Achebe.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Take your time and enjoy the moments.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I enjoy acting and take part in community theatre and short films.

What is your favourite place?

With my loved ones but also on a beach with a cocktail, good food and music.