Lorna Curran
From fashion graduate to international buyer and GAA jersey designer
BA Hons Textile Art, Design and Fashion
Originally from the border counties of Donegal and Tyrone, Lorna graduated from Ulster University in 2019 with a BA in Textile Art, Design and Fashion. As part of her studies, she also completed an Erasmus year at Hochschule Niederrhein in Mönchengladbach, Germany, earning an International Diploma in Textile Clothing and Management.
Following graduation, Lorna began her career in fashion in Düsseldorf before relocating to Vienna in 2021. She has since built nearly seven years of industry experience across fashion merchandising and buying, while developing her German language skills to a professional level. Today, she works full-time as a Fashion Buyer in Vienna.
Alongside her career, Lorna is an active member of the Vienna Gaels community. After initially joining as a social member, she became a player on the Ladies’ Football Team. When the club began developing its new 2026 football jersey, Lorna was given the opportunity to combine her creative expertise with her passion for the club by bringing the new design to life. The completed jersey celebrates the club’s identity and community, and Lorna'’s work has been recognised by Vienna Gaels and the Irish Embassy in Vienna.
Reflecting on her time at Ulster University, Lorna credits the Textile Art, Design and Fashion course with giving her the confidence and creative freedom to pursue an international career. The supportive learning environment encouraged her to experiment with different techniques, exchange ideas and learn from students with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.
Her Erasmus experience was also an important part of her journey, giving her the confidence to travel independently, embrace a new culture, learn another language and move beyond her comfort zone. These experiences continue to influence both her personal development and her career in the international fashion industry.
Elaine Kelly
Learning, leading and transforming hospitality
BSc International Hotel and Tourism Management
MSc Business in Technology
Elaine graduated from Ulster University in 2013 with a degree in International Hotel and Tourism Management, completing her studies while building her career in Northern Ireland’s hospitality industry.
During her degree, Elaine worked as Duty Manager at Ten Square Hotel before progressing to the role of Rooms Division Manager at Galgorm Collection. Balancing full-time employment with university study was challenging, but it allowed her to apply her learning directly in the workplace. For Elaine, the theory and the day job went hand in hand, strengthening both her academic understanding and practical experience.
In 2016, she moved into the role of Group Projects and Systems Manager at Galgorm Collection, where she led the introduction of new systems and technologies across the business.
As her career developed, Elaine returned to Ulster University to complete an MSc in Business in Technology. Once again, she combined full-time work with her studies, supported by her employer and able to apply her learning in real time as the organisation continued to grow and evolve.
Today, as Director of Technology and Transformation at Galgorm Collection, Elaine leads the organisation’s work across technology, digital transformation, data, cyber security and artificial intelligence.
Reflecting on her journey, Elaine credits Ulster University with giving her the opportunity to continue developing her career while gaining valuable practical experience. This combination of academic learning and real-world application has played an important role in shaping the leader she is today.
Stephen Dallas
Stephen Dallas appointed CEO of Co-operation Ireland
BSc Hons Community Youth Work
MSc Social Research Skills
Executive MBA
Stephen has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Co-operation Ireland, an all-island charity promoting peacebuilding, reconciliation and collaboration. He will take up the role in autumn 2026.
Stephen completed a BSc (Hons) in Community Youth Work, an MSc in Social Research Skills and an Executive MBA at Ulster University. Together, these qualifications provided a strong foundation for a career dedicated to supporting young people, strengthening communities and leading positive organisational change.
With more than 20 years of senior leadership experience, Stephen has built a career supporting vulnerable young people and strengthening communities across Northern Ireland. He has held leadership positions in statutory services and the community and voluntary sectors, with a particular focus on youth work, partnership building, policy and sustainable organisational development.
Since 2021, he has served as Chief Executive Officer of The Bytes Project, leading work in youth provision, community infrastructure, peacebuilding and digital inclusion. His previous roles include Head of Regional Youth Service at the Education Authority in Northern Ireland and Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Work Alliance. In March 2026, he also became Chair of the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action.
In his new position, Stephen will draw on his extensive leadership experience to guide Co-operation Ireland through its next chapter and advance its work across youth, community and leadership.
