Business innovator awarded Honorary Doctorate by University

The founder of a project to support students and help them to build better lives has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Bolton.

Rasha Saïd was awarded a Doctor of Business Administration for her outstanding contribution to business innovation.

Ms Said, founder of The Toucan Project and Co-Chair of the Saïd Foundation, said: “I am truly overwhelmed with gratitude and honoured to be recognised in this way.

“I would like to pay tribute to the University of Bolton for creativity in hosting this remarkable graduation ceremony.

“Together we truly are better.”

Ms Said received the award in a unique Covid-secure ceremony which was filmed for a special movie documenting this year’s innovative ‘Alternative Graduation’.

The University is one of the only ones in the UK to have invited graduands from this year and last to be presented with their degrees in person and their gowns, giving them the chance to have official photographs of their special day.

Ms Said studied Psychiatry and Cognitive Science at Brown University, followed by further education at both Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

She started her career at Condé Nast Publications and went on to work at Christie’s.

After spotting a gap in the market for a way to help creatives get their businesses in front of influential business luminaries, Toucan was born.

She also sits on the board of the Oxford Business School as well as the Oxford Global Leadership Council, The Oxford Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, HelloGenius and is a Founding Ambassador on the Prince's Trust #WomenSupportingWomen Council, also working closely with both Save The Children and the International Rescue Committee.