Purple Plaque Unveiled to Celebrate Award-Winning Alumna Beth Kume-Holland

NEWS |

Beth Kume-Holland (2013, History), alumna and award-winning disability advocate, returned to Pembroke earlier this week to unveil a new plaque celebrating her achievements.

Beth was awarded a prestigious Women in Innovation Award in 2024 by Innovate UK, celebrating her work as Founder and CEO of Patchwork Hub, a disabled-led social enterprise. Purple plaques commemorating the achievements of women like Beth have been unveiled in a number of schools and colleges around the UK, and we are honoured to have Beth’s here at Pembroke. The plaque now hangs proudly in Farthings Café, a place Beth knew well during her own time studying History here as an undergraduate.

Beth surrounded by her parents, partner, a Pembroke student, and her old tutor in front of the plaque

 

Beth is an award-winning entrepreneur, Harvard Kennedy Scholar and the founder and CEO of Patchwork Hub, an inclusive employment platform. Named multiple times as one of the 100 most influential disabled people in the UK by Shaw Trust, Beth is a passionate advocate for disability inclusion, and is being recognised for her work across business, government and the third sector to drive change around work, health and disability.

On Monday 27th January we welcomed Beth and her family back to Pembroke to celebrate with Fellows, staff and students. Remembering Beth’s undergraduate days, Academic Director Nicholas Cole recalled the drive and ambition she exhibited as a student, before remarking on and thanking Beth for the role model she has now become for generations of Pembrokians. After Sarah Bruce-White, representing Innovate UK, had added her warm congratulations, Beth shared some of her own story. 

Beth Kume-Holland and Nicholas Cole

Beth with Dr Nicholas Cole, Academic Director

The decision to display the plaque in College, Beth explained, was not only testament to the impact of Pembroke on her subsequent career, but a reflection of her gratitude to the individuals who supported her throughout her time here. She gave special thanks to her tutor, Professor Stephen Tuck, and Lodge Manager Roger Charles, highlighting their unwavering support as she navigated the challenges of completing her studies with undiagnosed conditions and disabilities. Beth also remembered former Porter Rose Gough, who sadly died in September 2023, but whose warmth, friendship and support were so important.

Porter Roger Charles, Beth, Professor Stephen Tuck

Roger Charles, Beth Kume-Holland, and Professor Stephen Tuck

In her speech, Beth remarked of the day’s significance by the fact that to-date, only 13% of blue plaques across the UK have been awarded to women, and less than 1% to disabled people.

Hung in Farthings Café, Beth’s purple plaque will be visible to students, staff, alumni and visitors of the College. We hope in particular that its prominent location will serve to encourage current and future female and disabled students who pass through our doors. 

We are incredibly proud of Beth and her achievements, and delighted to be able to recognise them in this way.

Beth stood beneath the purple plaque on the wall; next to a close up of the plaque