Celebrating Leeds volunteers

In the video below, Phil Steel, Head of Alumni and Supporter Engagement at the University of Leeds, shares the impact volunteers have on enhancing the student experience.

In March 2025, we were proud to bring together an inspiring group of alumni volunteers to meet prospective students across three major events in China – held in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

Over 120 volunteers from a broad range of faculties and backgrounds took part in recruitment activities and helped strengthen alumni connections within the region.

Thanks to their enthusiasm and generosity, these events were a resounding success. Everyone brought a unique perspective to the events – whether speaking on panels, leading networking sessions, or contributing to our China volunteers spotlight page – and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who generously gave their time.

In addition, we’d like to extend a thank you to the Advancement team, our colleagues in China, and the faculty representatives who attended the events and played a vital role in their success.

We caught up with some of our incredible alumni after the events to hear about their experience and motivations:

What inspired you to volunteer at the offer holder events?

“This was the perfect opportunity for me to reconnect with Leeds alumni and educators of the university of Leeds. I also want to meet those alumni from different workplace to learn from each other and make friends. Most importantly, it was my great honour to share my study experience for prospective students. I had a fantastic university life in Leeds, and I wanted to share this with the next generation of students to enhance their belief to study at our University.”

Wei Wu (MA Design 2020)

Were there any memorable interactions with offer holders that stood out to you?

“I participated as a networker at the event, where I had the chance to speak with several students interested in studying art. Art isn't a typical choice among Chinese students compared to fields like business, finance, or management. I had similar questions myself when I was choosing a university so I found that I could relate closely to the student's concerns. It was meaningful for me to offer her some guidance and reassurance, and I was glad to share my own experience to help her feel more confident in her decision.”

Charlotte Cai (MA Global Fashion Management 2020)

Did the experience enhance your connection to the university of Leeds alumni community?

“As a native of Beijing, I take particular pride in the fact that this event is being held in my hometown. I hope to participate in more meaningful activities in the future to show the Chinese community a different side of the University of Leeds—one that goes beyond academics and embodies the unique connections, growth, and global perspectives fostered within Leeds community.”

Yixin Lan 兰毅昕 (MA Arts Management and Heritage Studies 2018)

"This event makes me connect with lots of new alumni from varied fields, which is good for me to expand my network. We can help each other and introduce better work opportunities to one another. Be confident, be respectful, be enthusiastic. When you attend the events, you will find a new perspective on the world. There are lots of excellent alumni who are worth recognising. Connect with the University of Leeds with any hesitation.”

Wei Wu (Design MA 2020)

What advice would you give to fellow alumni who are considering volunteering for similar events?

“The bonds between people are the most beautiful part of my journey. At the University of Leeds, I found my sense of purpose within this community, and I hope to pass on this hope to others. If you embrace the philosophy of sharing, igniting, and passing on—whether through ideas, experiences, or support—you will find your place in any University of Leeds activity and create your own cherished memories. These memories will profoundly aid your growth as a person, shaping how you move forward in life.”

Yixin Lan 兰毅昕 ( MA Arts Management and Heritage Studies 2018)

“I would absolutely encourage fellow alumni to take part in these kinds of events. Although it's a volunteer opportunity, the experience is incredibly rewarding. Not only do you get to support and inspire students who are navigating important decisions, but you also gain valuable connections and insights for yourself. It's a great way to give back while also expanding your own network and personal growth.”

Charlotte Cai (MA Global Fashion Management 2020)

Explore our China volunteers spotlight page to learn more about our fantastic alumni volunteering community!

On 11 March, students gathered in the Liberty Building for a compelling Women’s History Month 'In Conversation' event with Dr Dakshina Gammanpila (Criminal Justice 1995) and Emmy Mae Edwards, a final year Law student.

Dr Dakshina Gammanpila was a barrister in London before she completed an MA in Criminal Justice and a PhD in Forensic criminology. She has built a global career in law, health advocacy, and community engagement. From speaking in Parliament on women’s health to leading support networks in Brazil and volunteering in Brussels, Dr Dakshina’s work spans continents—always with a focus on empowering others and giving back through creative and impactful initiatives.

The event featured a discussion hosted by Dr Dakshina on women’s rights, advocacy, and gender equality, followed by a lunch with students from the WBB student society. Supported by the School of Law, the WWB aims to celebrate the success of women whilst inspiring future female pioneers.

Emmy May Edwards, a final year Law student and 2024/25 President of WBB, emphasised the need for alumni like Dr Dakshina to return to campus for talks:

“The event conveyed powerful messages that resonated with attendees, such as of the importance of collaboration and mentorship, honing in on the aspects of yourself that make you different and relishing in the spontaneity of life through taking opportunities you may have never considered, focusing on the benefits of an international experience.”  

We caught up with Dr Dakshina after the event who spoke about how empowering it was to return to campus and inspire the next generation of students:

“It has been enriching to reconnect with Leeds University and in particular the School of Law after many years living and working overseas. Engaging with Emmy and the students present both during and after the talk, with their insightful questions and perspectives on such wide-ranging themes, reminded me of why whilst pursuing a career at the Bar in London I decided to undertake postgraduate studies at the Centre for Criminal Justice at Leeds, then in its infancy.”

Loren Sandoval Arteaga, Communications and Alumni Officer, plays a key role in championing alumni engagement with the School of Law, working to securing inspiring volunteers like Dr Dakshina and helping to create meaningful events.

Reflecting on this event, Loren said that "It was such a pleasure to welcome Dr Dakshina back to the School of Law, and we’re incredibly grateful to her for taking the time to share her journey and experiences with our students. The event created a unique space for honest questions and thoughtful conversations. It’s always so rewarding to reconnect with our alumni and see them inspiring the next generation and this event was a fantastic example of that."

To express interest in taking part in faculty career talks, fill out our online registration form.

Two standout events series from the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures (Creative Life Stories and Media Futures) have become vital platforms for connecting students with real-world insight into the creative and cultural industries, made possible through the generous contributions of alumni who volunteered their time and expertise.

Creative Life Stories is a series of events and resources to demystify careers in the creative and cultural industries for people from underrepresented backgrounds. Media Futures builds on this approach with a more targeted focus, helping University of Leeds students to gain insights and find opportunities specifically within the Media Industries.

Together, these initiatives span sectors including: Film & TV, Journalism, Gaming, Publishing, Art & Design, Music. Theatre, Performance and beyond. Alumni volunteers offer candid reflections on their career paths, sharing both their achievements and the challenges they have encountered along the way.

The success of these events owes much to the wider alumni community. Alongside the time given by the speakers, donations given by the alumni and supporter community made it possible to originally set up the Creative Life Stories series through their generous gifts. These contributions funded several engaging events and supported the creation of a dedicated Creative Life Stories website to showcase alumni stories and resources.

In addition to supporting current students, these events also serve as professional development opportunities for our recent graduates. Many are invited to return and share their experiences soon after leaving university as they can relate to the student experience. Their contributions help share an insight into what early career opportunities are like in the sector whilst also giving the alumni a chance to reflect on their own professional progress.

The final event of the year, held on 12 March 2025, brought together both the Creative Life Storis and Media Futures programmes in a collaborative session that attracted an impressive turnout of students. The event featured a panel of University of Leeds alumni working across the media and creative industries, who shared valuable insights and advice.

Feedback from both students and alumni was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the relevance and inspiration of the discussions. Courtney Cox (Digital Studies 2020), reflected on the event saying “I love the Media Futures events! I used to attend them when I was at Uni and now it is full circle to be back at the event on the panel sharing my experiences during my career”.

These events have become a vital part of the student experience. Reflecting on the impact of this work, Becky Kidner, Senior Employability & Placements Officer, (AHC Careers) commented that "“It is such a great pleasure to work on both the Creative Life Stories and Media Futures events series. Over 50% of guests at these events  this year have been University of Leeds Alumni joining us back on campus. In the case of our International Media Online panel in February, it was a great privilege to have been joined by several international alumni based in Germany, Spain and Toronto as well! I want to express a HUGE thank you to all of our alumni supporters!"

To express interest in taking part in faculty career talks, fill out our online registration form.

A recent alumni reunion in Jakarta, Indonesia, demonstrated the value of community, collaboration, and global connection amongst Leeds graduates.

The event was made possible thanks to alumni volunteers, who coordinated planning and logistics via the University of Leeds Indonesia alumni WhatsApp group, a community of over 200 members.

Attendees came from across a wide range of professions and class dates creating the perfect environment for ideas sharing. A panel discussion, led by volunteers, covered topics including the Leeds study experience, the influence Leeds had on the panellists’ careers, and visions for the Indonesia Alumni Association.

The gathering featured a range of alumni networking, personal stories, and sharing discussion topics ranging from career development to cultural exchange.

Attendee Novasari Widyaningsih (MA Film Studies 2023) explained: “This event was both fun and inspiring. It was an opportunity to network, share knowledge, and truly advance our careers."  

The gathering featured a range of alumni networking, personal stories, and sharing discussion topics ranging from career development to cultural exchange. “What a fantastic melting pot of ideas,” Novasari said. “We were able to focus on how these events can support not only our careers but also other aspects of life, such as well-being.”

These reunions highlight the crucial role that volunteer-led initiatives play in building vibrant alumni networks worldwide. By sharing experiences, skills and insights, alumni strengthen their connections and inspire others to organise similar gatherings in their regions.

Learn more about global alumni groups and how to get involved in events in your area.

Francesca Bertolino (Law with European Legal Studies 2024) volunteers as School of Law mentor, helping to guide and inspire the next generation of legal professionals. This year, her dedication as a mentor was highlighted when one of her mentees became a finalist in the highly competitive Undergraduate of the Year awards.

Francesca’s journey into volunteering began during her time at the University of Leeds. “I volunteered for a number of charities and projects throughout my time at Leeds and as a recent graduate,” she explains. “I volunteered as a student mentor for IntoUniveristy, a charity that supports school students from underrepresented backgrounds to access higher education. I also participated in two Community Engagement Projects through the School of Law, the Welfare Appeal Clinic and StreetLaw”.

After graduating, Francesca continued her commitment to social impact, helping design the “Understanding Gender-Based Violence” module for Jabalie, a charity supporting survivors of gender-based violence. She now serves as a mentor for the Leeds School of Law Mentorship Scheme and GROW Mentoring, a charity that pairs legal professionals with students seeking careers in Law.

What impact do you feel you’ve had on your mentee?

“I believe my support helped my mentee build confidence in her own decision making and bring a more strategic focus to her job hunting. We focused on understanding what her long-term goals were first, which then allowed her to apply strategically and be more confident in her choices.”

What has mentoring taught you?

“Mentoring has made me much more strategic and purpose-led. I have learned to focus on listening and reflecting, which has helped me align more closely with my own goals. I have realised that is not just about giving advice, but also about inspiring and guiding others to think critically and act with purpose.”

What was it like attending the Undergrad of the Year awards to support your mentee?

“This was a moment that really stayed with me. After months of emails and video calls, connecting with her face-to-face was super refreshing and made me fully appreciate how far we’ve actually come!”

To express interest in taking part in mentoring fill out our online registration form.

Leeds University Business School (LUBS) alumni volunteers have supported a wide range of activities this year - from mentoring students, speaking at events and hosting company visits, to sharing their experiences through alumni profiles, panel discussions and support student recruitment events.

Their contributions have created meaningful connections, inspired others, and helped strengthen our Business School community. 

Volunteering with LUBS is a rewarding way to give back, stay connected to the University, and play a part in shaping the next generation of students. Whether you're able to offer a few hours or commit to a longer-term initiative, your involvement makes a real difference.

This year, LUBS celebrated the impact of alumni volunteers who have mentored students, spoken at events, and shared their industry expertise. Their Volunteers' Week article features reflections from alumni on what volunteering means to them, highlighting how their contributions benefit both the School and their own personal growth.

Explore our website for more information on similar LUBS volunteering opportunities.

Volunteering doesn’t always require a long-term commitment. For busy alumni, remote opportunities offer simple, flexible ways to make a difference, share your experiences, and stay connected to the Leeds community.

Below are some examples of low commitment, high impact instances of volunteering that you can take part in regardless of location or background.

Words of Wisdom

Share your insights with final year students and recent graduates through our Words of Wisdom initiative. This is a chance to offer advice, guidance and inspiration to the next generation of Leeds alumni. You can submit your advice via our online form, and your contributions may be features on LinkedIn, newsletters, and other University communications.

Many alumni appreciate being part of this initiative because it allows them to reflect on their own journeys, share lessons learned, and offer encouragement to those starting their careers. It’s a meaningful way to give back to the Leeds community while staying connected with the next generation of graduates.

Interested in submitting your own words of Wisdom? Complete our form to submit your Words of Wisdom.

Contribute to the Careers Blog

The LeedsUniCareers blog is a fantastic platform for peer-to-peer learning, where students and graduates share career insights and experiences. It is a valuable platform used to share guidance on what life is like after graduation.

Recently, graduate Faith shared her inspiring journey with the blog, offering valuable reflections on her career path and personal growth. Her story is a great example of how alumni experiences can motivate and guide current students as they navigate their own careers.

Online mentoring

Mentoring at Leeds is a great way to share your professional experience and support students as they navigate into their early careers. It's a flexible, digital opportunity , allowing your to connect from anywhere and provide guidance through video calls, messages or emails. Mentoring is a chance to give back while building your own leadership skills and network.

30 Minute Mentoring is an example of flexible, one-off volunteering that allows alumni to offer valuable career insights and advice in a single session. Delivered either in person online or in person, it's an accessible way to make a meaningful impact without the need for long term commitment.

This kind of support is especially valuable for students navigating the transition from university to the workplace. For many, particularly those who may not have access to established professional networks, a single conversation can spark confidence, direction and new possibilities. As Grace Webster, Plus Programme Officer, reflects: "Students from underrepresented groups often face barriers related to imposter syndrome or limited access to professional networks; alumni mentors are invaluable in bridging these gaps and opening doors to new opportunities”.

All of students who gave feedback agreed or strongly agreed that they have more knowledge of what employers within their chosen industry/sector look for in employees, feel confident that they are able to take next steps in career planning and applying for work opportunities. In addition to this, all of the students agreed or strongly agreed that their session made them feel that they belonged more and were valued by the University.

Volunteering, even in small doses, can be an impactful way to give back and stay connected to the University of Leeds. Whether you're sharing advice, contributing to a blog, or mentoring a student, digital engagements can help strengthen the Leeds community.

Explore our website for more information on similar volunteering opportunities or email the team at alumnivolunteers@leeds.ac.uk.