BSc MORSE, 2001

Chief Executive, Car.co.uk

William, Former CEO of Recycling Lives, earned an MBE in King Charles III’s first New Year Honours in 2023, for his impactful services aiding vulnerable communities. This included helping those who were facing homelessness or with a criminal record to get a job to help them get back on their feet. They achieved massive success in reducing reoffending rates from 67% national average to less than 5%. Transitioning in 2020, he established Car.co.uk, a car retail brand that is rapidly growing through its focus on lower value, affordable cars. William aims for Car.co.uk to be a national force, with an innovative program to restore cars, creating meaningful employment for ex-offenders.

MEng Mechanical Engineering, 2006; EngD Engineering, 2012

Director, Research & Technology – Manufacturing Innovation at Hexcel Composites Limited

Ben is Director - Research and Technology, Manufacturing Innovation at Hexcel Corporation, a multinational global leader in advanced composites technology. Hexcel produce carbon fibre reinforcements and resin systems and are the world leader in honeycomb manufacturing for the commercial aerospace industry. Prior to his time at Hexcel, Ben worked at WMG for six years, firstly as a technology transfer specialist with expertise in multi-functional polymers, before becoming Innovation Manager in the HVM Catapult and finally Project Manager in the Energy Innovation Centre. Ben was an active member of Warwick Racing during his time studying at Warwick and he was a composites and biodiesel consultant on the WorldF3rst project which delivered an innovative Formula 3 racing car using sustainable materials such as chocolate and carrots.

BA Law and Business Studies, 2016

Founder and Visual Artist

Toyosi is the Founder of the modern art decor brand TW (ToyoWrites). Shortlisted by The Telegraph and Natwest in the Top 100 Female Entrepreneurs to Watch list, Toyosi is on a social mission to positively affirm and encourage mindfulness and positivity through art and affirmations. She provides commissions, original artwork, luxury paintings, and designs for B2B, consumer markets, and art collectors. Recognised for immense creativity, success, and innovation through difficult economic times, she has hosted multiple pop-ups and exhibitions at companies such as Google, Barclays, and HSBC.

BA Law and Sociology, 2011; LLM International Development Law and Human Rights, 2014

Parliamentary & Policy Officer at Sickle Cell Society | Executive Officer at CPA UK | Founder at LALI London | Writer at Aya’s Garden

In 2018 Seyi Afolabi began her Commonwealth role in Parliament, working to support executive functions of CPA UK and delivering parliamentary programmes. In 2021, Seyi took up her additional parliamentary role with the Sickle Cell Society. She has a strong passion for young people and has pioneered programmes in Parliament to foster youth engagement, as well as volunteered as a mentor in her local community. As a keen writer and poet, Seyi is the founder of Aya’s Garden - a platform dedicated to celebrating the stories and creative arts of marginalised groups. Honoured at Buckingham Palace as an outstanding Commonwealth citizen in 2022, Seyi is also the founder of upcoming fashion brand – LALI London Ltd

MSc Cyber Security and Management, 2020

Senior Vice President Digital Security at AVEVA

Philomena, an accomplished Cyber Security and Risk expert, was recently the CISO at National Highways, leading their cyber security risk team. With a background as Director at CES Management Consultancy and key roles at BAE Systems and Nortel Networks, she brings extensive experience. Last year, Philomena spoke at the ICS Security Conference in Munich, focusing on human-centred cyber resilience, and has been a guest lecturer on WMG’s Cyber Security Engineering course since 2020. Philomena recently started a new role as Senior Vice President Digital Security at AVEVA.

BSc Management, 2018

Senior Manager & Ambassador for DE&I, Allen & Overy

Justin qualified as a corporate lawyer at Allen & Overy before stepping into a new global role as the firm’s Ambassador for DE&I. Alongside this, Justin is the Founder and CEO of GROW Mentoring – a charity launched during Covid, which now supports 4500 diverse future lawyers. The charity has gone on to secure partnerships with 50+ global companies and institutions to provide mentoring and other opportunities for graduates. Justin is an advocate and role model for the LGBTQ+ community and has been recognised by the UK Prime Minister for Social Impact. He has gone on to win McKinsey & Company’s global Achievement Award and was named the #1 Future Leader in the UK at the British LGBT Awards.

BA English and Theatre Studies, 1991

Founder at Martin Prendergast Communications, a public affairs and corporate partnerships consultancy working in the cultural sector

Martin Prendergast is a communications consultant with more than 30 years’ experience in the cultural sector helping arts organisations generate income. His client list includes the National Theatre, RADA, The BRIT School, the London Symphony Orchestra, Wilton’s Music Hall, Birmingham Hippodrome and the Bolshoi Ballet, through M&C Saatchi Arts. He is a member of the UK Council of the Creative Industries Federation, a Board Director of the European Sponsorship Association, a proud Speaker for Schools, a trustee for both Theatre Peckham and HOME in Manchester, and a Governor of the GEM Federation of Primary Schools in Southwark. He is also a classical and cabaret pianist and singer. He lives in Camberwell, London, with his husband Mark.

BSc Chemistry with Management, 2012

Co-Founder, The Humble AI

Mahdi is the Co-founder of The Humble AI, a VC-backed and purpose-driven company that empowers firms to boost team productivity by making automation and AI accessible to everyone. Mahdi began his career in investment banking in London, focusing on technology M&A, before moving to China. He has been recognised by Forbes Asia's "30 Under 30" for his role as Chief Strategy Officer at Sunteng, a Chinese adtech scaleup. He formerly led PE Technology Transformation at a Soros backed venture, was an Advisor to Slush and is an angel investor in several innovative startups.

MA Educational Leadership and Management, 2022

Doctoral College Officer, Coventry University

With over 15 years of experience in education, teaching, training, mentoring, leadership, and research, Emine has worked in Uzbekistanbased educational institutions as well as international agencies and Higher Educational Institutions in the UK. Emine believes education can be the changing force of life quality and advocates for quality education being equally accessible at every stage of life.

BSc Management, 2019

Co-Founder and CEO, Connect Earth

Alexander Lempka is the CEO and Co-founder at Connect Earth, a London-based ClimateTech company. Alex previously held Business Development and Strategy positions at European fintech companies and startups. He co-founded Connect Earth in 2021 together with his co-founder Nick Carmont, combining his passion for fintech and sustainability. Alex was featured on the Forbes 30 Under 30 List in 2023.