Meet our student ambassadors
The creative, constructive collaboration between university and community helps our work in Grangetown thrive.
We’re thrilled to be adding four new student ambassadors into this mix who will each bring a passion and unique perspective to our work at Community Gateway.
Naomi Wray, mathematics student
Naomi Wray wants to give back to the city she’s grown to love since moving to Cardiff to study in 2019. As well as being an enthusiastic duathlete (a triathlon-style running and cycling event), she lives with profound hearing loss, wears cochlear implants and is a skilled British Sign Language user. She is passionate about connecting with the deaf community via her work with us.
Sharuha (Shaz) Kumarasamysarma, medical student
Final year student Sharuha (Shaz) Kumarasamysarma is a Sri Lankan Tamil and an active member of the Shri Kalpaga Hindu Culture Association. She dances (at a competitive level), and is passionate about travelling, connecting with others and gaining an appreciation for the different cultures and beliefs around the globe.
I am so looking forward to this role and events like Careers and Role Model Week. I love the idea that I could be a role model to young people in Grangetown. Not only to young people living with hearing loss and their peers, but to others living with a disability. Once you build understanding and awareness across communities, young people start to see what's possible.
Aldridge Takura Nyamowa, computer science student
Postgraduate student Aldridge Takura Nyamowa graduated with an Architectural Engineering degree in 2020. As well as supporting Community Gateway, Aldridge volunteers with the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers to promote the professional development of engineering graduates. He’s been active in student experience work since joining the university and is passionate about creating environments that allow individuals to be the best version of themselves.
Dilani Thevathas, architecture student
Postgraduate student Dilani Thevathas studied Interior Architecture at the University of Westminster in London before moving to Cardiff to join a master’s degree programme in Urban and Regional Development. She brings rich experience in community development to our team, including knowledge gained while working in the Pillgwenlly area of Newport where she grew up and has now founded a community interest company to support local people who want to discover new opportunities and experiences.