India Sasha Atkinson (BA Hons Business Management 2022)
A disability educator and digital creator, India has built a platform of over half a million followers by combining humour and authenticity to change perceptions of limb difference and empower others. Named a TikTok Ambassador and Voice for Change runner-up, she has partnered with major brands, featured on national broadcasters, and founded NI Rave Run, a community 5k blending accessibility, music and wellbeing while fundraising monthly for local charities.
Philip Colligan CBE (LLB Hons 1997)
Philip leads a global charity dedicated to enabling young people to realise their potential through computing and digital technologies. A first-generation, mature student at the University, he went on to senior roles in the Civil Service and Nesta before transforming the reach and impact of the Raspberry Pi Foundation. He has championed equitable access to computing education, especially for disadvantaged learners, and was recognised with a CBE this year for services to engineering and technology for societal impact.
David Dixon (BEng Hons Civil Engineering 1963; MEng 1965)
A civil engineer and entrepreneur, David founded Village Water UK and later Village Water Zambia, organisations that have improved access to safe water and sanitation for more than 1.8 million people across Zambia and Mozambique. Alongside a successful property career, he devoted 17 years to building local partnerships that deliver sustainable change. A loyal supporter of Liverpool, this year marks the 60th anniversary of his MEng graduation.
Megan Elphick (BA Hons Geography 2019)
Megan is a YouTuber, eventer and presenter whose family-friendly channel inspires riders with training insight, competition footage and honest reflections on the highs and lows of sport. She has placed top ten multiple times at Badminton Grassroots, worked with Olympic champions, and presented for Horse & Country TV and the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI). As Liverpool BUCS Equestrian captain, she showed how academic success, and elite sport can thrive together.
Paul Stephen Growney (BSc Hons Psychology 2009)
Paul leads a Merseyside social care charity delivering over 20,000 hours of home care each month. After beginning his degree in chemistry then switching to psychology at the University, he discovered a vocation in mental health through volunteering with Samaritans. He has since led impactful third-sector programmes, founded the Barbara Bettle Foundation (10,000+ funded counselling sessions), served as an NHS non-executive director, and earned multiple awards for community impact and leadership.
Yanqi He (MA Music Industry Studies 2017)
Yanqi is the founder of Liveight Entertainment, creating pathways between the UK and Asian music markets through concerts, showcases and international tours. Her career includes roles with Sound City and Modern Sky, curating the UK’s first Chinese rapper showcase and producing cross-border collaborations. She champions diversity and underrepresented voices in the industry, building platforms that spotlight new talent and cultural exchange.
Mohamed Walid Jomni (MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management 2023)
At the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Copenhagen Climate Centre, Mohamed supports technology transfer for low-carbon, climate-resilient development, contributing to the Climate Technology Progress Report and capacity-building initiatives. Formerly Tunisia’s Lead Negotiator on Climate Finance at COP26–28, he helped establish the Loss and Damage Fund and advocates for equitable access to climate finance. He trains young negotiators globally, advancing meaningful youth leadership in climate governance.
Professor June Kane A.M. (BA Hons French 1972; PhD 1977)
June is an internationally respected UN Independent Expert specialising in modern slavery and the exploitation of children and women. Moving from teaching and journalism to senior roles with the International Red Cross and the UN, she has authored 46 books and reports and advised globally from Geneva to the field. Honoured with the Order of Australia (2007) and the Albert Schweitzer Medal (1992), she also mentors professionals and emerging leaders worldwide.
Sir Andy Marsh QPM (BSc Hons Geography 1987)
The UK’s longest-serving Chief Constable and now CEO and Chief Constable at the College of Policing, Sir Andy has led national and international reform. He pioneered the rollout of body-worn cameras to all frontline officers and launched the refreshed Code of Ethics (2022), strengthening trust and accountability. His evidence-led leadership has shaped modern, ethical policing in the UK and beyond.
Milo McCabe (BA Hons Psychology 1998)
An actor and comedian, Milo created viral character Troy Hawke and the hit series The Greeters Guild, building a devoted following with sharp improvisation and warmth. A regular at the Edinburgh Fringe and international festivals, he also serves as an ambassador for An Hour For Others, supporting Liverpool communities and opening the charity’s Huyton base in character as Troy.
Sean McHale (LLB Hons 2003)
Sean’s career spans local justice in Merseyside and international rule-of-law missions. In Kosovo he supported complex organised crime and war-crimes cases before leading justice reform with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE); in Libya he strengthened criminal justice institutions with the EU. As Director of Programmes at Irish Rule of Law International, he now advances survivor-centred justice in Tanzania, anti-corruption work in Zambia, and access to justice in Malawi.
Professor Michelle McManus (MSc Investigative and Forensic Psychology 2009; PhD Psychology 2012)
Michelle co-created KIRAT (Kent Internet Risk Assessment Tool), used internationally to help prioritise indecent-image offenders most likely to commit contact sexual abuse, protecting thousands of children and shaping Home Office policy. She has driven UK safeguarding frameworks, advised Government and policing at the national level, and co-founded Manchester Metropolitan’s Institute for Children’s Futures, championing multi-agency, evidence-based responses to harm.
Dr Stefano Mensa (PhD Chemistry 2020)
Based at Hartree Centre (part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council under UK Research and Innovation), Stefano leads programmes at the interface of AI, quantum and high-performance computing, delivering advances in drug discovery, materials and computational pathology. He heads the Emerge workstream in the £210 million Hartree National Centre for Digital Innovation, partners with IBM Research and others, and was appointed Honorary Senior Research Fellow by the University for his contributions.
Hannah Merchant (BA Hons English Literature 2022)
Hannah is Digital and Engagement Manager at The PIE. Formerly at Universities UK International, she led global research delegations and helped rebuild partnerships. A strong advocate for equity and inclusion, she mentors with IntoUniversity, volunteers with Refugee Community Kitchen, and previously with Refugee Women Connect. Honoured with the Equality+ Gender Equality Award from the University last year, she also received the British Red Cross’s highest humanitarian award.
Enoch Opare Mintah (MBA 2022)
Enoch is a sustainability scholar, consultant, and social entrepreneur. Awarded the UK Prime Minister’s Point of Light Award during his MBA, he now holds a PhD scholarship in governance and sustainability. Founder of Study Sustainability Hub, Sustainability News Africa, and the Leaps and Heights Foundation, Enoch also serves as ESG Advisory Lead at Leaps and Heights Service Limited-UK, advancing sustainability education and impact across Africa.
Suzannah Nichol OBE (BA Hons Building Management and Technology 1993)
Suzannah has spent over 30 years shaping the UK construction landscape. She led the merger that formed Build UK in 2015, delivered industry standards like the Common Assessment Standard, and steered the sector through the pandemic with Site Operating Procedures. A member of key Government and industry bodies, she holds an MBE (2005) and OBE (2024) for services to construction.
Hannah O’Neill (BA Hons Criminology and Sociology 2016)
Hannah is Head of Philanthropy at Action Tutoring, leading fundraising and partnerships for the national education charity. Over eight years she has progressed from Programme Coordinator to senior leadership, securing transformational funding, including £1.5 million partnerships. Named a WeAreTheCity Rising Star in 2021, Hannah also volunteers as a tutor and mentor, and fundraises for causes including Autism Together and Ukrainian charity Svitlo School.
Professor Richard O C Oreffo FMedSci OBE (BSc Hons Biochemistry 1983)
Richard is Professor of Musculoskeletal Science at the University of Southampton and co-founder of Renovos Biologics. A pioneer in skeletal stem cell research, his breakthroughs in bone regenerative medicine have treated over 30 patients and led to more than 350 publications and nine patents. Founder of The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation, he was awarded an OBE in 2025 for services to education equality and musculoskeletal science.
Yemurai Rabvukwa (BSc Hons Chemistry 2020)
Yemurai is a Senior Cybersecurity Associate and creator of STEM Babe, a platform inspiring over 76,000 followers to pursue tech careers. Recognised with the TechWomen100 Award and as a Black Tech Awards Rising Star finalist, she partners with global organisations to expand access to technology. A sought-after speaker, Yemurai delivers talks on cybersecurity, career pathways, and imposter syndrome, helping demystify tech for diverse audiences across the UK.
Dr Victoria Selwyn (BSc Hons Physiology 2017)
Victoria is a junior doctor and passionate mental health advocate. She founded Headucate UK, a charity supporting student-led groups nationwide, which has won major grants and national awards, including the Diana Award. Featured by the BBC, Guardian and Times, she presents internationally on psychiatry. Beginning specialist training in 2025, Victoria combines clinical expertise with advocacy to challenge stigma and expand access to mental health support.
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