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Alumni

Alumni stories

Discover fascinating stories from our alumni community. Read about their impact and achievements, helping to shape the world and the lives of people around them.

My Womentoring experience – Joanna Dougherty (BScEcon 2017)

My Womentoring experience – Joanna Dougherty (BScEcon 2017)

29 May 2024

Joanna took part in our 2024 Womentoring scheme which saw 24 mentors and 60 mentees matched. She was paired with Natalie Atkinson (BSc 2018) Assistant Planning and Development Manager at YTL Developments (UK) Ltd. and shares her experiences of being a mentor on the programme.  

Paying it forward: The alumna supporting young girls to access education

Paying it forward: The alumna supporting young girls to access education

1 May 2024

In 2023, entrepreneur Grace Munyiri (MSc 2023) won the Gavin Davidson Social Enterprise Award. Funded by alum Gavin Davidson (MBA 1992), the award supports Cardiff University students who are passionate about tackling inequality and creating positive social change.

“I was convinced I’d never be able to run again”: taking on the Cardiff Half for cancer research

“I was convinced I’d never be able to run again”: taking on the Cardiff Half for cancer research

1 March 2024

Alumnus and university staff member Abyd Quinn-Aziz (MPhil 2012) has been a keen runner since his youth. Following some health problems, he’s recently returned to running and has set himself the challenge of this October’s Cardiff Half Marathon. 

My experience as a Cardiff newbie – For Alumni, By Alumni

My experience as a Cardiff newbie – For Alumni, By Alumni

22 January 2024

Nori Shamsuddin (LLB 1998) is a mother, self-proclaimed poet, hopeless romantic, and freelance writer. Here, she reflects on her experience of travelling to Wales for the first time from her home country of Malaysia, and her memories of settling in as an international student.

My Womentoring experience – Jane Cook (BA 2008)

My Womentoring experience – Jane Cook (BA 2008)

5 December 2023

In March 2023, independent PR consultant Jane Cook (BA 2008) took part in our annual flash mentoring scheme for Cardiff’s alumnae – Womentoring. Here, Jane reflects on her experience of mentoring several fellow alumnae and shares insights for those considering taking part in next year’s scheme.

My Womentoring experience – Jamie Marie Ellis (MA 2019)

My Womentoring experience – Jamie Marie Ellis (MA 2019)

5 December 2023

In March 2023, freelance writer, content producer, and communications consultant Jamie Marie Ellis (MA 2019) took part in Womentoring, our annual flash mentoring scheme for Cardiff’s alumnae.  Jamie was mentored by fellow alumna Jane Cook (BA 2008), an independent PR consultant and founder of Cardiff Wine Passport. Jamie reflects on her experience as a mentee on the programme and shares how it has positively impacted her career.  

Running for your life – what running can do for your mental health – For Alumni, By Alumni

Running for your life – what running can do for your mental health – For Alumni, By Alumni

20 November 2023

George Watkins (BA 2018) is a seasoned Cardiff Half Marathon runner and former Mental Health Officer at Cardiff University. In 2018, 2019 and 2022, he ran for #TeamCardiff, fundraising for vital Cardiff University neuroscience and mental health research. Here, George shares his journey with running and his own mental health.  

Is this gap year really ‘well-deserved’? Or is that just post university imposter syndrome talking? – For Alumni, By Alumni

Is this gap year really ‘well-deserved’? Or is that just post university imposter syndrome talking? – For Alumni, By Alumni

28 September 2023

New graduate Lucy Robertson (BA 2023) reflects on her time as a student, and the idea of taking a post-university gap year instead of heading straight into the world of work.  

The power of alumni mentoring

The power of alumni mentoring

7 September 2023

Tyrone Stewart (MSc 2022) was mentored as part of our alumni mentoring programme during his master’s, by Andrew Jones (BSc 2014), a business coach.

I want to make my Nan proud – fundraising for Cardiff’s cancer research

I want to make my Nan proud – fundraising for Cardiff’s cancer research

15 August 2023

Katy Thomas (BA 2004) is a seasoned Cardiff Half Marathon runner and is taking on her 13th race this October. Having lost several close family members to cancer, she’s been inspired to raise money for Cardiff University research that will improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.