Headshot of Haris Kiani smiling to camera with beard wearing suit

Doctor of the University

A successful champion of social mobility opportunities for young people.

While growing up in London, Haris Kiani decided to dedicate himself to social mobility for other young people. He focuses particularly on those who, like him, come from low-income backgrounds and underrepresented communities.

Aged 16, Haris started his own social enterprise. Jaago is a micro-financing fund in Pakistan, which gives women from marginalised communities the means and support to start their own businesses. To date, Jaago has supported over 500 women from disadvantaged areas.

Haris also helped to establish Bubl, which operates both as a digital platform and a physical venture studio based in Pearson College, London. Bubl is designed to support and grow entrepreneurs, student projects and start-ups that aim to make a difference to the community.

Haris is a board member and trustee for multiple organisations, including Greater London Authority Young People’s Recovery Mission, EY Foundation, the V&A Museum, the Mayor’s Fund for London and Pearson PLC. He has helped to lead fundraising appeals for charity which have collectively raised over £500,000.