Born on the Mediterranean coast in Algeria, Naila came to Corpus after she received a scholarship to study Computer Science at Cambridge. “Corpus was my preferred choice due to its academic excellence, prestigious reputation, and the opportunity to reside onsite – an opportunity I couldn’t pass up!

“My fondest memories of Corpus revolve around the rich social life and extracurricular activities I immersed myself in during my time there. I even tried my hand at rowing, although the early mornings were quite a challenge! I have particularly fond recollections of the lively quiz nights at College.

“I also cherished the memories of the various Burns Night celebrations and Ceilidhs, and of course, the annual Corpus May Ball which was always a highlight, with its elegance, revelry, and the opportunity to let loose after exams.”

Naila also looks back fondly on the people she met during her time at College, in particular the kindness shown to her midway through her studies when her scholarship was unexpectedly terminated.

“With no immediate family in the UK, when I lost my financial support due to circumstances outside of my control, the future of my academic journey looked uncertain. However, the staff at Corpus showed remarkable compassion and understanding, awarding me a hardship fund. This crucial financial assistance enabled me to continue my education at Cambridge without interruption and ultimately pursue my PhD at Oxford and have a successful career.

“The support was truly life-changing, and I will forever be grateful for the kindness and commitment to ensuring I had the opportunity to pursue my goals.”

Naila says her experience has instilled in her a deep appreciation for the transformative power of education and the importance of supporting students in need.

“I actively seek opportunities to give back to Corpus and other institutions and implore others, who can, to do so, knowing firsthand how such acts of generosity can deeply impact someone's life trajectory.

“My experience profoundly shaped my approach, both professionally and personally. I am driven to pay forward the support I received by actively mentoring and giving back to younger generations, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds similar to my own.”

On leaving Corpus Naila pursued a PhD (DPhil) at the University of Oxford, where she started her career in academia as a lecturer and researcher, publishing several papers. Driven by an interest in community work and politics, she later spent time at the House of Commons before transitioning into financial services and joining the Deloitte Strategy and Operations practice, advising various tier 1 banks and smaller financial institutions globally. Subsequently, she joined HSBC where she held several leadership roles, including Global COO for Wealth and Personal Banking Operations, and most recently, Global COO for Wealth Products and Platforms, spanning over 38 markets.