Thrive™ Programme Facilitators

I am passionate about women’s personal development and am proud of what we have achieved so far with the Thrive programme. I have worked in different roles - as a Training Consultant, as a Careers Advisor and now developing this exciting new programme – the common link across my career has been helping others to fulfil their potential and finding purpose and happiness in their lives!

I am inspired everyday through learning about other women’s lives and challenges, and love connecting women so we can learn from each other. Building mentoring into Thrive was important to me, as I know from personal experience how valuable it can be. Outside of work, I love travelling. I have two daughters, two cats, and love meeting friends for long walks in the countryside.

Hi, I’m Lucy and I’m Warwick’s Careers Manager (Alumni and Central Services). I have been at Warwick since February 2024, having previously headed the careers service at Birkbeck, University of London and managed graduate recruitment for a global law firm in London.

My career path has always been driven by empowering people to achieve their potential, no matter their background, and I have run several programmes designed to support students and employees with their confidence, resilience, connections and wider employability skills.

Outside of work, I am a mum to a very adventurous 3-year-old son (who is keeping me young!) and I have re-discovered a love of ballet dancing (just don’t ask me to do any turns!)

I am really looking forward to being part of Thrive this year.

Konstantina is the Alumni Careers Manager at WBS, where she supports a diverse global alumni community through one-to-one coaching and career development activities. A regular contributor to the WBS Alumni newsletter, Konstantina authors a monthly career blog and collaborates with colleagues across the University of Warwick on a podcast series focused on career insights for international students and alumni.

With a BA from the University of Sofia and an MSc in Management Studies from the Royal Agricultural University, Konstantina has worked in UK higher education careers services since 2005. She holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Careers Information, Advice and Guidance from the University of Warwick, is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and a licensed Spotlight practitioner.

As a career’s professional, former RAF Officer, and seasoned recruiter, I've actively contributed to the career development and advancement of hundreds of individuals in various stages of their careers over the last 20 years.

I am delighted to contribute my insight and expertise to Thrive at the University of Warwick, where I can share my passion for empowering women in their professional journeys. I am deeply passionate about providing women with the tools and resources to achieve their professional aspirations, especially those in typically male dominated environments.

My experience also extends beyond just the workplace; I have devoted time to voluntary work, supporting women in STEM enter the workforce, or re-enter the workforce after parental leave or other extended periods away from their specialism, in roles appropriate for their level of education and experience. This multifaceted background has equipped me with valuable insights and a genuine commitment to fostering positive change in the lives of women in the professional sphere.

I'm passionate about empowering individuals to reach their potential.

From my “portfolio career,” I've learned that all skills are useful and transferable. The creativity I developed as an interior designer has been invaluable in shaping marketing strategies, product development, internship programmes, and more recently, the WorkReady Toolkit to support students’ work experience journey.

As a working woman with a diverse career, a parent of thriving children who have recently joined the professional world, and a trainer and mentor of personal development programmes, I draw on my experiences to inspire and support students in achieving personal growth and their definition of success. Having moved to England 32 years ago, I empathise with the unique challenges non-UK students face.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, dancing, swimming and the arts. I'm excited to support you in navigating your unique paths.

I’ve been at Warwick since 2022, first as a student (Career Development and Coaching Studies MA) and now in the Internships, Placements, and Work Experience team. My role is focused on amplifying students' voices to ensure that everyone, not just the most vocal, get to have their say.

I’m passionate about ensuring that all students can develop beyond their academic knowledge and gain a greater understanding of their values and what success means to them. Thrive is a fantastic opportunity for students to have these conversations and I’m excited to be part of the team of facilitators.

Outside of work I’m an aunt to my adorable two-year-old niece, I enjoy going to the gym and reading (hobbies you can do simultaneously with an audio book), and I’m a member of an amateur improv comedy group.

Coming soon

Sarah Jackson leads the MBA & Alumni careers team at WBS, managing a team of 7 careers & leadership development professionals to empower students to reach their potential & support the strategic goals of the business school.

She is a committed, energetic, and professional Careers & Leadership Development Professional, with expertise in designing and delivering a wide range of leadership development programmes at both individual and group level from junior levels in the business to C-Suite. A seasoned executive coach, Sarah is passionate about helping people reach their potential, with experience of coaching & facilitating workshops for individuals from a number of different sectors, business areas & international cultures.

Prior to joining WBS, Sarah managed the Global Graduate Programme for IMI plc with responsibility for recruitment through to managing & developing their engineering & commercial graduates through a series of placements with the aim of producing IMI’s future business leaders. Sarah has also designed and delivered development interventions (Business leadership programme, team building sessions, graduate workshops and assessment/development centre training) to a wide range of people from graduates through to senior management.

Sarah is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a Fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and has a BEng Hons degree in Mechanical Engineering from Sheffield University, a Diploma in Coaching from Warwick University and is a licensed psychometric tester, fully accredited in Hogan, Spotlight, Insights, MBTI (step I &II), FIRO-B, Belbin and SHL level A and level B. She also holds an MA in Career Development & Coaching Studies from Warwick University.

I am Amanda, and I am really excited to be involved in the years Thrive Programme. My role at Warwick is working within the School of Engineering as their Director of Student Experience, to help create an inclusive student community.

I strongly believe in the development of students and in particular supporting the empowerment of women at Warwick. I have helped create the WP Student Network, which acts as a peer network for WP Students at Warwick and also am lucky to be one of the leads for the Inspiring Women at Warwick Staff Programme.

Out of work I like travelling and crafting (although I don’t have a favourite!) and I also am the proud owner of a black and white cavapoochon doggie

😊

I'm Christine, I'm excited to be involved in supporting the Thrive Programme.

I am the Director of Outreach within the School of Life Sciences, and also a teaching-focused assistant professor with a background in biochemistry.

My favourite days at work are the ones where I'm able to see students succeeding, especially if the challenge has been something they weren't always sure they'd ever accomplish. I think Thrive gives students a space to build that confidence and celebrate those wins, and I'm really grateful to be a part of that.

I am the Director of Academic Support at the School of Life Science at the University of Warwick. In this role I work to ensure suitable support and pastoral care provision is available for all our students - no matter who they are, where they are from or whatever experience they bring with them! I want all students to feel like the belong at Warwick and celebrate our beautiful diversity. You learn well when you feel well and I want everyone to have the opportunity to achieve their best potential.

Outside of Warwick I am first a foremost a mum to my wonderful son, but also a dog owner and a grass roots football coach! I look forward to seeing you all on the course and being part of your time here at Warwick!

I came late to recognising that my experience as a female employee might be different to that of a male colleague. I was lucky to have some really good female leaders and role models to learn from and be supported by.

I’m now in a position where I want to help support women to fulfil (and exceed) their professional and personal ambitions so that luck doesn’t have to be a factor.

I feel privileged to be part of the Thrive team and I’m looking forward to meeting you 😊

I’m a Placement Officer (and mum, friend, partner, baker, gardener, cat-owner, etc).

Engaging with personal/professional development programmes has played an important part in my professional journey.

I am so pleased that through initiatives like Thrive I get to bring together the skills of my ‘day job’ (working with, and developing people) with the ability to pass on and pay forward the benefits of personal and professional growth opportunities.

Hi everyone, I’m Hilary, Careers Manager for Undergraduates at WBS.

I have worked in HE Careers for over 10 years and prior to that I worked in HR and Recruitment in Legal, Financial Services and HE sector.

I am passionate about helping people to develop their full potential so I am excited to be involved in the Thrive programme. In my experience, I have seen many people hold themselves back and underestimate their abilities, so I am driven to help people to overcome barriers (real or perceived), reach their desired goals and become their authentic self.

Outside of work, I love singing, dancing, spending time with my little girl and enjoying good coffee.

I have been at Warwick since 2018 and am currently working in the Information and Digital Group as a Junior Delivery Manager.

I am passionate about women’s development and bridging the gap between men and women. I have been lucky enough to participate in development programmes which have improved my confidence and career prospects and now I’m excited to have the opportunity to pay it forward.

Outside of Warwick, I am a hypnobirthing and antenatal teacher which gives me the opportunity to support pregnant women and their partners at a very special time in their lives.

I am also a busy mum of two small children and enjoy baking, reading and dancing when I get chance.

Hello, my name is Mel and I work in the Undergraduate Team within the Business School at Warwick as a Senior Project Coordinator. My involvement in the Thrive programme fills me with enthusiasm, as it aligns perfectly with my commitment to student development.

In my role at Warwick, I support undergraduate students from Warwick Business School, in particular those from a Widening Participation background, to help build an inclusive community.

I’m passionate about fostering student growth, especially when developing their potential by building confidence, resilience and connections!

Outside of work I enjoy running (slowly) cycling (a bit faster but not much!) and reading (my top tip is never watch a film based on a favourite book, they never do them justice). To unwind, I take my young yellow Labrador on long walks.

I’m very much looking forward to meeting you all.

My name is Donna and I work as a Careers Coach with FTMBA Students in Warwick Business School. I love my role as I support students to gain their dream job! This involves careers coaching and workshops on crafting your CV, interview technique and networking skills. However, we also support students with building resilience and confidence to help them succeed in the workplace. I am looking forward to contributing to the Thrive Programme and meeting you all. In my spare time I love reading (and go to a monthly book club), running (short distances) and visiting National Trust properties (especially the tea room!).

Hi everyone, my name is Orla, and I have been at University of Warwick for 8 years across Foundation Studies, Economics and the School of Modern Languages and Cultures, bringing considerable experience working with different nationalities and cultures.

I have always worked in Education, as a teacher of Modern Languages at primary and secondary levels, a Careers Manager in schools and HE and currently Widening Participation Manager in the SMLC. I am passionate about social mobility and encouraging empowerment, progression and success with the students I work with.

As a mother to 3 children, 2 of whom have now entered the workforce, I have been privileged to witness their transition to the professional world so have some first-hand information on this!

Last year I completed the Advance HE Aurora programme on female leadership and personal development and I am delighted to join Thrive as a facilitator to share all of my experience and insights with the wonderful students at Warwick.

Outside of work I love to read, sing and go to the theatre, currently reading “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

I lead on Warwick’s partnerships with organisations that co-fund scholarships for international students. One scheme I am particularly proud to work on is the Women in STEM scholarship programme in conjunction with the British Council. This enables excellent early stage or aspiring female scientists to undertake a master’s degree whilst also giving them the necessary skills and tools to thrive in male dominated industries and to support the young women following in their footsteps.

I started to explore coaching and mentoring during the pandemic and found it transformative. I’m keen to use these skills to support women to realise their professional and personal ambitions and am looking forward to meeting Thrive participants with goals and challenges to overcome.

Outside of work I’m a primary school governor, keen cook and greyhound servant.

Hello, I’m Rich and I’m a Careers Consultant for MBA students in the Business School, here at Warwick. I joined the University recently in July 2025, and have thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the wonderful students and staff, as well as exploring Warwick’s amazing campus. Prior to working here, I was a senior manager within the Careers Service at the University of Leicester, and going further back held recruitment roles for Experian, Barclays and Toyota.

My career path has followed my passion for development and empowerment. It is a privilege to help others achieve their potential and aspirations, and I have thoroughly enjoyed leading and contributing to numerous personal and professional development programmes and coaching and mentoring schemes. I’m approachable, encouraging, and positive, and absolutely delighted to be part of Thrive.

When not working I enjoy trying to keep up with my son, watching sports and keeping as fit and active as possible. I’m also a keen reader and even keener Netflix binge watcher!

Director of Student Experience – School of Life Sciences

In my home life, I am a Mum of two boys, one cat and three fish: an animal lover and tea drinker.

I’m passionate about creating inclusive, empowering environments where students can thrive—both academically and personally. My career has spanned teaching-focused roles and leadership in student experience, always with a commitment to equity, wellbeing, and belonging.

As Director of Student Experience, I work across departments to enhance the student journey, ensuring that every student feels seen, supported, and able to succeed. I’m especially interested in co-creation, inclusive pedagogy, and embedding student voice into meaningful change.

Beyond my formal role, I’ve mentored early-career educators, facilitated workshops on inclusive practice, and contributed to sector-wide conversations around student wellbeing and engagement.

I’m excited to be part of Thrive, and I look forward to connecting with brilliant women across the university—sharing stories, building confidence, and championing each other’s growth.

Nuo Xu is the Careers Manager for the FTMBAs at the Warwick Business School. She worked in the corporate finance sector and commodity hedging projects for seven years. Since 2014, her career aspiration has been moving towards student development and training. Coaching and supporting people to reach their full potential is Nuo’s passion. Her key areas of coaching experience are coaching interview skills, improving job applications, and supporting clients to develop skills for their careers. Nuo also supports clients to become aware of their decisions around developing careers to achieve their goals.