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We are proud to announce that Dr Dinusha Weerawardane, Head of Department for Accounting and Finance at Arden University, has been honoured with the ‘Academia and Education Leadership’ award by Women in Management UK. As part of this recognition, she has also been named one of the Top 50 Professional and Career Women in the UK for 2025.
This award celebrates Dinusha’s exceptional leadership and her contribution to advancing higher education. The judging panel commended her perseverance, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence in both teaching and leadership.
Driving innovation and inclusivity
Throughout her career, Dinusha has championed inclusiveness, student achievement, and positive change within the accounting and finance profession. In 2022, she was awarded a UK National Teaching Fellowship by Advance HE for her work promoting inclusivity and championing gender equity in the sector.
Her impact extends globally. As a Global Council Member of ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), Dinusha helps shape global strategy, governance, and oversight for the profession. She also contributes to ACCA’s Global Forum for Education, ensuring finance education remains relevant, accessible, and forward-thinking.
Inspiring future leaders
Reflecting on her award, Dinusha said:
“I am delighted to win the Academia and Education Leadership Award and to be named as one of the UK’s Top 50 Professional and Career Women! I am very passionate about improving student outcomes and social mobility, and it is humbling to know that my leadership in driving this agenda in the higher education sector has been recognised. It’s not just a personal milestone; hopefully this will also be an inspiration to other female leaders, and of course, to my students.” Dinusha’s recognition is not only a personal achievement but also a proud moment for Arden University. Her leadership and dedication continue to inspire staff, students, and colleagues across the sector, reinforcing Arden’s mission to make education more accessible and inclusive for all.
