Gribbon wins top prize at Women in Property 2023 National Student Awards

The awards programme runs regionally each year, when universities are invited to nominate their top female students studying in their second year (third in Scotland) on a built environment degree course.

Gribbon, who is studying at Birmingham City University and is about to start her third year, said: ”This programme has allowed me to reflect on my experiences, grow professionally and gain the confidence to inspire other women in the property industry.

”I am incredibly grateful to the sponsors, judges, Women In Property team and my university for their dedication, commitment and support throughout the process. I look forward to using the opportunity to further develop and champion a diverse workforce in the built environment.

“My highlight has been meeting and learning from the other inspirational finalists and I look forward to many more events as we navigate our careers together.”

Chithra Marsh, national chair of Women in Property and director at Buttress Architects, Manchester said: “This is an amazing achievement for Elsie, who faced stiff competition from her peer group, a talented group of women.

”As an organisation, our focus is on people and developing skills, so we are particularly pleased to honour all the students who took part. Their hard work, dedication and professionalism is a credit to them and great news for the industry.

“Our thanks go to the universities, for their continued support and commitment to the awards. We are grateful to our national sponsors, Amazon, Bouygues UK, Savills and tp bennett, and all our regional sponsors, for supporting the awards and for giving their time to the judging process.”

Francois Bierer, head of EU customer fulfilment, construction, at Amazon and judge of the awards, said: “It is a genuine pleasure to be able to support the National Student Awards this year, the calibre and talent of the students involved are exceptional. Congratulations to the national winner, Elsie Gribbon.”

The judges said of Gribbon:“She stands for change and paving the way for others to follow into the industry. She is professionally eloquent and authentic in her empathetic approach. We need more Elsies in the industry. Empathy is what inspires change. This is all about making a positive difference based on our own life experience’.

Gribbon received a cheque for £1,000 and a trophy, as well as membership of Women in Property.

Gribbon was on of 14 regional nominees questioned on a piece of course work by the judging panel, which also assess their personal skills, professional potential, and understanding of the industry.

The winners are announced at regional awards events before going through to the final in September. They again face a judging panel when they are challenged on topical industry issues.

To date, over 1,500 students have been through the awards programme and this year, 109 students were nominated by lecturers from 53 universities. All participants receive free membership, which includes the option to take up the organisation’s acclaimed mentoring scheme.

The 2024 awards programme is underway, with universities being invited to nominate their top female students for the first round in the judging process.