Student to Leader: How Saffia Solomon’s Journey of Empowerment was Shaped by Newcastle University
By Jasmine Quinn
26 March 2025
An interview with Saffia Solomon (BA Hons Geography, 2016), by student Jasmine Quinn
Student to Leader: How Saffia Solomon’s journey of empowerment was shaped by Newcastle University
For Saffia Solomon, Newcastle University was more than an institution; it was the foundation of her journey toward empowerment, community and leadership. Transforming from a nervous fresher into a passionate advocate, the values she embraced during her time at university continue to shape her mission. Saffia proudly credits her personal values for driving her commitment. “You grow through helping others,” she says, “that’s what makes the world go round.”
Newcastle University: The beginning
Arriving as a nervous, emotional 18-year-old, Saffia was overwhelmed by leaving home. A warm welcome from the Newcastle University Freshers’ crew eased her nerves as she embarked on a journey that would carry her through her studies, whilst forming an enduring connection to the University.
Each year, Saffia returned to Freshers' Crew to help other lost students feel at home. “I kind of followed this cohort of people,” she says “the most charismatic, fun, and yet serious people, dedicated to supporting students.”
Through fancy dress and constant laughter, Saffia forged lasting bonds. “It was about feeling like I belonged, that I had a role to play in someone else’s university journey.” she said, reminiscing on snapped IKEA handles and navigating the streets of an unknown city.
Her advice to new students? “Just say yes. Newcastle has so much to offer, you never know what you might find.” she says.
Early Career: Shaping futures
Graduating in 2016, Saffia dedicated her career to supporting roles. “I’ve always felt energised by working with people”, Saffia says. Her passion stemming from a desire to make a difference, strengthened by the human geography modules she studied at Newcastle. She beams whilst saying “being able to see the positive impact you have on people is what pushes you.”
Her journey in education spans every stage from early years to university level. Inspired by an empathetic year two teacher, who left a profound impact on seven-year-old Saffia, and Newcastle University tutors whom Saffia felt a “kinship” with, only encouraged her more.
“The reality is, we were all children once,” she said. Saffia wanted to be the change in education, “we know what it is like to be both praised and misunderstood.” She says “If you can bring that vulnerability into leadership, it makes you a better leader.”
Third Sector: Continuing support
TeachFirst’s Leadership Development Program, within the third sector, resonated with Saffia due to a focus on the socioeconomically deprived youth. “This one struck me because it was supporting the kids who had the least,” she says, inspired by the program’s drive to create change.
This program highlights the significance of educators, especially for children who lacked support at home. You need to be “social workers, teachers, counsellors and skilled listeners,” said Saffia.
Growing up in poverty herself, Saffia sees this as a personal passion, she says “I fundamentally believe everyone can grow and shine with the right nurture…if you grow up in poverty, you just need more of it.”
This belief led her to the Children North East charity addressing child poverty in a very prominent area. “The North East, unfortunately, wins the bronze” in national child poverty, Saffia says, outlining the importance of the charity and her work.
Being the change
Saffia’s commitment to empowering young people extended through the #iwill campaign. Her project was designed to support primary students transition into secondary schools. Organising team-building exercises gave students an environment to bond and grow, away from the pressures of school.
She says, laughing, “one year 5 kid pushed me off a paddleboard into a muddy lake, it was probably the highlight of their day.” Moments like these, she believes, have a lasting impact on children’s confidence as they navigate new environments, much like she once did as a first-year in university.
Knowing that every moment can contribute to growth and sense of belonging, seeing children take on similar journeys to that of her own, makes all the planning truly worth it.
“Be willing to try anything,” Saffia says as she provides advice for young professionals and students eyeing a future in the third sector. Though choosing an area you’re passionate about makes the work fulfilling. The third sector “is filled with empathy, shared values, and a deep commitment to making a difference,” says Saffia. Everyone is in it together.
Back to the Toon
When asked how it feels to stay connected to Newcastle University through the alumni newsletter, Saffia’s pride shines through. “I belong to a group of alumni making waves in the world,” she says “it’s a reminder – I graduated from there.”
Whether actively reading or catching a glance between full-time work and volunteering, it brings back that warm feeling of accomplishment. She said that the “chance to give back and support” is such a significant opportunity, showing just how much Newcastle University still means to her.
As Saffia reflects on her journey, she underscores the magnitude of community in her life. Empowerment isn’t just about personal growth; it’s about lifting others. She says “I hope to inspire the next generation of students to find their place, just as I did at Newcastle.”
Alumni volunteers face a grilling from current PR students
Members of our alumni community recently sat in the hot seat for quick-fire interviews with current Global PR students on campus.