In celebration of International Women's Day, we are shining a light on the fantastic achievements of our alumnae. From established leaders to rising stars, these women are shaping the world around us and the Warwick of today.

Bience Gawanas (LLB Law, 1986; Hon LLD, 2023)

Inspirational advocate, champion for women's rights and social justice, and committed to improving healthcare and development in Africa, Bience's career across law and human rights has spanned over 40 years.

Laura Mattias (BA Film and Literature, 2013)

Driving positive dialogue and awareness about living with alopecia, Laura is on a mission to ensure that nobody who looks or feels ‘different’ should be left unrepresented or alone.

Soumya Dabriwal (BSc Economics, 2016)

Passion and dedication for change drove Soumya to set up Project Baala and transform menstrual health and hygiene practices for women and girls in rural areas of Nepal, India, Tanzania, and Ghana.

Emine Sheykhametova (MA Educational Leadership and Management, 2022)

Emine believes education can be the changing force of life quality and advocates for quality education being equally accessible at every stage of life.

Jo Todd (BA English and European Literature, 1990)

From volunteering at a refuge on the outskirts of London, to more than 20 years as CEO of Respect - the pioneering charity tackling the roots of domestic violence - Jo has dedicated her life to making a positive difference.

Disha Naik (MEng Mechanical Engineering, 2020)

Breaking down diversity barriers and revving up the world of motorsports, Disha is an engineer and motorsports trailblazer determined to encourage young girls to pursue STEM subjects.

Philomena Lavery (MSc Cyber Security and Management, 2020)

As a woman championing human-centred cyber resilience, shaping the industry as Senior VP Digital Security at AVEVA and sharing her expertise at WMG, Philomena's remarkable influence drives change, marking her as a standout woman in her field.

Sumedha Sharaff (BSc Management Sciences, 2003)

As one of the three founders of O&O Beauty, Sumedha created a make-up brand that is dedicated to promoting inclusivity whilst elevating the voices of women and breaking the shackles of menstrual taboos in our society.

Olia Hercules (BA Italian and International Studies, 2006)

Award-winning author, food stylist, and chef, Olia founded the #CookForUkraine movement, which has raised more than £2m for charities including UNICEF and Legacy of War Foundation.