25@25 25 @ 25 Participants

Amy Anderson

Amy graduated Ulster University in 2017 with a degree in Fashion & Textiles. After spending time in London and Australia, she returned home and founded her clothing brand, Kindred of Ireland. Deeply rooted in her own lineage, it breathes new life into our Irish linen heritage through contemporary design, forming a connection between past and present. A significant part of the Kindred journey involves providing employment opportunities to individuals who have been trafficked, reflecting her commitment to social justice. Beyond her professional life, Amy is also a mother to two young boys. Her journey reflects a harmonious balance between family, creativity, and storytelling.

Gemma-Louise Bond

Gemma-Louise Bond is part of the UK Corporate Affairs team at PwC, looking after media relations for consumer & leisure sector across the UK. Based in the firms Merchant Square office in Belfast, she is also the Place & Purpose Leader for the NI Firm, ensuring their 3,500 staff are embedded in the local community. In addition, Gemma-Louise has been an online influencer for over 10 years and is a regular BBC contributor. A graduate of Ulster’s MSc in Communications, Advertising and Public Relations, she is passionate about using influence for good. She is also a member of Belfast Community Gospel Choir.

Jenna Bradley

Jenna is a public relations and communications manager. Working at Belfast agency Brown O’Connor Communications, she delivers media relations, public affairs, political and stakeholder engagement and social media support to clients in the IT and technology, accountancy, legal, and charity sectors. A qualified journalist, she holds a Gold Standard Diploma from the National Council for the Training of Journalists and previously reported for a leading regional newspaper. Jenna is a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and attended Ulster University Coleraine from 2014 – 2018, achieving a BA (Hons) in History with Education and MA Journalism with distinction.

Nigel Brannigan

Nigel Brannigan is a director within Factor Law. With a Master’s degree in Management and Corporate Governance, complementing his Bachelor’s in Law, Nigel has cultivated a multifaceted skill set that bridges the domains of legal acumen and strategic leadership. His current role sees him with a leadership remit for more than 70 individuals. In his personal life, Nigel has a passion for exploring the world; always seeking new cultural experiences, whether through bustling city centres or in the serenity of nature. Nigel is also a keen live music fan, and regularly combines his love for travel, with attending live music performances.

Collette Cassidy

Collette Cassidy is 26 years old from Derrylin in County Fermanagh. She graduated in Psychology from Ulster University in 2018. She has over 6 years’ experience in supporting, motivating, and inspiring young people in voluntary and professional roles. From 2018 to 2021, she represented, advocated, and lobbied for students as Vice-President Derry~Londonderry Campus and President within Ulster University Students’ Union. She also has experience within Marketing and Communications from her time as Marketing and Communications Coordinator for Ulster University. She currently holds the role of Project Support Officer for the John and Pat Hume Foundation.

Katrina Gormley-Bradley

On completion of a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s in music at Ulster University in 2008, Katrina worked as a peripatetic music teacher within the Education Authority for 8 years.

She completed a PCGE at Ulster in 2016, receiving both the GTCNI Star Award and the Biggar Award in Educational Studies. Katrina founded Numaresee, an award-winning maths movement in October 2021, to reverse the social stigma placed on mathematics whilst supporting and engaging parents and children alike.

She was elected into the UK Young Academy in January 2023, 1 of only 3 Irish members and also a proud STEM Ambassador.

Cathy Keenan

Cathy Keenan is the Enterprise and Business Growth Manager at Belfast City Council. Cathy is responsible for leading a team in Belfast City Council who are focused on supporting the economic growth of the city by encouraging and supporting entrepreneurship activity, business start-up, growing existing business and identifying opportunities to attract investment. Cathy has worked in economic development focussed roles for over 12 years and has a particular passion for entrepreneurship and encouraging new business start-ups. In her spare time Cathy loves to travel, experiencing new cultures and food from around the world.

Conor Largey

Conor Largey is the Senior Youth Worker of Holy Trinity Youth Centre in Upper Springfield area of West Belfast. Conor has been working with ‘at risk’ and vulnerable young people for ten years now and has graduated with Honours from Ulster University. Conor has been instrumental in the delivery of a number of successful key youth work interventions with young people including, Street-based and Detached youth work strategy development and delivery. Conor represents the Voluntary and Community sector on the Education Authority Local Advisory Group. Conor has been instrumental in tackling the needs of ‘at risk’ young people across West-Belfast.

Michael Lynch

Michael Lynch, from Belfast, works in international business development for Datactics, an indigenous Belfast-based tech firm. He serves as a Trustee of the Integrated AlumNI, a charity formed of past pupils and campaigners of integrated education in Northern Ireland. From 2021 to 2023, he chaired the Board of Trustees and continues to be an avid supporter of integrated schooling and actively advocates for the sector. In addition, Michael is the Community Lead for Belfast Junior Chamber (JCI Belfast), where he actively contributes to community engagement initiatives. Michael also works as a part-time tour guide in Belfast, a role he has embraced for the past 11 years, showcasing Belfast to visitors from all parts of the globe. Michael is a graduate of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) from Queen’s University Belfast and International Marketing (PGDip) from Ulster University.

Meg Magill

Meg Magill is the INVENT Programme Manager at Catalyst and part of the Entrepreneurship and Growth team. INVENT is a programme of support which recognises and celebrates upcoming entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland through collaboration with multiple stakeholders between corporate, academia and innovation communities. Before joining Catalyst, she worked extensively in Northern Ireland’s arts sector, managing and producing theatre productions. In 2020, Meg earned an MSc in International Events Management at Ulster University. Meg is passionate about organising events and programmes that have a transformative effect on participants. Through INVENT, she is able to combine her two favourite things – supporting people to grow and showcasing the incredible talent that we have in Northern Ireland.

Aaron Marshall

Aaron Marshall is a 25-year-old Business Director from Belfast who graduated Ulster University with First Class Honours in marketing. He co-founded the Responsible Plastic Management (RPM) Program and has a keen interest in sustainability, travel & business. He has travelled across the world, cultivated a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and environmental challenges. As the Director of the RPM Program, a globally impactful organisation, present in over 16 countries, he is committed to promoting sustainable practices and environmental conservation on an international scale. His positive personality and persistent nature fuel his pursuit of innovative solutions, as he continuously seeks opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the world. The 25@25 leadership Programme will enable him to forge connections with like-minded individuals who are and will contribute to the development of Northern Ireland. He is very excited to meet the other applicants and get started.

Jonathan McAdams

Jonathan is the Chief of Staff at the recently established NI Fiscal Council, a New Decade New Approach Agreement commitment between the NI Executive and UK Government. Jonathan was previously a senior civil servant in the Department of Finance, and in the Northern Ireland Office during the absence of the Executive. Before joining the senior civil service, he held policy and delivery roles in four different NICS and Whitehall departments. Jonathan is also a director on the Board of Action Mental Health, a leading Mental Health Charity with over 240 employees and an annual budget of over £7m.

Nuala McAdams

Nuala is based in Derry/Londonderry and is a Manager with EY Northern Ireland’s Government & Infrastructure Advisory team working across the island of Ireland, predominantly in the transport sector. She is a Chartered Accountant and has recently completed an MSc in Global Capital Markets with University of Ulster. Nuala is very active in a number of voluntary roles including Chartered Accountants Ireland, serving on the Ulster Society and as Chair of Young Professionals Group; Young Leaders Northern Ireland, as a committee member and Treasurer; and Centre for Global Education, a local charity, as a Trustee.

James McCarthy

James McCarthy graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Politics from Ulster University in 2019, followed by an MA in Journalism in 2020. His journalism journey commenced at the Belfast Media Group, where he contributed to the Andersonstown News, North Belfast News, South Belfast News, and The Irish Echo in the US. Recently, he joined the Reach team where he works across Belfast Live and The Mirror. James is fuelled by an ardent passion for politics and economic development. He is also dedicated to enhancing prospects for individuals in under-served communities.

Áine McCaughey

Áine McCaughey is originally from Carrickmore, Co. Tyrone, now living in Belfast. She graduated from Ulster University in 2017 with a First Class Honours in Computer Science (DPP-commendation) and currently works as a principal software engineer with Instil Software. Her career to date has been extremely rewarding and heavily influenced by her involvement with various school’s outreach programmes. She passionately believes that encouraging the next wave of IT talent, with an emphasis on encouraging young girls, is crucial to ensure Northern Ireland cements its place as a centre of IT excellence.

Mairead McMahon

Mairaid McMahon is an advocacy professional, currently working in the health sector with significant experience across the public, private, voluntary and community and social enterprise sectors within Northern Ireland and beyond. With previous roles at Westminster and Stormont, she understands political systems and has networks within parties and the media. As Chair of the Board of Governors, she has recently led a successful, albeit ongoing, campaign to save her local school from closure. She lives in Fivemiletown with her husband and two children, and when she’s not tidying up after them enjoys writing and listening to country music.

Katie McQuillan-Love

Since graduating with a first-class honours in 3D Animation from Ulster University (2018), Katie has become an award-winning commercials director (JAK). Directing TV ads for global brands like Cadbury, EA Sports, FIFA, and Visa, alongside collaborating with talent such as David Beckham, her work has amassed over 15 million views. Her short films, driven by a deep desire to contribute positively to the larger narrative of Northern Ireland have gained viral acclaim and her background in creative technologies led her to direct a flagship virtual production film in NI. An entrepreneurial spirit, she’s currently developing a product-based venture in Belfast.

Kevin McStravock

Kevin graduated from the Coleraine campus in 2016 with a first-class honours in Journalism with French. An accomplished student advocate, Kevin served five years in a range of local and national student leadership roles with UUSU and the Union of Students in Ireland. Kevin advises senior management and leads stakeholder engagement across the devolved nations in his current role with the Quality Assurance Agency, the UK’s independent quality body for higher education. His passion for inclusive education and student engagement has led him to recently complete a Masters in Student Engagement at the University of Winchester.

Gavin Nelson

Gavin has spent over two decades working in the community and voluntary sector across Northern Ireland, England, and America. He currently holds the position of Chief Operating Officer at Third Sector Connect where he supports community groups, charities, and councils with a variety of projects. Gavin embarked on his journey as a volunteer at 16, subsequently assuming diverse volunteer roles. He currently volunteers on two boards—one within a national governing body of sport and the other with a community development charity. He also holds an MBA.

Laura O’Hare

Laura graduated from the Community Youth Work degree at Ulster University in 2013. Since then, she has worked at a number of different youth organisations and is currently a Youth Engagement Manager at Cancer Fund for Children, where she has worked for the past 7 years. Outside of work, she enjoys being outdoors (stand up paddle boarding, hiking, team sport), reading, spending time with family/friends and travelling. She is really looking forward to being a part of the 25@25 Leadership Programme, meeting the other participants and taking part in the planned sessions.

Victoria Poole

Victoria works in the education sector as a Public Affairs and Engagement Manager, leading on public affairs, stakeholder engagement and strategic communications to support children and young people. She volunteers with several UK cancer charities and campaigns to keep cancer high on the political agenda in Stormont, Westminster and beyond to accelerate cancer progress and create hope for other patients and their families using her own personal family experience as her motivation. Victoria played a key role in the development of a new Northern Ireland Cancer Strategy, and she was recently named ‘Ambassador of the Year’ 2023 by a national cancer charity in recognition of her dedication to cancer campaigning.

Gary Rutherford

Gary Rutherford is a registered Mental Health Nurse professional and addiction therapist. In 2019 he launched ARC Fitness, a Derry/Londonderry based nonprofit organisation supporting individuals impacted by addiction and substance use through physical activity, professional support, and community. Gary is also a person in long term recovery from substance abuse, something that drives him to advocate and provide hope for others. Gary’s unique approach towards supporting individuals get and stay on the road to recovery has been highly commended. Gary’s work has been recognised by the Royal College of Nursing, awarding him ‘RCN Nurse of the Year’ 2022.

Chris Shannon

Since graduating from Ulster University in 2015 with a 1st Class honours degree in Marketing, Chris has held several leadership positions across a variety of sectors such as Advertising, Education, Business and Politics. In 2020 Chris was awarded a National Enterprise Education Award and appointed as an Influencer Fellow of Enterprise Educators UK. He is currently a Director and Co-Founder of Startium, a solutions company helping universities and local governments deliver better business support and Venture Folk Ltd, a social enterprise focused on community regeneration and economic development. Chris was a political candidate in the 2023 NI Local Government Election.

Rachael Toland

Rachael Toland is currently a Manager in PwC in the specialism of Learning and Development, joining initially in 2016 as a Business Placement. She is passionate about the future of Northern Ireland, particularly in relation to Social Mobility and Gender Equality and regularly volunteer across these initiatives with local charities and social enterprises. In 2022 she represented PwC at One Young World in Manchester, an annual global conference of young leaders who are committed to driving positive change and action across people and planet. She loves spending time with family, especially my Staffordshire Bull Terrier – Bruno.

Danielle Whann

Danielle Whann is an Ulster University graduate and carries with her a diverse background in regulation and investigation roles across the motor finance, banking, and retail sectors. Her career has been marked by achievements where innovation and collaborative efforts have played pivotal roles in combating financial fraud. An advocate for positive social change, Danielle has demonstrated her commitment to community development by securing funding through local council for a regionally leading community innovation project. Currently participating in an Operational Management Programme at Translink, Northern Ireland’s Public Transport Authority, Danielle’s focus remains steadfast on sustainable leadership for the greater public good.