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Shirley McCay: International Hockey Star & Talent Coach, Ulster Hockey

BSc Sports Studies, Jordanstown

Shirley McCay MBE graduated from UU in 2009 with a BSc in Sports Studies; during her time at Ulster University, she played for the Ulster Elks hockey team. Shirley has represented Ireland 316 times throughout her career, making her the most-capped athlete in Ireland. Shirley is now a Talent Coach for Ulster Hockey.

Located in: Northern Ireland

Source : Read about Shirley McCay: International Hockey Star & Talent Coach, Ulster Hockey in Belfast Telegraph

Jessica Myers: Director of Certification & Voter Access, VotingWorks

MA Local History

"I received my MA in Local History in 2005 from Ulster University. Since that time, I spent my days working to support voting rights and voter access in the United States. I've dedicated my career to ensuring that all eligible voter's are aware of their rights and have access to the ballot every election. This includes providing accessible options for voters with disabilities and providing election information and materials in languages other than English." -  Jessica Myers

Located in: Pennsylvania, USA

Karen Bradbury: Client Manager, Invest Northern Ireland

PG Certificate Financial Theory, Products & Markets

"An important part of my role as Financial Services Sector Lead for Invest NI is working with global financial institutions based in NI. When I heard about the short course in Financial Theory, Products & Markets through the Department for Economy Skill Up initiative, I decided to sign up. It’s been many years since I’ve studied formally, I found the course challenging, particularly when I was trying to recall maths from my engineering degree & revising for class tests. I completed it successfully with the excellent support & online resources available from UU as well as the support & patience of my family. On a professional level, I now have a much more in-depth knowledge of the FS industry which is proving beneficial to my role." - Karen Bradbury

Located in: Northern Ireland

Rebecca Hynds: Director, Connor Consulting

MSc Executive Leadership, Jordanstown

"During my MSc, I changed employers & moved to a Director role in Europe for an American firm called Connor Consulting that specialised in my primary area of expertise, Software License Compliance. Connor was attractive to me because of their technology use & gender diversity, having an almost 50% female employee base. You can only be what you see, and if women aren’t given the opportunities to lead in the tech world, then businesses won’t be able to retain top talent or improve diversity. I would recommend to anyone in leadership to take time to upskill & revisit how they lead." - Rebecca Hynds

Located in: Northern Ireland and Madrid, Spain

Becca Hume: Founder of TapSOS & Inclutech.co

MFA Multidisciplinary Design, Industrial & Product Design, Jordanstown

Belfast-based Becca was inspired from a young age to improve inclusivity after working with a deaf colleague at her teenage part-time job. The central idea for TapSOS is providing a non-verbal method in getting 999 help. Becca was also a finalist in three categories for the 2023 Women in Business NI Awards.

Located in: Northern Ireland

Source : Read about Becca Hume: Founder of TapSOS & Inclutech.co in Innovate UK

Grainne McNamara: Managing Director, Accenture, NYC

BSc European Business Studies, Coleraine

Grainne McNamara, Managing Director at Accenture NYC, graduated from UU with a degree in European Business Studies in 1994. Grainne has over 25 years of financial services experience. She has effectively delivered large transformation programs at top-tier banks such as Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley.

Located in: New York, USA

Sian Farrell: Chief Scientific Officer, StimOxyGen

Pharmacy MPharm, Coleraine

Sian Farrell, Chief Scientific Officer at StimOxygen, a company that has developed oxygen-generating nanoparticles to overcome tumour hypoxia and improve the effects of cancer treatments. Sian graduated from Ulster University with an MPharm Degree in 2015 and is currently working towards her PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from UU.

Located in: Northern Ireland