Delegates
Vanessa Kuvarega
My name is Vanessa, and I am a final-year student about to graduate with an integrated master's degree in biochemistry and molecular medicine this summer. Throughout my time at university, I worked as an online tutor. Although balancing having a part-time job and studying was hard, this taught me to have good time management as well as good communication while teaching my students and keeping regular contact with their parents. Furthermore, I studied a degree I enjoyed, and I also acquired many transferable skills, such as problem-solving, analytical, and presentation abilities, which are important in a job setting. I participated in peer mentoring to assist other students in adjusting to university life, and I have also taken pleasure in collaborating with my peers on group lab projects in order to accomplish shared objectives. In addition to my tutoring job, I held a variety of part-time positions, including two years of employment as a retail assistant at Smiggle and summers spent working as a mental health assistant. I have acquired the ability to interact with a wide variety of individuals, each with a unique personality, in a professional manner. During my final year of university, I also spent a couple of months conducting research in a laboratory, where I learned to be resilient due to several obstacles I encountered and gained numerous laboratory techniques. Attending networking events and engaging in social interactions are all aspects of my life that I find enjoyable. In addition to spending time with my family, I maintain an active lifestyle by attending the gym and swimming with friends on a weekly basis.
Hannah Heavens
Beyond academics, I actively engage in extracurricular activities that enrich my personal and professional development. As a member of the debating society, I refine my critical thinking and public speaking skills, tackling current affairs and enhancing my ability to articulate complex ideas persuasively. In the kickboxing society, I prioritize physical fitness and discipline, mastering self-defense techniques and fostering resilience through rigorous training. Additionally, my involvement in the swimming society promotes teamwork and endurance in a supportive aquatic environment. One of my proudest achievements is having a poem published in a prestigious anthology, which highlights my passion for literature and creative expression. This accomplishment underscores my ability to convey emotions and ideas through writing, motivating me to continue exploring diverse forms of artistic communication.
Olaolu Fayokun
coming soon...
Tami Aina
I consider myself an artist, mainly engaging in sketching and oil painting. I have exhibited my work twice, most recently at the Warwick Africa Summit Charity Showcase where I was able to raise money for the AreaI foundation through selling prints of my work. My other creative outlets include poetry, afro hairstyling and photography, more specifically landscape and portrait photography. I’m currently building my brand TamiFemi which I use to share my creative endeavours with the world. As a black woman, I find it imperative to take interest in sociopolitical matters and was honoured to speak at a panel event hosted by UoN’s Black Sports Collective. I was able to express my dissatisfaction with the negative perceptions still held about afro hair in both a social and professional context and encourage my black peers to embrace natural hair styles. I finished secondary school with 12 GCSEs including 2 grade 9s (a grade 9 in mathematics), 5 grade 8s and 3 grade 7s. I completed the IB Diploma in 2022 with 39 points including 2 grade 7s in Higher Level Art and Economics.
Afolake Odubote
As a versatile professional who has navigated various career fields, combining the skills of a Product Designer, Business Analyst, and Product Owner with a strong foundation in creating user-centric designs, conducting comprehensive business analyses, and driving strategic product development. My academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurial Studies from the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria, and a Master of Science in Business with Business Analytics from Northumbria University, London. My educational journey has equipped me with robust analytical and strategic planning skills, further enhancing my professional capabilities. My passion for continuous learning and community involvement is evident from my role as a Program Representative at Northumbria University, where I facilitate communication between students and faculty and provide support to my colleagues. Beyond my professional and academic achievements, I am an avid advocate for using technology to solve real-world problems and enjoy mentoring junior designers. My interests include exploring innovative design solutions, participating in tech forums, and staying updated with the latest industry trends. My commitment to excellence and dynamic skill set makes me a valuable candidate for the Summer Leadership Programme.
Ayushman Kashyap
I am a 2nd year MEng Chemical Engineering undergraduate at Imperial College London. Alongside my degree, I work at the Hereford Arms to support myself at university and to fuel my passion in wines and spirits. It is for this reason that I am also preparing for the WSET Level 2 wine course. My other plans over summer include research at Imperial College which I’ve been awarded a bursary for, and going back to my high school as a House Assistant. Before Imperial, I was a scholar at Charterhouse where I was a school monitor and achieved straight A*s. I am extremely grateful for that experience having come from Mumbai where I completed the rest of my schooling. My hobbies include tennis and playing the piano.
Samuel Fadairo
I am a committed and ambitious individual who is in my final year of study at Nottingham Trent University pursuing a 2.1 degree in Business Management and Marketing. I excelled in several classes, including International Business and Globalisation and Developing Professional Impact, showcasing my great research skills. Professionally, I have obtained valuable expertise in a variety of roles. As a Market Research Telephone Interviewer for Ipsos, I oversaw projects and managed a team of 30 experts, demonstrating my leadership and communication abilities. My work as a Business Development Manager at ScaleGrid entailed customer outreach and strategy, which honed my abilities to manage customer relationships and generate new acquisitions. In addition to this, I have experience with customer service and telesales, having worked as a Telesales executive at Trade Mastermind and a Customer Service Advisor at Teleperformance. My accomplishments transcend beyond academics and professional experience. I was chosen to compete in the Athletics National Finals in 2016 and the Essex Championship Competition in 2018, demonstrating my dedication and competitive spirit. I also took part in the Black Leadership Programme and contributed to Bright Network's internship experience by starting a project to establish an ecologically friendly website for Quality Street. In my spare time, I enjoy athletics, 5k runs, going to the gym, football, and rollerskating, which represent my love of sports and fitness. I am also interested in creative initiatives and problem solving, and I am working to improve my IT and Microsoft Office skills in order to develop new solutions.
Iqra Mushtaq
Graduating in 2021 marked a significant milestone for me, both personally and professionally, as the first person in my family to earn a medical degree. My lifelong dream of becoming a doctor has driven me to not only excel in medicine but also to engage deeply with my community. I am passionate about volunteering, organizing medical camps, promoting blood donation, and initiating hand cleanliness programs in schools. Celebrating special milestones with orphans underscores my commitment to building relationships and spreading joy. Beyond medicine, my love for cooking led me to create an Instagram feed where I share cooking videos and recipes, which has been warmly received. This hobby allows me to connect with a broader audience and spread culinary joy. An avid badminton player, I believe personal well-being is crucial for making a positive impact. This conviction influences my approach in the surrounding, where I strive to maintain a positive attitude, benefiting both people and colleagues. My journey from a small town to London reflects my dedication to bringing positive change. I am continuously seeking opportunities to lead and serve, aiming to develop my leadership skills to create meaningful change in society. My multifaceted interests and enthusiasm for leadership position me to make a comprehensive impact.
Vivian Uzomba
I received a Jack Petchey Achievement Award in Secondary School. I ran a society at university for 2 years teaching individuals about the Christian faith and how to stay connected to Christ. I graduated earlier this year and delivered a commencement speech encouraging other grads to be daring in their future aspirations. For a year, I was a lead mentor across 2 secondary schools for the Debate Mate Programme, where I taught young kids how to debate confidently, with 1 cohort winning a tournament under my direction. I had the opportunity to learn from the BT x Aleto Winter Programme and realised the value of being courageous and not being frightened of failure. In pursuit of mentorship, I enrolled on the the Aleto Mentorship Programme in collaboration with FSCS, as a mentee, where I learned about the company and the diverse roles they offer. I’m interested in baking and hope to open my own online bakery soon. I’m also interested in event management, and am the assistant to a Wedding Coordinator.
Asa Sekarnusa
Asa, a motivated and multidimensional student, has continually demonstrated the potential to flourish in a variety of professions. With a strong foundation in chemical engineering, Asa graduated cum laude from ITS in four years, demonstrating academic prowess. Undeterred by obstacles, Asa received a coveted merit-based scholarship, the LPDP (Indonesian Government Funded), on their first attempt, clearing the path for their master's degree. This outstanding feat demonstrates their dedication to lifelong study and self-improvement. Despite possessing a chemical engineering degree, Asa has easily transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry, where they currently work in quality and operations management. This professional change demonstrates their adaptability, problem-solving skills, and ability to thrive in challenging circumstances. Aside from their professional pursuits, Asa has a strong interest in using big data analytics into supply chain management, notably demand forecasting. Their passion for harnessing cutting-edge technologies to improve operational efficiency and inform decision-making distinguishes them. When not involved in their professional efforts, Asa finds peace and rejuvenation in their love of badminton. This energetic hobby not only encourages a healthy lifestyle, but it also develops discipline, focus, and a competitive spirit, all of which contribute to their overall success. With a track record of success, adaptability, and an unquenchable appetite for education, Asa is positioned to make a long-term influence in their chosen industries, constantly pushing boundaries and pursuing new vistas.
Eden Lennon
I am a student at the University of Manchester studying Economics and Politics. From GCSEs up to now, I have been a straight A student and now I am on track to get a first-class honours degree and I am looking forward to getting into the world of work after university. I work part-time in a restaurant and as a tutor to fund my living costs at university. I have been working from when I was 16 years old and volunteered at a local youth club for four years before that, through which I received a Jack Petchey Award. I have an interest in economic development and how the development of urban areas like the one I grew up in, can improve living standards for people from poorer backgrounds, without the displacing effects of gentrification. My passion however is for writing. I have been writing from a very young age; when I was younger, I used to write short stories for competitions, some of which were published, currently I write poetry in my spare time. In 2021, I was a part of a student-led initiative, where I contributed to a self-published poetry anthology about mental health. This anthology was created so that the profits which we raised were given to mental health charities in the UK. My passion for writing has developed from short stories to academic research papers, typically about economics, race and politics.
Sami Gickhi
I am co-chair of the #iWill movement, trustee for numerous charities(Young Roots, Manchester City of Sanctuary, Euro Youth Mental Health and Intergenerational England) and a secondary school governor - combined with shaping numerous national campaigns such as ‘Give an X’ and the ‘Big Help Out’. I bring my lived experience of being an asylum seeker and a young person; combined with my spirit for advocacy and campaigning to these spaces to help shape the direction of society to be more inclusive by breaking stigma. I have advocated for those in marginalised demographics through local and national press such as Manchester Evening News, Pollination Radio and the BBC. I have a passion for running - running London marathon last year as a beneficiary of the Running Charity through my struggles with depression - and more recently Edinburgh Marathon to fundraise for Safe Passage International; a charity with its core values aligning deeply with mine. I have a dream to make a difference, to understand the intertwined nature if our world to champion the unheard voices of today; to give them a platform tomorrow!
Akueba Efunshile
My love for gallery visits, old school music, sculpting, herbal tea, and haircare, alongside my love for family and friends, reflect my vibrant and multifaceted background. One of my proudest achievements was securing a fully funded internship with Festival Lab 2023, focused on elevating ethnic minorities in the production industry. The internship's nine weeks of intense classes featured guest directors from major UK festivals who emphasized the urgency of diversifying their teams. This inspired me to excel in these spaces, and I gained valuable experience during my 10-day work placement with Glastonbury Festival 2023. I travelled and camped alone for seven days, working daily with the production design team on tasks like set designing the 'Shangri-La' stage, graphic design, and painting, while also networking and maintaining my mental health. I then had the opportunity to work at Secret Garden Party Festival, where I set designed for a few days and then managed DJ stages, supported artists, and ensured smooth operations. Another highlight was my fully funded study abroad experience at Aalto University in Finland, where I took a two-week design course. This international exposure allowed me to connect with diverse creatives and reinforced the importance of seizing every opportunity. These experiences have shaped my understanding of the power of diversity and the need for resilience in navigating and excelling in the production design field.
Choice Okunwa
I am an LLB in Law graduate and an LLM in Law and Social Justice postgraduate. My interest in law derives from being exposed to injustices in my surroundings and since I am an individual who likes to set things right I found studying law enjoyable. Apart from law, I am a very active person, I like to keep my body moving every time. I am an active runner doing 10k onwards some days during the week. Once a week I attend swimming lessons for beginners since I wasn't pushed hard enough to learn but I am taking the opportunity to do it now. Moreover, I am a beginner scriptwriter, I write every night before bedtime and I am currently writing a full 92 page script with the goal of showcasing it to an agent. I aspire to become a lawyer, but not just a lawyer that works for clients, I want to be seen as a black woman lawyer that wants the world to be corrected, that is why I would like to become an advocate towards situations that needs awareness, such as the lack of governmental action in bettering the lives of those in lower class, not only in the United Kingdom, but also in my birth country, Nigeria which needs a massive improvement in becoming the greatest nation in Africa not only for its oil but for its strictness in sticking to the principles of the Rule of Law.
Barbara Uzoigwe
I am a passionate and driven individual, with a keen interest in the media and tech industries. I thrive of being in an environment where I am constantly learning and experiencing new things. Upon completing my degree in Journalism, I knew I wanted to work and be a part of the media industry. My interests span a wide range of creativity. I have a deep passion for storytelling, which I express through writing and digital content creation. I enjoy exploring new technologies and their applications in media, particularly in areas such as digital marketing, social media strategy, and multimedia production. In my free time, I love photography, graphic design, and writing film reviews, and I'm always eager to learn and experiment with new tools and techniques. Additionally, I am an avid reader, with a particular interest in poetry. My goal is to leverage my skills and experiences to make a meaningful impact in the media industry, I dream of creating pieces of content that moves and inspires people and I am interested in roles that allow me to delve into my creativity. I am eager to continue learning, growing, and contributing to projects that drive positive change and innovation.
Felix Licuco
I'm Felix Licuco, an aspiring financial analyst currently pursuing an MSc in International Management at Imperial College London, specializing in finance and MBA electives. Before this, I earned my BSc in Financial and Business Economics with First Class Honours from Royal Holloway, University of London, where I excelled in modules like Econometrics and Game Theory. Professionally, I have a keen interest in the intersection of finance and technology, having gained valuable experience as a part-time Research Analyst at Welbush DMCC in Dubai, where I managed a significant equity and fixed-income portfolio and developed quantitative investment models. I also held an associate position at VBC Corporation in Mozambique, enhancing operational efficiencies and financial strategies in sectors ranging from construction to IT. Outside the office, I am committed to giving back to the community, which led me to establish the Licuco Foundation. Through the foundation, I've managed to construct water wells in Mozambique, providing essential resources to underserved communities. This initiative is among my proudest achievements, demonstrating my dedication to social responsibility alongside my professional endeavors. My hobbies include playing football, where I've taken on the role of team captain at various educational institutions. I also enjoy engaging in societies related to my interests in art, computing, and economics, which allows me to blend my analytical skills with my creative passions. I'm eager to leverage my analytical acumen and diverse experiences to drive successful outcomes in dynamic, challenging environments in the finance sector
Michael Bogdan
I'm interested in a wide range of things. I am interested in politics, infrastructure and sport. I quite enjoy public speaking and speak at schools to inspire the younger generation. Currently I am completing a 12 month industrial placement in civil engineering and prior to that I did a 3 month internship at tier 1 civil engineering firm.
Grace Yusuff
I'm a product manager with extensive experience in B2B, SaaS, platform growth, and web/mobile applications. I've had the pleasure of working on a variety of impactful products, from brainstorming innovative ideas to launching solutions used by over 24 million users worldwide. What sets me apart is my unique journey from Professional Services to product management. This transition has given me a distinctive, out-of-the-box perspective that I bring to every project. I also share this perspective with my mentees as a student and early career mentor, and with my audience as a tech and early careers enthusiast. I’m endlessly curious and passionate about taking on new challenges, solving problems, and sharing my insights. Whether diving into innovative projects or exploring new knowledge avenues, I'm always ready for the next adventure!
Joelle Gouede
I'm a 21-year-old second-year university student with a deep passion for music and songwriting. This creative pursuit has been a significant part of my life, providing me with an outlet for expression and a way to connect with others through the universal language of music. Beyond my musical interests, I am driven by a strong desire to help reduce global inequalities, particularly in healthcare. I am passionate about advocating for equal access to quality healthcare and am committed to contributing to solutions that address these disparities. In addition to my academic and personal interests, I have actively participated in leadership roles within my university community. For the past two years, I have served as a Women's Leader in our university society, where I've had the privilege of supporting and empowering my peers, organizing events, and advocating for gender equality on campus. I am also intrigued by the technology industry and eager to explore how I can integrate my degree knowledge with tech innovations. I believe that by bridging these areas, I can contribute to developing solutions that not only advance technology but also address critical issues like healthcare inequalities. Combining my passion for music, commitment to social justice, and interest in technology, I am motivated to make a positive impact both within my community and globally. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to contributing to meaningful change through my diverse interests and experiences.
Grace Ogbureke
I am interested in travelling, diverse cuisine and photography. I enjoy consuming information and watching programmes on how different cultures and histories shape the people we are today and how different ethnic groups interact. In terms of achievements, I am proud to have completed my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award, been elected as the new General Secretary for the University of Nottingham’s African and Caribbean Society and have been selected to be a part of the National Grid’s summer Job Insight Programme.
Baileigh Cordice
I love making music and making small documentaries. I used to play football for Tottenham and Wales as a teenager, I currently work as a Product Manager at Expedia, and graduated last year with a degree in Computer Science and Maths from Loughborough
Samson Adeola
Energetic and dedicated professional equipped with a comprehensive skill set from internships and roles at esteemed organizations, including Sony, Ernest Young, the Ministry of Justice, and the 90s Baby Show podcast. As a passionate photographer, I have captured a diverse range of events, from corporate functions for Sony to intimate personal weddings. During my time at university, I achieved a 2.1 degree in Media, Communication, Sociology, and Quantitative Methods, proudly becoming the first in my family to attend university. While studying, I had the privilege of serving as the President of the African Caribbean Society for three years. Under my leadership, I successfully revitalized the society, increasing membership by 300% and significantly enhancing community engagement. In addition to my academic and extracurricular achievements, I am a CMI-qualified Level 2 Team Leader achieved during my internship at Ernest Young. In 2019, I was honored with the Hackney Sports Leaders Award for my contributions as a female basketball team coach. Beyond my professional and academic pursuits, I actively foster creativity and leadership through a recently initiated Dungeons & Dragons campaign. As the Dungeon Master for a group of players from ethnic minority backgrounds, I craft inclusive narratives and manage complex scenarios. This role has further developed my skills in storytelling, strategic planning, and community building.
Ash Kasobya
I am Ash Kasobya, currently working at MBDA as a degree apprentice. A key interest of mine is hosting events and conferences discussing intersectionality and inclusion within the workplaces, for example in 2023 I co-organised a conference regarding the past and future of race within the UK manufacturing sphere, which was attended by 250 people. Additionally, I enjoy giving back to my community by acting as an ambassador/volunteer for different post-16 routes, which BAME are often unaware of. Currently I am a career ambassador for my old secondary school whereby I come in once a quarter to give talks and advice to parents and students about beginning a professional career. Apprenticeships remain quite taboo within BAME community and I have been a speaker at an array of webinars and in-person events, where I am trying to educate parents on how to support their children embarking on alternative routes. Recently, I did a virtual presentation to 150 employers and parents about how they can better support young students/employees by using inclusion and allyship tactics. Due to my advocacy efforts, I won Apprentice of the Year at the LGBTQ+ Defence Awards and the Multicultural Apprentice Awards in 2023. Another achievement for me in 2023 was winning an academic achievement award due to me maintaining a 90% GPA during my degree. Another key achievement of mine is being the first UK employee to be seconded to my organisation’s Spanish office and being the first apprentice to be relocated to Paris in 2023.
Malcom Kazimil
I enjoy spending time with my friends, our time can be spent going on hikes, cooking dinner together, or going on an adventure. I find peace in reading philosophy books, as I find humans very interesting, and I would like to be a beacon of change in my community. On an individual perspective, I enjoy track and field and gym workouts as they push me beyond my limits and build discipline. I have been able to captain the Tanzanian U-20 athletics team in 2023 East African regional games. I enjoy being a beacon of change and hope in my community, I love community service. I have been able to support over 100 primary school students through tutoring and inspired over 80 fellow teenagers to make change in our community through founding a community service organization that does different citizenship projects every summer in Tanzania. I love being a leader and taking people with me, I believe that to live a memorable life one needs to give back and inspire others. I am grateful that I was recognized by over 7000 students at the university of Bristol as among the 50 most influential people in the year 2023-2024.