Dain Robinson, an alumna of the Biochemistry BSc Honours course, has been recognised in edie’s 30 Under 30 Class of 2023 for her work as Head of Sustainability at New West End Company.
Edie is a sustainability-focused media brand for businesses. Its annual 30 Under 30 initiative highlights talented professionals in the sustainability and net-zero sector. As Head of Sustainability at the New West End Company, a business partnership of more than 600 London-based organisations across London’s West End, Bond Street, Oxford Street and Regent Street, Dain Robinson was recognised for spearheading initiatives to build a more sustainable district.
Nominees for the edie annual 30 Under 30 list are selected by a panel of independent judges. This recognition provides an opportunity to network with each other, share ideas and gain industry recognition. Newly selected 30 Under 30 members attend a launch party and photoshoot in London, are interviewed in an editorial profile on the edie website and have access to specialised networking and event opportunities throughout the year.
In her interview with edie, Dain said: “Higher Education was never in my life plan, but I managed to get a place through clearing at the University of Westminster to study Biochemistry. It was during my studies that I was introduced to the concept of sustainability through a lecture on plant conservation by an amazing lecturer, Niki Lawrence, which was the moment I knew this is what I wanted to do with my life.
“This was a big turning point for me as I found this burning passion and confidence. I set up the University’s student Environmental Society which led to my first role in operational sustainability on a part-time basis. This became my entry point into a career in Sustainability. Since then, I have worked across public and private sector organisations to support values-driven change towards a more sustainable future.”
Dain Robinson led the student Environmental Society at the University of Westminster for two years as President, running various campaigns and initiatives to increase sustainability and provide opportunities for fellow students. After graduating and working in a sustainability role with Aramark Northern Europe as the business’ first Corporate Social Responsibility Ambassador, Dain returned to the University of Westminster as a Sustainable Development Goals Coordinator to embed the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals into the policies, strategies and action plans of nearly all stakeholder groups and departments across all seniority levels within the University.
Dain Robinson said: “It has been a real honour to be selected onto edie’s 30 Under 30 list alongside such talented individuals. I never imagined I would be where I am today back when I was a student at the University of Westminster. It is a fact that I would not be here if not for the University, so everyday I feel grateful and extremely lucky that I got to grow into an adult and the professional that I am today because of the amazing staff at the University who inspired me. The University of Westminster will always occupy a huge place in my heart.”
Dain Robinson’s work directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: Partnership for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about sustainability at Westminster from the University's Sustainable Development Goals Report.
