Jane Knight, the founder of a career advisory business in Bromley, has recently been honored with the 2024 Mayor of London Adult Learning Award for her outstanding work in adult education. Her business, Successful Mums Careers Academy, has been instrumental in helping over 10,000 women gain confidence and re-enter the workforce or start their own businesses after having children.
Jane’s dedication and impact have been recognized among 329 nominations, showcasing individuals and organizations making a positive difference in London’s education sector. The prestigious awards, initiated by Mayor Sadiq Khan in 2022, celebrated Jane’s achievements at a ceremony held at City Hall, where she was joined by family, friends, and leaders in education and skills.
The event featured a moving video tribute highlighting the transformative work of Successful Mums, emphasizing the skills, confidence, and career opportunities it has provided to thousands of women. Jane, a 51-year-old mother from Bromley, expressed her gratitude for the award, especially as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of Successful Mums Career Academy.
Successful Mums offers funded courses, webinars, and events tailored to address common challenges faced by mothers, such as confidence issues, career guidance, and childcare. These programs focus on highlighting the transferable skills that women bring to the workplace and are designed by mothers for mothers, covering topics like digital skills, CV support, and personal branding.
In addition to supporting women from diverse backgrounds, including those over 50 and domestic violence survivors, Jane has established a network of over 500 employers eager to hire skilled women returners, contributing to bridging the skills gap in the economy.
Jane emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for mothers to enhance their careers and drive social mobility across the capital. She expressed pride in the positive impact Successful Mums has had on numerous women returners and their families, emphasizing the value of the funded courses, career pathways, and community support offered by the academy.
During the awards ceremony, a special tribute was paid to Alkarim Haji, a Successful Mums graduate from Bexley who was posthumously awarded the title of Inspirational Adult Learner of the Year. Alkarim, a father-of-two who passed away at 62, had transformed his life through the academy, earning multiple qualifications and launching a self-defense business to empower women in managing aggressive situations.
Jane described Alkarim’s journey as one of extraordinary courage and determination, illustrating how personal challenges can be turned into opportunities for growth. His family accepted the award on his behalf, a moment that was both proud and profoundly moving for Jane and the entire community.
For those interested in learning more about Successful Mums or enrolling in a course, additional information can be found on their website at www.successfulmums.co.uk. Jane Knight’s recognition and the impact of her academy serve as a testament to the importance of empowering mothers and creating opportunities for women to thrive in their careers and personal lives.
