Alma Aganovic

I was genuinely surprised and very grateful to hear that I had been nominated for these awards. I never go to work expecting recognition or an award. I simply want to do a good job, make a positive difference and feel that the time and energy I put into my work is worthwhile. To be nominated is a real privilege, and something I feel very fortunate about. Thank you! I've always believed that where you start in life doesn't have to determine where you end up. I came to Birmingham from war-torn Bosnia when I was 17, and education gave me the opportunity to rebuild my life and create a future for myself. I've never forgotten that, and it's a big part of what drives me. I feel incredibly fortunate to have built a career doing something I believe in, in a city that has given me so much. I'm ambitious and care deeply about doing a good job, but ultimately what matters most is making a positive difference to the people I work with, the students whose futures we help shape and the wider community. I hope I can give something back to the city and education system that gave me so much.