Alumni shine at 30(ish) Awards

Five graduates from the School of Journalism, Media and Culture have been announced as winners at the 2025 30(ish) Alumni Awards.

Cardiff University’s 30(ish) Awards celebrate the achievements of alumni who have made a positive contribution to their community, and all before they hit 30. Well, 30(ish).

The awards recognise the change-makers, innovators and rule-breakers in the Cardiff University alumni community.

This year’s event was held at sbarc|spark on 23 October and was hosted by the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wendy Larner, with 2024 30(ish) winners and BBC Radio 1 presenters, Sam MacGregor and Danni Diston, emceeing the event.

The 5 winners from the School of Journalism, Media and Culture were recognised in the Journalism and Media, Equity Advocate and Social Impact categories.

Winners in the Journalism and Media category are recognised for their work in journalism and media and are being celebrated for their great journalism, which is topical, timely and impactful.

Winners in the Equity Advocate category are working towards more equity in society and they recognise that each person or group has different circumstances, and campaigns for better resources or opportunities to reach an equal outcome.

Winners in the Social Impact category are making a social impact and are being recognised for going above and beyond for a community to create positive change.

Meet the winners from our school

Amnah Ansari (MA 2020)

Amnah is a purpose-driven creative marketer and founder of Mashghalay, Pakistan’s first intergenerational creative studio space.

Bethany Handley (BA 2022)

Bethany is an award-winning writer, poet and disability activist from Monmouthshire.

Caren Atieno Otieno (MA 2014)

Caren is a pioneering storyteller, documentary filmmaker, and media innovator redefining Africa’s global image.

Lily Mott (MA 2024)

Lily is the founding director of Be the change. Media Network, the world’s only youth-led podcast network.

Maryam Chaudhary (BA 2017, MA 2021)

Maryam is an award-winning producer and multi-skilled journalist with a passion for storytelling that inspires, challenges, and connects.

Congratulations to all those recognised! A full list of winners and information on the 30(ish) Awards can be found on the Cardiff University Alumni webpages.