In honour of Women’s History Month, The River is taking the opportunity to shine a light on the inspirational women who have studied at Kingston University.
These incredible women motivate and inspire to work hard and dream big. Here are some of KU’s most successful female alumni.
Nelly Attar
Nelly Attar, 36, completed her MA at Kingston in psychology before switching her focus to sports in 2017. Since becoming a mountaineer, Attar has become the first Arab woman to summit K2, also having ascended Kilimanjaro, Matterhorn and Mount Everest. In May 2025, she became the first woman to scale Kanchenjunga. “I move for a living” is her slogan. In 2026, Attar continues to climb, train, motivate and share her story with others.
Tabitha Simmons
Tabitha Simmons, 55, is a British fashion designer, mother of three and former film and set design student at KU. When it comes to the world of fashion – she’s done it all: modelling, styling runway looks, creating jewellery lines and contributing as fashion editor and director for magazines such as American Vogue. Having collaborated with the biggest names in fashion, including Alexander McQueen and Dolce&Gabbana, she launched her own footwear line in 2009 and continues to contribute her signature directional style to the world of fashion. If Simmons has taught us anything, it’s that women truly can do it all.
Marion Shoard
Marion Shoard, 76, is a British author and environmental activist. She has degrees from Kent, St Hilda’s College and Kingston University, having studied zoology and town and country planning. Throughout her career, Shoard has written multiple books, tackling environmental issues, rural matters and the difficulties that people face later in life. She currently appears as a speaker on various podcasts and gives lectures about “outdoor recreation provision and access to the countryside”. Shoard is a role model for all writers and activists out there, having written articles for The Times, Guardian and taken part in multiple TV programmes, such as Women’s Hour, Panorama and many more.