Susannah Rodgers

Susannah Rodgers MBE is a retired Paralympic swimmer who competed at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, winning six medals at both, including five bronze and a Paralympic gold medal in the 50 meters butterfly event. Susannah also studied modern languages at university prior to her career in sport, achieving a First Class Honours degree in three languages. She has worked for a number of organisations including the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the British Council, working with young people on educational programmes across different countries. She is also currently a non-executive director on two boards in the UK and previously chaired various sub-committees for organisations involved in athlete welfare, safeguarding and funding for young aspiring athletes. She chairs the diversity and inclusion panel for Spirit of 2012, the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games legacy charity, which funds programmes and projects in arts, volunteering, culture and physical activity which promote social cohesion and volunteering in communities in the UK. She is a patron and ambassador of numerous charities including the Marine Conservation Society and has been an ambassador for a variety of companies including Samsung, Zoggs Swimwear and a UK leisure facility provider.

Her interests are diversity, raising awareness globally around disability and empowerment for all. She is an advisor on disability panels as well as speaking publicly at schools, universities and events globally. She is passionate about education, cultural exchange and collaborative working. She was awarded an MBE by her Majesty the Queen in 2017 for services to Paralympic sport.

"Education is key to unlocking opportunities for young people. Life is in itself a lifelong process and journey of learning. Teachers can make a huge impact on the lives of their pupils and influence the course of their lives. These awards are an excellent way to recognise the very often under-valued but crucial role that teachers play in developing future generations. I am honoured to be invited onto the panel of judges."