Alumni Leadership Board

After the Sutton Trust Summer School in 2014, Emily went on to study Aeronautics & Astronautics at the University of Southampton.

She is currently working in Post Trade as a Risk-focused Software Engineer but has experienced many roles through the Graduate & Internship programmes.

Emily assists in outreach projects as part of the LSEG Foundation, as well as volunteering as a Mentor / Role Model for Urban Synergy and Connecthive. She is passionate about helping those from disadvantaged and minority backgrounds to pursue careers in technology.

Ask me about…

• Applying for & studying Engineering.
• Working in the Technology Sector.
• Moving into Technology from another field.
• Long term health conditions in the workplace.
• Anything you like, happy to have a chat & no such thing as a stupid question!

 Connect with Emily on LinkedIn

Mary grew up in Hackney, inner-city London and strongly advocates for social mobility and diversity. After graduating from the Pathways to Law Programme in 2014, she studied law at the University of Essex. In her third year of University, Mary studied abroad at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Whilst in Hong Kong, she volunteered at a local primary school and participated in various projects. Upon her return, Mary sat as the BAME Officer for the Students’ Union to help cultivate better experiences and opportunities for students from ethnic minority backgrounds. 
 
She also co-founded the University of Essex TEDx Society, which hosted the University’s first-ever student-run TEDx Live event. After graduating, Mary was fortunate to get a full scholarship from the Law Society Diversity Access Scheme and has completed the Legal Practice Course with a Master in Law Business and Management at The University of Law. She currently works as a Trainee Solicitor.

Ask me about…

Volunteering, university, studying/living abroad, scholarships, project management.

Connect with Mary on LinkedIn

I’m from Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire. I was on the first ever US Sutton Trust programme.

I’m a researcher at the London School of Economics (LSE). I’m also involved in the mental health support and community building for students in my role as a Warden in the Residential Life team.

I decided to get involved with the ALB because being a young person in post-financial crash, post-Brexit, post-Covid Britain is full of challenges and I want to dedicate some of my time to supporting Sutton Trust alumni to navigate their next steps in life.

I think that the ALB is a great opportunity for me to support the continuing growth of a network of change makers.

Ask me about…

A career in academia, mental health and wellbeing support work, part-time MSc degrees, art and inequality, moving to London and vegan baking!

Connect with Jack on LinkedIn

Noshim participated in the Pathways to Banking & Finance programme during his time at sixth form.

He attended King’s College London and during his time there he chaired the first Career’s Student Advisory Board and was also a Widening Participation Ambassador.

He has done internships within asset management, financial data and private markets and is happy to speak with any alumni interested in the financial industry.

Connect with Noshim on LinkedIn

Sutton Trust USA Programme 2015 – Cohort 4 – now a Strategic Portfolio Advisor at Newham Borough Council

I decided to get involved with the ALB because the Alumni community at the Sutton Trust is going from strength to strength and the ALB plays a pivotal role in ensuring we build a cohesive and sustainable community that puts forwarding social mobility at its centre. I got involved because I wanted to play a part in pushing us forward both in building community but also in spurring this community into action and pushing our communities and organisations to do more for social mobility.

Ask me about…

Studying in the United States, Management Consulting, Technology & Social Media Policy, Local Government

Connect with Ibrahim on LinkedIn

Mitesh is based in the East Midlands and is currently a finance manager for a Swedish manufacturing company.

He attended the Sutton Trust Summer School program at the University of Nottingham studying Accounting and Finance. He then went on to study Business and Management at the University of Salford before taking up his current role.

He is interested in other cultures and passionate about social mobility, which is what attracted him back to a role within the Alumni Board. He is particularly interested in different cultures and the impacts on social mobility.

Ask me about…

Anything finance-related from university course selection to questions about different finance roles. I would love to chat to alumni about their ideas and areas of interest.

Connect with Mitesh on LinkedIn

I’m from Taunton in Somerset, and went to school at the King Alfred School and Sixth Form in Highbridge. While at King Alfred’s I was a participant on the Sutton Trust Summer School at the University of Nottingham (Law and Politics) in 2014.

I’m a Solicitor at Clarke Willmott LLP, and am one of the firm’s two solicitors specialising in criminal & regulatory law. This is mostly defence work for police matters and private prosecutions, but includes some prosecutions for local authorities.

Having benefited from the support given during and after the Sutton Trust Summer School, I am a firm believer in being able to give back to those who seek opportunities and guidance. I see the ALB as a golden opportunity to learn from others about how we can improve social mobility in our professions and regions, how we can improve outreach for the Trust, and how to build on the great resources we already have.

Ask me about…

The legal profession, particularly tips on how to gain experience (although I may not be able to provide it myself, I can certainly give pointers about how to obtain it) and complete job applications. Alumni can also reach out to me regarding building their network in the South West region, an area close to my heart where a stronger network certainly wouldn’t go amiss!

Connect with Sam on LinkedIn

I’m from Hampshire and did the Sutton Trust Online programme. I’m currently pursuing a degree apprenticeship with the civil service, working with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) alongside studying for my BSc in Economics at the University of Kent.  

I wanted to get involved with the ALB because I believe social mobility is important post-18 as well but doesn’t happen so often and I’ve found the Sutton Trust alumni offering really useful so far. I wanted to be a part of the team that supported its development to learn more about new areas and continue to support others in their post-18 opportunities. 

Ask me about… 

Anything apprentice-related or how to juggle working & studying at the same time. How to look for opportunities in your area of interest. 

Connect with Ridhka on LinkedIn

Neil is a Senior Translation Project manager at Etymax working across their global portfolio with clients spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America. He manages their Central and Eastern European departments, is former French lead, and has experience in Chinese having worked in Education Management in Chengdu. He frequently conducts intern and student training, and holds an MSc in Central and Eastern European, Russian and Eurasian studies from the University of Glasgow, and an BA in Modern Languages from the University of Exeter. He has also studied at Saint Petersburg State University, Kazan Federal University, and the University of West Bohemia as a language scholarship recipient, and won the 2022 UK entry for the Susanna Roth Czech Young Translators’ Prize. He took part in the Sutton Trust Summer School at St Andrew’s in 2011.

Ask me about…

Translation and localisation industries, international education opportunities, living and working abroad.

Connect with Neil on LinkedIn

I grew up in York, North Yorkshire, and completed the Sutton Trust Summer School at Durham in 2019.

In 2023 I graduated from The University of Manchester with a degree in Politics and International Relations and decided to live and work here in Manchester. Currently, I am on a local government grad scheme and studying for a Policy Officer qualification. I hope to learn more about government and political communications during my time here.

I was motivated to join the ALB because I know how valuable The Sutton Trust can be for academic success. I’m also motivated by where we – and the entire sector – could improve, specifically focusing more on regional inequalities.

Ask me about…

My specialist interests and knowledge are in the media and political campaigning. Specifically, I am a skilled copy editor and I have a growing network of reliable media professionals who are always keen to get involved in interesting projects.

Connect with Maisie on LinkedIn

I’m based in Saffron Walden just south of Cambridge, however I grew up in the North West. I took part in the 2007 Summer School – specifically The University of Manchester Academic Enrichment Programme 2007 which was led and funded by The Sutton Trust and the Goldman Sachs Foundation.

I am currently working at AstraZeneca. An area of significant importance to me is talent development, mentoring young scientists and broadening opportunities for under-represented groups, specifically supporting individuals from low socio-economic backgrounds looking to enter careers in STEM subject areas. In joining the ALB I hope to leverage my connections and experience to help others, contribute to the broader Sutton Trust strategy and encourage life sciences and drug discovery organisations to recognised the need for supporting those from low socio-economic backgrounds.

Ask me about…

Anything! Although I can probably share greater insights about drug discovery and pharma innovation, entrepreneurship, careers in life sciences, studying a PhD, working in a large corporate organisation, advice on Board and leadership positions and growing your professional network.

Connect with Saleha on LinkedIn

I’m from Manchester and I took part in the Sutton Trust Summer School in St Andrews for Biology & Psychology in 2021. I’m currently in my second year studying Human Sciences at the University of Oxford.

As a care-experienced individual, I’ve dealt with the challenges that come with navigating higher education, particularly the lack of representation and support. The Sutton Trust has been brilliant in helping me during both the application process and my journey through university. I joined the Alumni Leadership Board to ensure that care-experienced and estranged students are represented and to advocate for better support in higher education.

Ask me about…

Please reach out with any questions! In particular, opportunities for care experienced & estranged people, higher education outreach, or anything regarding university.

Connect with Chloe on LinkedIn

Thonmoy is a third-year medical student at the Hull York Medical School. They attended the Cambridge Medicine Sutton Trust Summer School in 2020.

They are currently a student ambassador involved with local Sutton Trust projects, and the Student Research Society, along with fundraising for charity.

They have joined the Sutton Trust as an alumni board member due their interest in furthering social mobility.

I’m from Barranquilla in Colombia and moved to Liverpool, where I did the Pathways to Law programme in 2018. I’ve recently graduated from Christ College, University of Cambridge and I also took part in the Sutton Trust Careers Plus and Opportunity Bursary programmes. I’m currently taking a little break to focus on some personal projects including an academic advisory firm, learning Italian, coding and travelling!  

I wanted to give back to the Trust which has provided me with so many opportunities and support throughout the year, whilst taking a position of leadership. I am curious to see the backstage of how ideas are turned into actionable projects. Lastly, I want to increase awareness and visibility on issues relating to student finance and the way it affects students not born in the UK! 

Ask me about… 

Studying at Oxbridge; interview preparation; studying law; personal statement help; cover letter help; help with student finance. 

Connect with Fiorella on LinkedIn

I originally grew up in rural South Africa and in my early teens moved to the West Midlands where I completed secondary and sixth form. During this time I took part in the Pathways to Banking and Finance Programme in 2019/2020. I have recently graduated from the University of Warwick with a BSc in Economics.

Having participated in numerous Sutton Trust programs, actively contributing to various summer schools and events, I believed I possessed the necessary insights to provide valuable input to the ALB. Additionally, I felt it was my moment to contribute and support fellow students as they navigate their own educational paths.

Ask me about… 

Anything regarding university, whether it be applications, experience, I have had a lot of experience mentoring students prior to joining university. Additionally, anything regarding the field of economics, particularly financial economics.

Connect with Warrick on LinkedIn

I’m from Coventry and I took part in the Sutton Trust Pathways to Law programme in 2019. I am currently studying Law at Aston University.

I joined the ALB to give back to the institution that helped me overcome my self-doubt. The Sutton Trust programme was instrumental in dispelling my imposter syndrome and reaffirming my decision to study law. I hope to help current students navigate the challenges and myths surrounding higher education, particularly in competitive fields like law. My goal is to inspire students from underrepresented backgrounds to aim high and pursue their chosen careers without fear or self-doubt.

Ask me about…

Student life (Living in student accommodation, balancing part-time work with university, and managing finances), law (the challenges and rewards of studying law, and navigating a competitive industry) and migration and acclimatization (experiences as a migrant student and adapting to a new education system)

Connect with Emmanuel on LinkedIn

I’m from Clackmannanshire in Scotland and studied my undergraduate degree (Journalism, English and Creative Writing) at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.

I’ve worked in communications and marketing for the past year and am now studying my Masters in Digital Media and Communications at the University of Stirling. I’m also an active volunteer with YoungScot and the Young Women’s Movement.

The Sutton Trust has made a massive difference in my choices and ability to study at university so I’m looking to give back and support more people accessing their programmes!

I’m keen to support the growth of the alumni community in Scotland and in the creative industries.

Ask me about…

Anything related to social media and communications, getting involved in student societies, sustainability, volunteering, or writing. I’d love to connect with any alumni but in particular those from/based in Scotland.

Connect with Bethany on LinkedIn