Womentoring
Cardiff University alumnae supporting Cardiff University alumnae
Join us this March to celebrate Women’s History Month with our unique flash-mentoring event: Womentoring 2025
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We have carefully selected 26 successful alumnae ready to be mentors – aiming to inspire and empower you; the next generation of Cardiff University alumnae.
This is your chance to connect with successful and accomplished women and benefit from their valuable experience and expertise.
You can use this opportunity to develop your career, build networks, ask questions and to gain insight into a specific industry.
Mentees will be selected after a short application process that will ask about your ambition, career focus and how you feel mentoring would be of benefit. This year you can show a preference of up to three mentors that you would ideally like to be matched with.
Flash-mentoring is designed to be low on time and high on impact. Meaning you’ll only need to commit a minimum of 2 hours in March.
If you’re looking to develop professionally and advance in your career, apply by Monday 10 February for a chance to take part as a mentee.
Meet our mentors
Meet our mentor
Shaikha Al-Othman
(BSc 2008)
Shaikha is the Co-founder and CEO of Haus of Care. After her neuroscience degree Shaikha began a career in public health, and today is a health-systems social entrepreneur and researcher. After working on the $16M government-funded national plan for obesity and NCD mitigation in Kuwait, she founded a creative nonprofit for health promotion and then went on to fund a number of small businesses, social and for-profits.
She focuses on researching and creating AI-powered smarter systems for senior and home care environments, with a focus on family-caregivers. She has been recognised in the prestigious “Innovators Under 35″ list by MIT Technology Review, as well as other recognitions including from Weill Cornell and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with whom she still works closely.
Meet the mentor
Shaikha Al-Othman
(BSc 2008)
Shaikha is the Co-founder and CEO of Haus of Care. After her neuroscience degree Shaikha began a career in public health, and today is a health-systems social entrepreneur and researcher. After working on the $16M government-funded national plan for obesity and NCD mitigation in Kuwait, she founded a creative nonprofit for health promotion and then went on to fund a number of small businesses, social and for-profits.
She focuses on researching and creating AI-powered smarter systems for senior and home care environments, with a focus on family-caregivers. She has been recognised in the prestigious “Innovators Under 35″ list by MIT Technology Review, as well as other recognitions including from Weill Cornell and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with whom she still works closely.
Shaikha is the Co-founder and CEO of Haus of Care. Shaikha began a career in public health, and today is a health-systems social entrepreneur and researcher.
Meet our mentor
Rebecca Barnett
(BSc 2008)
Rebecca works within The Walt Disney Company’s consumer products team and oversees the commercial relationship with one of the biggest fashion retailers globally. Having held other commercial positions within the UK retail and category teams across her 10 year tenure at Disney, she previously worked in fashion buying at the UK’s largest grocer, Tesco, joining as a graduate. She specialises in the development of strategic relationships for commercial growth, selling the vision to stakeholders at all levels, and has expertise in developing a team built for success. Rebecca studied Business Management (Marketing) at Cardiff University.
Meet the mentor
Rebecca Barnett
(BSc 2008)
Rebecca works within The Walt Disney Company’s consumer products team and oversees the commercial relationship with one of the biggest fashion retailers globally. Having held other commercial positions within the UK retail and category teams across her 10 year tenure at Disney, she previously worked in fashion buying at the UK’s largest grocer, Tesco, joining as a graduate. She specialises in the development of strategic relationships for commercial growth, selling the vision to stakeholders at all levels, and has expertise in developing a team built for success. Rebecca studied Business Management (Marketing) at Cardiff University.
Rebecca works within The Walt Disney Company’s consumer products team and oversees the commercial relationship with one of the biggest fashion retailers globally.
Meet our mentor
Sarah Bevan
(BScEcon 1989)
Sarah has more than 25 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical industry across production management, packaging, logistics and supply chain management. She has worked at a national and global level, implementing new global processes, and working with various providers in a commercial environment including off-shore partners. She has a strong expertise in business transformation supported by technology and optimised operating models including outsourced services. Her passion is building and leading teams, using her coaching and mentoring skills to support her teams to achieve excellent operational performance, generating and executing strategic plans to benefit patients. She is currently the Board Chair for the Pharmaledger Association whose mission is to develop digital blockchain solutions for both patients, partners and pharma companies.
Meet the mentor
Sarah Bevan
(BScEcon 1989)
Sarah has more than 25 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical industry across production management, packaging, logistics and supply chain management. She has worked at a national and global level, implementing new global processes, and working with various providers in a commercial environment including off-shore partners. She has a strong expertise in business transformation supported by technology and optimised operating models including outsourced services. Her passion is building and leading teams, using her coaching and mentoring skills to support her teams to achieve excellent operational performance, generating and executing strategic plans to benefit patients. She is currently the Board Chair for the Pharmaledger Association whose mission is to develop digital blockchain solutions for both patients, partners and pharma companies.
Production managementSupply-chainBusiness transformation
Sarah has more than 25 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical industry across production management, packaging, logistics and supply chain management. She is also currently the Board Chair for the Pharmaledger Association.
Meet our mentor
Sylvi Burton
(BSc 2016)
Sylvi has held several key roles at Network Rail since joining in 2017 on the Business Management graduate scheme. She spent six years in Project Management and Sponsorship on East West Rail Connection Stage 1 (EWR CS1), a £1 billion infrastructure scheme set to introduce passenger services between Oxford and Milton Keynes. Now, as Portfolio Governance Manager, Sylvi oversees the governance of rail enhancement schemes across England and Wales, working closely with the Department for Transport. With expertise in stakeholder management and delivering complex projects, she is dedicated to contributing to the success of critical railway enhancements.
Meet the mentor
Sylvi Burton
(BSc 2016)
Sylvi has held several key roles at Network Rail since joining in 2017 on the Business Management graduate scheme. She spent six years in Project Management and Sponsorship on East West Rail Connection Stage 1 (EWR CS1), a £1 billion infrastructure scheme set to introduce passenger services between Oxford and Milton Keynes. Now, as Portfolio Governance Manager, Sylvi oversees the governance of rail enhancement schemes across England and Wales, working closely with the Department for Transport. With expertise in stakeholder management and delivering complex projects, she is dedicated to contributing to the success of critical railway enhancements.
Sylvi has held several key roles at Network Rail since joining in 2017 on the Business Management graduate scheme. Sylvi is currently the Portfolio Governance Manager with expertise in stakeholder management and delivering complex projects.
Meet our mentor
Beth Button
(BScEcon 2012)
Beth is the Director of External Affairs at the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), where she leads advocacy with governments, funders, and stakeholders across the Commonwealth, and engagement with ACU’s global network of 400 members in more than 40 countries.
Beth has led campaigns, communications and public affairs in several Welsh, UK and international higher education bodies. She has held representative roles at the United Nations and was a member of the Welsh Government higher education review panel. Having studied Education and Sociology, Beth was Cardiff Students’ Union education officer, before being elected Deputy and then President of the National Union of Students (NUS) in Wales, and then to the European Students’ Union Executive. Beth is a lay member of Cardiff University Council.
Meet the mentor
Beth Button
(BScEcon 2012)
Beth is the Director of External Affairs at the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), where she leads advocacy with governments, funders, and stakeholders across the Commonwealth, and engagement with ACU’s global network of 400 members in more than 40 countries.
Beth has led campaigns, communications and public affairs in several Welsh, UK and international higher education bodies. She has held representative roles at the United Nations and was a member of the Welsh Government higher education review panel. Having studied Education and Sociology, Beth was Cardiff Students’ Union education officer, before being elected Deputy and then President of the National Union of Students (NUS) in Wales, and then to the European Students’ Union Executive. Beth is a lay member of Cardiff University Council.
Beth is the Director of External Affairs at the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), where she leads advocacy with governments, funders, and stakeholders across the Commonwealth.
Meet our mentor
Liza Chan Sow Keng
(LLB 1980)
Liza was called as an utter barrister to the Bar of England and Wales and is a member of the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn. She was admitted as an advocate and solicitor of the High Court of Malaya in 1982. She founded and ran the firm of Messrs Liza Chan & Co., which she left to join the judiciary and retired as a judge of the Kuala Lumpur High Court at the end of November 2023. She is now a legal consultant.
Meet the mentor
Liza Chan Sow Keng
(LLB 1980)
Liza was called as an utter barrister to the Bar of England and Wales and is a member of the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn. She was admitted as an advocate and solicitor of the High Court of Malaya in 1982. She founded and ran the firm of Messrs Liza Chan & Co., which she left to join the judiciary and retired as a judge of the Kuala Lumpur High Court at the end of November 2023. She is now a legal consultant.
Now a legal consultant, Liza has had a hugely successful career as an utter barrister, solicitor and judge of the Kuala Lumpur High Court.
Meet our mentor
Jacqueline Cheung
(MSc 2004)
Jacqueline obtained her master’s degree in Occupational Psychology from Cardiff University and a master’s degree in Applied Psychology from the City University of Hong Kong. She is currently the Senior Workforce Strategy Advisor at Northern Territory Government, Australia.
Prior to that, she worked as Senior Director and Head of Organisation and Talent Development in various industries including financial services, professional service, retail, property, and education. She is a certified coach from International Coaching Federation specialising in career goal setting, career transition, CV writing and interviewing skills, and women in leadership.
Meet the mentor
Jacqueline Cheung
(MSc 2004)
Jacqueline obtained her master’s degree in Occupational Psychology from Cardiff University and a master’s degree in Applied Psychology from the City University of Hong Kong. She is currently the Senior Workforce Strategy Advisor at Northern Territory Government, Australia.
Prior to that, she worked as Senior Director and Head of Organisation and Talent Development in various industries including financial services, professional service, retail, property, and education. She is a certified coach from International Coaching Federation specialising in career goal setting, career transition, CV writing and interviewing skills, and women in leadership.
Jacqueline is the Senior Workforce Strategy Advisor at Northern Territory Government, Australia and is a certified International Coaching Federation coach.
Meet our mentor
Debbie Clarke
(MBA 1996)
Debbie is the Director of her own consultancy, New Clarke Ventures, and has a portfolio of Non-Executive Director positions. She has worked for over 28 years in corporate finance, specialising in mergers and acquisitions within investment banking and accountancy practises.
She set up her own board consultancy business in 2017, where she utilises her experience of advising business owners, entrepreneurs, and their boards. She is also currently the Chair of Triathlon England, a Non-Executive Director of British Triathlon Federation, a Non-Executive Director of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investments Future Foundation and Vice Chair of Child’s i Foundation.
Meet the mentor
Debbie Clarke
MBA 1996
Debbie is the Director of her own consultancy, New Clarke Ventures, and has a portfolio of Non-Executive Director positions. She has worked for over 28 years in corporate finance, specialising in mergers and acquisitions within investment banking and accountancy practises.
She set up her own board consultancy business in 2017, where she utilises her experience of advising business owners, entrepreneurs, and their boards. She is also currently the Chair of Triathlon England, a Non-Executive Director of British Triathlon Federation, a Non-Executive Director of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investments Future Foundation and Vice Chair of Child’s i Foundation.
FinanceConsultancyDirector
Debbie worked for over 28 years in corporate finance and continues to provide strategic consultancy advice to Boards. Debbie holds a portfolio of Non-Executive Director positions in the sporting landscape, empowering financial literacy, and African social care reform.
Meet our mentor
Jakie Dias
(MEd 2000)
Jakie is Chair and Associate Professor at Department of Nursing, University of Sharjah. She launched the first Masters in Adult Critical Care program in the United Arab Emirates. Jakie is also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, UK and an Anne Marie Schimmel Scholar. A leader in healthcare education, Jakie was the Founding Director for the Centre for Innovation in Medical Education – the first simulation centre in Pakistan at the Aga Khan University, Pakistan.
Meet the mentor
Jakie Dias
(MEd 2000)
Jakie is Chair and Associate Professor at Department of Nursing, University of Sharjah. She launched the first Masters in Adult Critical Care program in the United Arab Emirates. Jakie is also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, UK and an Anne Marie Schimmel Scholar. A leader in healthcare education, Jakie was the Founding Director for the Centre for Innovation in Medical Education – the first simulation centre in Pakistan at the Aga Khan University, Pakistan.
Jakie is Chair and Associate Professor at Department of Nursing, University of Sharjah. She is also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, UK.
Meet our mentor
Miguela Gonzalez
(MBA 2002)
Miguela is a culture and inclusion strategist with a diverse background spanning communication, cultural transformation, business management, and broadcast media.
She is currently engaged in diversity, equity, and inclusion leadership at a global life sciences and biotechnology company, where she oversees initiatives that align DEI efforts with business strategy.
Miguela is also pursuing a PhD at Cardiff Business School, where her research focuses on the implementation of the Welsh Government’s Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan. She serves as a trustee on the board of Shelter Cymru, is the chair of governors at a Cardiff school, and was a Commissioner with the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales.
Miguela spent 15 years at the BBC, contributing to initiatives that sought to align diversity and inclusion with the organisation’s broader strategic goals.
Meet the mentor
Miguela Gonzalez
(MBA 2002)
Miguela is a culture and inclusion strategist with a diverse background spanning communication, cultural transformation, business management, and broadcast media.
She is currently engaged in diversity, equity, and inclusion leadership at a global life sciences and biotechnology company, where she oversees initiatives that align DEI efforts with business strategy.
Miguela is also pursuing a PhD at Cardiff Business School, where her research focuses on the implementation of the Welsh Government’s Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan. She serves as a trustee on the board of Shelter Cymru, is the chair of governors at a Cardiff school, and was a Commissioner with the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales.
Miguela spent 15 years at the BBC, contributing to initiatives that sought to align diversity and inclusion with the organisation’s broader strategic goals.
Miguela is a culture and inclusion strategist with a diverse background spanning communication, cultural transformation, business management, and broadcast media. She is currently engaged in diversity, equity, and inclusion leadership at a global life sciences and biotechnology company.
Meet our mentor
Daniella Graham Stollery
(BScEcon 2010)
Daniella is an award-winning communications expert with over 14 years’ experience across editorial, research, PR and brand strategy, now working as a freelance strategy director.
After beginning her career in journalism as a writer and editor at Metro.co.uk, she has spent the last decade in corporate and consumer communications working with organisations as varied as Public Health England, LEGO and Huawei.
Meet the mentor
Daniella Graham Stollery
(BScEcon 2010)
Daniella is an award-winning communications expert with over 14 years’ experience across editorial, research, PR and brand strategy, now working as a freelance strategy director.
After beginning her career in journalism as a writer and editor at Metro.co.uk, she has spent the last decade in corporate and consumer communications working with organisations as varied as Public Health England, LEGO and Huawei.
Meet our mentor
Helen Haq-Smith
(LLB 1998)
Helen has been practising immigration law since 2005 and has developed a highly pragmatic and solutions-focused approach to immigration.
Helen qualified as a solicitor at City of London firm, Berwin Leighton Paisner in 2003. She then worked for legal publisher, PLC researching, writing and editing legal know-how and legal market reviews. She brings this experience to her immigration practice for the benefit of her clients. After volunteering with Amnesty International Helen worked in some of London’s leading immigration law firms: Wesley Gryk Solicitors, Kingsley Napley and Fragomen, assisting clients ranging from refugees to global corporates.
Helen set up the immigration department at North Star Law in London in 2015, before launching her own firm in 2020, focused solely on UK immigration.
Helen has written and presented on immigration topics for with LexisPSL, the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA) and the Institute of Directors (IoD).
Meet the mentor
Helen Haq-Smith
(LLB 1998)
Helen has been practising immigration law since 2005 and has developed a highly pragmatic and solutions-focused approach to immigration.
Helen qualified as a solicitor at City of London firm, Berwin Leighton Paisner in 2003. She then worked for legal publisher, PLC researching, writing and editing legal know-how and legal market reviews. She brings this experience to her immigration practice for the benefit of her clients. After volunteering with Amnesty International Helen worked in some of London’s leading immigration law firms: Wesley Gryk Solicitors, Kingsley Napley and Fragomen, assisting clients ranging from refugees to global corporates.
Helen set up the immigration department at North Star Law in London in 2015, before launching her own firm in 2020, focused solely on UK immigration.
Helen has written and presented on immigration topics for with LexisPSL, the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA) and the Institute of Directors (IoD).
Helen has been practising immigration law since 2005. With a wealth of experience, she set up her own firm Helen Smith Immigration Ltd in 2020, focused solely on UK immigration.
Meet our mentor
Lara Hussein
(BScEcon 1986)
Sharifah Menyalara Hussein, known as Lara, is the CEO and founding partner of M&C Saatchi Kuala Lumpur. Under her leadership, M&C Saatchi consistently ranks among the top agencies, earning numerous gold awards. She began her career in advertising and communications upon returning to Malaysia after her degree, playing key roles in Bates and Young & Rubicam. She founded Brand Energy, a creative consultancy, before being asked to set up M&C Saatchi’s Malaysia office. Lara has been described as one of Malaysia’s most successful female leaders. Her trailblazing spirit is well recognised, as in 2019 she was the first Malaysian woman to receive the Business Leader of the Year award at the Women Leading Change Awards. Lara is also a Board member of the think tank IDEAS, a mentor on the M&C Saatchi global programme, and a Trustee of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Foundation.
Meet the mentor
Lara Hussein
(BScEcon 1986)
Sharifah Menyalara Hussein, known as Lara, is the CEO and founding partner of M&C Saatchi Kuala Lumpur. Under her leadership, M&C Saatchi consistently ranks among the top agencies, earning numerous gold awards. She began her career in advertising and communications upon returning to Malaysia after her degree, playing key roles in Bates and Young & Rubicam. She founded Brand Energy, a creative consultancy, before being asked to set up M&C Saatchi’s Malaysia office. Lara has been described as one of Malaysia’s most successful female leaders. Her trailblazing spirit is well recognised, as in 2019 she was the first Malaysian woman to receive the Business Leader of the Year award at the Women Leading Change Awards. Lara is also a Board member of the think tank IDEAS, a mentor on the M&C Saatchi global programme, and a Trustee of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Foundation.
Lara is the CEO and founding partner of M&C Saatchi Kuala Lumpur. She began her career in advertising and communications and has been described as one of Malaysia’s most successful female leaders.
Meet our mentor
Hannah Jefferys
(MArch 2009)
Hannah is the Founding Director of Sài Gòn Cider. Upon graduating, she worked as both a Designer and an Architect, but alongside this decided to follow her passion for cider, establishing Sài Gòn Cider in Vietnam in 2013. The brand started 10 years ago as a kitchen based hobby, and is now made on a large scale and exported to the UK, Hong Kong and other countries. Hannah now works full-time as their Founding Director and Cider Maker, and is a mother of two. As the leading Vietnamese cider brand, Sài Gòn Cider offers award-winning, craft, organic cider made in Vietnam.
Meet the mentor
Hannah Jefferys
(MArch 2009)
Hannah is the Founding Director of Sài Gòn Cider. Upon graduating, she worked as both a Designer and an Architect, but alongside this decided to follow her passion for cider, establishing Sài Gòn Cider in Vietnam in 2013. The brand started 10 years ago as a kitchen based hobby, and is now made on a large scale and exported to the UK, Hong Kong and other countries. Hannah now works full-time as their Founding Director and Cider Maker, and is a mother of two. As the leading Vietnamese cider brand, Sài Gòn Cider offers award-winning, craft, organic cider made in Vietnam.
Hannah is the Founding Director of Sài Gòn Cider in Vietnam. Upon graduating, she worked as both a Designer and an Architect, but established Sài Gòn Cider in 2013, an organic craft cider company, which now exports to the UK, Hong Kong and other countries.
Meet our mentor
Leticia Korin-Moore
(BA 2006)
A Journalism, Film and Broadcasting graduate from 2006, Leticia Korin-Moore is the Managing Director at SBW, one of the leading integrated marketing and advertising agencies in Wales and the Southwest. A CIM Chartered Marketer for the past 12 years and with nearly 20 years’ comms experience, she is the force that gives SBW direction, driving forward their ‘for the Good Stuff’ mission – to make a positive impact through all their work. She has a talent for transforming complex briefs into memorable, strategy-led campaigns, while inspiring her talented team of SBW’ers to deliver brilliant work that helps make a real difference.
Celebrating its 20-year anniversary this year, SBW has worked on many awareness and behaviour change campaigns for clients including Welsh Government, Shelter Cymru, AdviceLink Cymru, Audit Wales, National Trust, Defra, Royal Voluntary Service, ONS, Welsh Water and NHS Trusts.
Meet the mentor
Leticia Korin-Moore
(BA 2006)
A Journalism, Film and Broadcasting graduate from 2006, Leticia Korin-Moore is the Managing Director at SBW, one of the leading integrated marketing and advertising agencies in Wales and the Southwest. A CIM Chartered Marketer for the past 12 years and with nearly 20 years’ comms experience, she is the force that gives SBW direction, driving forward their ‘for the Good Stuff’ mission – to make a positive impact through all their work. She has a talent for transforming complex briefs into memorable, strategy-led campaigns, while inspiring her talented team of SBW’ers to deliver brilliant work that helps make a real difference.
Celebrating its 20-year anniversary this year, SBW has worked on many awareness and behaviour change campaigns for clients including Welsh Government, Shelter Cymru, AdviceLink Cymru, Audit Wales, National Trust, Defra, Royal Voluntary Service, ONS, Welsh Water and NHS Trusts.
Leticia is the Managing Director at SBW, one of the leading integrated marketing and advertising agencies in Wales and the Southwest. A CIM Chartered Marketer for the past 12 years she has nearly 20 years’ comms experience.
Meet our mentor
Hannah Lang
(BA 2003)
Hannah is Head of Corporate Communications at PPF and has over 15 years’ experience in PR and communications, both in-house and in agencies. She has all-round experience in a range of communications disciplines including consumer, corporate and B2B public relations, crisis management, social media and digital communications, internal communications, brand and design management, corporate reporting and sustainability communications. Hannah can help you understand how to make an impact in your role in whichever area of comms/PR you pursue. Hannah studied Journalism, Film and Broadcasting at Cardiff University.
Meet the mentor
Hannah Lang
(BA 2003)
Hannah is Head of Corporate Communications at PPF and has over 15 years’ experience in PR and communications, both in-house and in agencies. She has all-round experience in a range of communications disciplines including consumer, corporate and B2B public relations, crisis management, social media and digital communications, internal communications, brand and design management, corporate reporting and sustainability communications. Hannah can help you understand how to make an impact in your role in whichever area of comms/PR you pursue. Hannah studied Journalism, Film and Broadcasting at Cardiff University.
Hannah is Head of Corporate Communications at Pension Protection Fund and has over 15 years’ experience in PR and communications.
Meet our mentor
Chung Lynn Mac
(BArch 1995)
Chung Lynn Mac (Architectural Studies 1995) is currently the Group CEO of Nando’s Malaysia and Singapore. Under Chung Lynn Mac’s direction, Nando’s Malaysia started operations in 1998, and the company has since expanded significantly throughout Malaysia and Singapore. Under her guidance, Nando’s has achieved a number of awards including ‘Business of the Year’ and ‘Best Restaurant of The Year’ for the Nando’s Global awards in 2010. Some of Chung Lynn Mac’s personal achievements include winning awards for ‘SMB Women Entrepreneur 2005’ in the SMI awards and Marie Claire’s Woman of Style and Substance. More recently she won the Women’s Weekly ‘Great Women of Our Time’ award, in the Finance & commerce category.
Meet the mentor
Chung Lynn Mac
(BArch 1995)
Chung Lynn Mac (Architectural Studies 1995) is currently the Group CEO of Nando’s Malaysia and Singapore. Under Chung Lynn Mac’s direction, Nando’s Malaysia started operations in 1998, and the company has since expanded significantly throughout Malaysia and Singapore. Under her guidance, Nando’s has achieved a number of awards including ‘Business of the Year’ and ‘Best Restaurant of The Year’ for the Nando’s Global awards in 2010. Some of Chung Lynn Mac’s personal achievements include winning awards for ‘SMB Women Entrepreneur 2005’ in the SMI awards and Marie Claire’s Woman of Style and Substance. More recently she won the Women’s Weekly ‘Great Women of Our Time’ award, in the Finance & commerce category.
Chung Lynn (BArch 1995) is currently the Group CEO of Nando’s Malaysia and Singapore. She has won awards including ‘SMB Women Entrepreneur 2005’, Marie Claire’s Woman of Style and Substance, and Women’s Weekly ‘Great Women of Our Time’ award.
Meet our mentor
Penny Maxwell-Lyte
(BEng 2008, MSc 2010, PhD 2015)
Penny is a Principal Engineer at Sustainable Energy Ltd. She’s completed a BEng in Mechanical Engineering, an MSc in Sustainable Energy and Environment, and a PhD in Pyrolysis and Gasification. Since leaving university, Penny has been committed to decarbonising the UK’s energy sector, specialising in the implementation of city-wide low carbon heat networks. She leads the delivery of techno-economic feasibility studies, grant funding applications, design of heat networks and energy centres, and decarbonisation strategies. Beyond her technical work, Penny plays a key role in refining internal processes, training and recruitment, and driving her company’s mission to shape a sustainable future.
Meet the mentor
Penny Maxwell-Lyte
(BEng 2008, MSc 2010, PhD 2015)
Penny is a Principal Engineer at Sustainable Energy Ltd. She’s completed a BEng in Mechanical Engineering, an MSc in Sustainable Energy and Environment, and a PhD in Pyrolysis and Gasification. Since leaving university, Penny has been committed to decarbonising the UK’s energy sector, specialising in the implementation of city-wide low carbon heat networks. She leads the delivery of techno-economic feasibility studies, grant funding applications, design of heat networks and energy centres, and decarbonisation strategies. Beyond her technical work, Penny plays a key role in refining internal processes, training and recruitment, and driving her company’s mission to shape a sustainable future.
Penny is a Principal Engineer at Sustainable Energy Ltd. Penny is committed to decarbonising the UK’s energy sector, specialising in the implementation of city-wide low carbon heat networks.
Meet our mentor
Misha Mittal
(MSc 2013)
Misha is a Senior Manager at Expo Dubai Group, the global initiative of Expo City Dubai. She has over 14 years of experience in a variety of roles in the UAE, the UK and India. In her role, she leads the City Advisory work to support city leaders and stakeholders around the world advising them on sustainable development. She previously worked with the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi and was also a member of the Technical Advisory Committee for Abu Dhabi’s city-wide infrastructure projects for 2030 and other state-wide strategic initiatives.
She currently is the Dubai Chapter Lead for the Global Walkability Correspondents Network and a member of the working committee for an International Financial Institution on Heat & Transport. She is a certified Circular Economy Professional, a member of ISOCARP and a council member of the UAE-India Business Council. Misha has been invited as a speaker and a jury on many local and international conferences in the past and has been on the career mentoring programme with Cardiff University since 2021.
Meet the mentor
Misha Mittal
(MSc 2013)
Misha is a Senior Manager at Expo Dubai Group, the global initiative of Expo City Dubai. She has over 14 years of experience in a variety of roles in the UAE, the UK and India. In her role, she leads the City Advisory work to support city leaders and stakeholders around the world advising them on sustainable development. She previously worked with the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi and was also a member of the Technical Advisory Committee for Abu Dhabi’s city-wide infrastructure projects for 2030 and other state-wide strategic initiatives.
She currently is the Dubai Chapter Lead for the Global Walkability Correspondents Network and a member of the working committee for an International Financial Institution on Heat & Transport. She is a certified Circular Economy Professional, a member of ISOCARP and a council member of the UAE-India Business Council. Misha has been invited as a speaker and a jury on many local and international conferences in the past and has been on the career mentoring programme with Cardiff University since 2021.
Misha is a Senior Manager at Expo Dubai Group, the global initiative of Expo City Dubai. She leads the City Advisory work to support city leaders and stakeholders around the world on sustainable development.
Meet our mentor
Rashi Sanon Narang
(BSc 2003)
Entrepreneur Rashi started ‘Heads Up For Tails’, in 2008. Since its inception HUFT has become India’s leading petcare brand with 85 stores, 50+ pet spas, a strong online presence via www.headsupfortails.com and is now at the forefront of a market that previously had not been established in India.
Along with building the company she has also set up the Heads Up For Tails Foundation, the charitable arm of the company works to support community (street) animals which to date has provided 1.5 million meals and 17000 reflective collars to street dogs across India.
Meet the mentor
Rashi Sanon Narang
(BSc 2003)
Entrepreneur Rashi started ‘Heads Up For Tails’, in 2008. Since its inception HUFT has become India’s leading petcare brand with 85 stores, 50+ pet spas, a strong online presence via www.headsupfortails.com and is now at the forefront of a market that previously had not been established in India.
Along with building the company she has also set up the Heads Up For Tails Foundation, the charitable arm of the company works to support community (street) animals which to date has provided 1.5 million meals and 17000 reflective collars to street dogs across India.
Rashi founded India’s leading petcare brand, ‘Heads Up For Tails’ in 2008. With 85 retail stores and a strong online presence, she also established a charitable foundation to help street dogs in India.
Meet our mentor
Sitpah Selvaratnam
(LLB 1988)
Sitpah is a full-time independent arbitrator, receiving appointments from parties, co-arbitrators and arbitral institutions from around the world on commercial and maritime disputes.
25 years ago, Sitpah co-founded the law firm Tommy Thomas after working as a partner at one of the largest law firms in Malaysia. Her legal career has focused on corporate insolvency, commercial litigation and shipping disputes.
As a leading maritime and commercial litigator, she has represented multiple corporations and is the founding president of the International Malaysian Society of Maritime Law. She has represented the Malaysian Government on issues of maritime law and has been influential in the reform of this area within Malaysia.
Sitpah retired from Counsel practice, and the firm Tommy Thomas in December 2023. She was also a member of the ICC International Court of Arbitration representing Malaysia until 2024.
Meet the mentor
Sitpah Selvaratnam
(LLB 1988)
Sitpah is a full-time independent arbitrator, receiving appointments from parties, co-arbitrators and arbitral institutions from around the world on commercial and maritime disputes.
25 years ago, Sitpah co-founded the law firm Tommy Thomas after working as a partner at one of the largest law firms in Malaysia. Her legal career has focused on corporate insolvency, commercial litigation and shipping disputes.
As a leading maritime and commercial litigator, she has represented multiple corporations and is the founding president of the International Malaysian Society of Maritime Law. She has represented the Malaysian Government on issues of maritime law and has been influential in the reform of this area within Malaysia.
Sitpah retired from Counsel practice, and the firm Tommy Thomas in December 2023. She was also a member of the ICC International Court of Arbitration representing Malaysia until 2024.
Sitpah is a full-time independent arbitrator, prior to this she was a consultant at Tommy Thomas, Advocates and Solicitors, having co-founded the company in 2000.
Meet our mentor
Lizzie Swaffield
(MSc 2017)
Lizzie is National Delivery Manager at the Education Endowment Foundation; an independent charity dedicated to breaking the link between family background and educational achievement through better use of evidence. Her work focuses on leading systems change through supporting schools, colleges, regional bodies and government, to access and use research evidence.
Lizzie is passionate about social justice and educational equity. She has a breadth of experience in senior policy, programme and strategic partnership management roles from an 18-year career within education, the third sector and government in England and Wales.
Meet the mentor
Lizzie Swaffield
(MSc 2017)
Lizzie is National Delivery Manager at the Education Endowment Foundation; an independent charity dedicated to breaking the link between family background and educational achievement through better use of evidence. Her work focuses on leading systems change through supporting schools, colleges, regional bodies and government, to access and use research evidence.
Lizzie is passionate about social justice and educational equity. She has a breadth of experience in senior policy, programme and strategic partnership management roles from an 18-year career within education, the third sector and government in England and Wales.
Lizzie is National Delivery Manager at the Education Endowment Foundation. She has a breadth of experience in senior policy, programme and strategic partnership management roles from an 18-year career within education, the third sector and government.
Meet our mentor
Dena Tahmasebi
(BA 2004)
Dena Tahmasebi is a Director of Corporate Communications, Public Relations, and Employer Branding with over 18 years of experience, including a decade as a journalist at the BBC. Transitioning into the B2B IT services and consulting space, she has led cross-functional communication teams across diverse sectors, crafting strategies that enhance brand reputation and employee engagement. Dena is also a Director and Trustee of Diversity Role Models, a UK charity focused on preventing bullying in schools and fostering inclusive environments. Passionate about mentoring, diversity, and environmental regeneration, she is dedicated to using her skills and experience to make a meaningful impact both professionally and personally.
Meet the mentor
Dena Tahmasebi
(BA 2004)
Dena Tahmasebi is a Director of Corporate Communications, Public Relations, and Employer Branding with over 18 years of experience, including a decade as a journalist at the BBC. Transitioning into the B2B IT services and consulting space, she has led cross-functional communication teams across diverse sectors, crafting strategies that enhance brand reputation and employee engagement. Dena is also a Director and Trustee of Diversity Role Models, a UK charity focused on preventing bullying in schools and fostering inclusive environments. Passionate about mentoring, diversity, and environmental regeneration, she is dedicated to using her skills and experience to make a meaningful impact both professionally and personally.
Dena is a Director of Corporate Communications, Public Relations, and Employer Branding with over 18 years of experience, including a decade as a journalist at the BBC.
Meet our mentor
Sandister Tei
(MA 2015)
Sandister has been a digital communities professional since 2012. Currently, she is a Specialist at the Wikimedia Foundation, the organisation that hosts Wikipedia. She works with Community Tech and Trust and Safety Product teams, connecting global Wikimedia communities with product teams to foster inclusive design and adoption of new tools and features.
Sandister has held diverse roles as an organiser, trainer, policy advocate, and grantee in the Wikimedia Movement. In 2020, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales named her Wikimedian of the Year. Sandister has worked with organisations including Multimedia Ghana Limited, Citi FM, Channel One, Al Jazeera, Impact Hub, re:publica, Jack Ma Foundation, and US Embassy (Accra).
Meet the mentor
Sandister Tei
(MA 2015)
Sandister has been a digital communities professional since 2012. Currently, she is a Specialist at the Wikimedia Foundation, the organisation that hosts Wikipedia. She works with Community Tech and Trust and Safety Product teams, connecting global Wikimedia communities with product teams to foster inclusive design and adoption of new tools and features.
Sandister has held diverse roles as an organiser, trainer, policy advocate, and grantee in the Wikimedia Movement. In 2020, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales named her Wikimedian of the Year. Sandister has worked with organisations including Multimedia Ghana Limited, Citi FM, Channel One, Al Jazeera, Impact Hub, re:publica, Jack Ma Foundation, and US Embassy (Accra).
Sandister has been a digital communities professional since 2012. Currently, she is a Specialist at the Wikimedia Foundation. Sandister has held diverse roles as an organiser, trainer, policy advocate, and grantee in the Wikimedia Movement.
Meet our mentor
Eleanor Wheeler
(BSc 2009, MSc 2010)
Eleanor is Director of Oncology at The Health Policy Partnership. She started her career in research, before moving into the charitable sector, gaining experience across strategy development, political influencing, and patient involvement at the MS society and Cancer Research UK. Currently Eleanor has a particular focus on oncology with expertise in developing global networks. Her consultancy work brings research and experts together to form consensus on the issues facing our health systems, from which a compelling case for policy change can be made.
Meet the mentor
Eleanor Wheeler
(BSc 2009, MSc 2010)
Eleanor is Director of Oncology at The Health Policy Partnership. She started her career in research, before moving into the charitable sector, gaining experience across strategy development, political influencing, and patient involvement at the MS society and Cancer Research UK. Currently Eleanor has a particular focus on oncology with expertise in developing global networks. Her consultancy work brings research and experts together to form consensus on the issues facing our health systems, from which a compelling case for policy change can be made.
Eleanor is Director of Oncology at The Health Policy Partnership. She started her career in research, before moving into the third sector, gaining experience across strategy development, political influencing and patient involvement.
Meet our mentor
Emma Young
(BSc 1996)
Emma is an author and the Director and Founder of Emma Young Consulting Ltd. An independent sustainability advisor, Emma is passionate about the power of story to change the world. Emma has over 20 years’ experience in the profession, including nine at BT Group where she created and oversaw the delivery of the multinational’s sustainability communication strategy.
Independent since 2013, Emma works with a wide range of clients providing strategic advice, designing engagement campaigns, and delivering sustainability reports.
Emma is also a fiction author. She has published three novels set in Wales under the pen name E.L. Williams, with a fourth scheduled for release in 2025.
Emma is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (ICRS), and the RSA. She is an Accredited Member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).
Meet the mentor
Emma Young
(BSc 1996)
Emma is an author and the Director and Founder of Emma Young Consulting Ltd. An independent sustainability advisor, Emma is passionate about the power of story to change the world. Emma has over 20 years’ experience in the profession, including nine at BT Group where she created and oversaw the delivery of the multinational’s sustainability communication strategy.
Independent since 2013, Emma works with a wide range of clients providing strategic advice, designing engagement campaigns, and delivering sustainability reports.
Emma is also a fiction author. She has published three novels set in Wales under the pen name E.L. Williams, with a fourth scheduled for release in 2025.
Emma is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (ICRS), and the RSA. She is an Accredited Member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).
Emma is an author and the Director and Founder of Emma Young Consulting Ltd. She is an independent sustainability advisor, providing strategic advice, engagement campaigns, and sustainability reports.