Shana Begum

Inspirational Shana Begum, a survivor of domestic abuse, is a shining example of overcoming the odds to make a positive difference in her community. The neurodivergent mum of three recently completed her Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) and is now a Domestic Abuse Strategic Lead and winner of a national True Honour award thanks to her dedicated work helping victims of abuse.

Returning to study a decade later

Shana had a challenging upbringing. Born into a family where domestic abuse was the norm, she spent many of her early years trying to survive home life, leading to poor grades at school and then having to withdraw from her degree.

Ten years later, Shana made the brave decision to return to study. Encouraged by her manager, she pushed past her niggling self-doubt and embarked upon the OU’s Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA). 

Juggling a full-time job and two small children, Shana admits her full-time studies presented challenges. She said: “My struggles with organisation often turned weekends into frantic study sessions that I carried with me to family holidays. At times, my brain felt like a Ferrari without brakes; powerful, yet difficult to control.”

The environment fostered by the OU has been instrumental in my growth.

Just as Shana was beginning to find her stride, she found out she was expecting her third child. 

“The joyful news of a new addition to my family meant I needed to pause my studies for six months. However, even during this ‘study break’, I often brought my baby along to conferences and events, showing how persistence and dedication can shine amid chaos.”

Then, after resuming her studies, Shana received a diagnosis of ADHD in addition to her dyslexia. Although it was initially difficult to digest, Shana says the news eventually brought her clarity and new-found strength in her individuality.

“It explained so much about my experiences and how I perceive the world. The OU embraced my journey of diagnosis, providing compassion and understanding, and showing me that my neurodivergent traits were not limitations but facets of my unique identity. Much of my learning about inclusive leadership helped me fully accept myself and improve how I show up for others within my team.”

“The OU facilitates learning wherever you are, at any time of the day or night, perfect for my neurodivergent, busy, full-time working mum life. Incredible mentors, like my Practice Tutor Christine Prudhoe, empowered me to recognise my potential when I felt lost.”

Reflecting on her journey and lessons learned

Determined to complete her degree this time, and armed with a new-found confidence, Shana graduated in 2025 - including a first in a BA (Hons) in Management Practice and achieving a distinction in her end-point assessment (EPA) - and credits the OU for supporting her journey.

“The OU helped me navigate academic and personal challenges, complete my modules and get over the line. There were many moments of self-doubt, which I realise now are part of the process.

I am grateful for the OU’s commitment to supporting neurodivergent learners. It is an institution which values diversity and recognises the unique contributions of every learner, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking to further their education.

“Throughout this process, I have learned profound lessons about resilience, curiosity and critical thinking. The OU cultivates an environment where every learner can thrive, teaching me that growth often emerges from navigating challenges. Each experience has been a stepping stone to greater understanding.”

A message to others

Shana has been promoted to Domestic Abuse Strategic Lead, combining her strategic leadership skills and lived experience of domestic abuse to help others. She founded ‘St Helens The Best Me’ community interest company (CIC), an organisation that supports people who have experienced trauma.

In 2024, Shana was also one of 50 domestic abuse survivors to share her story for the SafeLives ‘I Am' project’, where she met Queen Camilla.

In celebrating my academic achievements, I want to serve as a beacon of hope for others. If a neurodivergent lone parent with three children and a demanding full-time job can learn and obtain a degree, anyone can seize the opportunity to become the best version of themselves through the OU.

“To anyone unsure of embarking on such a journey, it may be challenging but, with determination and support from the OU, we can all achieve what we believed was impossible.”