Laura Steward
A leading specialist who is helping to shape dementia care across the sector has been named a winner of the Rising Star Award at the inaugural University of Worcester Alumni Awards.
Laura Steward, who completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Dementia Studies at the University of Worcester between 2020 and 2022, was recognised for her rapid career progression and commitment to improving the lives of people living with dementia.
Since graduating, Laura has moved into a series of senior leadership roles in dementia care. She progressed from Dementia Development Lead to Head of Dementia Development, where she led strategy for dementia care education within a large care provider, supporting, training and mentoring more than 40 dementia ambassadors to drive improvements in care and outcomes for residents. She has since taken up the role of Head of Dementia and Lifestyle with another care provider.
Throughout her career, Laura has focused on promoting best practice in dementia care, supporting frontline teams and helping organisations deliver meaningful, person-centred care for people living with dementia.
“It is a huge honour to be selected as the winner and to be recognised for the contributions that I have made in the field since graduating,” she said. “I certainly didn’t expect to win and was over the moon to have received the nomination.”
Looking back on her studies at Worcester, Laura credits the University with giving her both the knowledge and confidence to advance her career and make a lasting difference in dementia care.
“My studies cemented what I knew to be good practice and gave me the tools to think more strategically around delivering meaningful care,” she said. “It gave me the confidence and determination to make lives better for people with dementia who live in care, and also to support the team who deliver care every day.”
She also remembers the people she met during her time at the University as one of the highlights of the experience.
“I met some fantastic people during my time at Worcester, with some becoming colleagues and friends over the last few years,” she said.
The inaugural University of Worcester Alumni Awards celebrate graduates who are making a significant impact in their professions and communities.