Harnessing the power of social media to make a difference – Vee Kativhu

Vee Kativhu was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University in 2024 in recognition of the significant impact she has made to the inclusion of underrepresented groups in higher education, and her outstanding contribution to diversity and female empowerment.

At only 26 years old Vee has amassed a very impressive list of accomplishments including being one of the youngest individuals to be awarded an Honorary Degree from the University, a graduate of both Oxford and Harvard University, a Young Leader for the Sustainable Development Goals at the United Nations, one of BBC’s 100 Women 2023 and a successful social media influencer (Dr. Vee Kativhu on YouTube).

Through her charity ‘Empowered by Vee’, she predominantly focuses on widening access to education for students from underrepresented, underserved, and underprivileged backgrounds while elevating youth voices in institutions and decision processes that directly impact their lives.

Vee’s expertise in digital storytelling and brand building offered a fantastic opportunity for students to gain first-hand knowledge of the industry and a deeper understanding of how to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Rachel Shrimpton, Associate Dean - Global, Business and Community Engagement

How we work together

Keen to strengthen her connection with the University of Bradford, Vee jumped at the chance to support our student’s experience by delivering a guest lecture as part of the Digital and Social Media Marketing module. Vee shared her knowledge and expertise on digital storytelling and brand building, and how it can be used to change the world for the greater good. Vee shared her return to campus to her 100,000’s of followers on her Instagram account and Vee’s guest lecture was also covered in our news article 'From meeting the King to back in Bradford for Vee'. 

Meeting Vee was amazing. I follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn and she’s such an inspiration. Everything that she does is related to helping others.

Hawa Kandeh, Second Year BSc (Hons) Business and Management Studies

Following her guest lecture, Vee met with the Dean of the Faculty of Management, Law and Social Sciences, and other senior faculty members to explore future opportunities to return to Bradford and support the learning and teaching experience of our students. 

Since receiving her award in 2024, Vee has been a great ambassador and champion of the University, regularly sharing content about her Honorary Award and supporting our national reputation brand campaign, ‘Different is what we do’,  by connecting her own journey of making unachievable achievable with our commitment towards improving social mobility.  

Being back in Bradford to come give a guest lecture to other students is a full circle moment. It challenged me as it was out of my comfort zone. The University of Bradford has a close place in my heart.

Vee Kativhu, Doctor of the University 2024

Find out more about the University's Honorary Award Recipient programme.