DIVA Awards Business Leader of the Year winner has been recognised by Edge Hill University
Getty Images CEO Dawn Airey has been awarded an honorary doctorate in the arts from Edge Hill University in Lancashire, one of the first educational institutions to open its doors to women in the late 1800s.
One of few out lesbians to have experienced success in the boardroom, Airey, who was brought up in Preston, joined award-winning photo agency Getty in 2015, having previously held senior positions at Yahoo, Channel 5, Channel 4, BSkyB and ITV.
It comes hot the heels of the DIVA Awards 2018, where Airey won the PwC Business Leader of the Year award.
In a rousing speech to graduands, Airey said: "Today is where the truly hard work really begins because the world rests on your shoulders, and the world needs educated, imaginative, collaborative, generous, kind people in it."
Wearing the Suffragette colours, she continued: "You've got to go forth in your careers and break new ground. But not just break it; you need to smash it. You need to rip apart the world as we know it to create a more equitable, inclusive and loving society."
Dr John Cater, vice chancellor at Edge Hill University, said: “Once again, the University is privileged to have an exemplary list of honorary graduates, leaders in their fields, joining those who will be awarded their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.”
Radio presenter Janice Long, film director David Yates and Hillsborough campaigner Professor Phil Scraton were also honoured.
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