CATEGORY
Business
and Charity Innovators
Many first-generation students are from disadvantaged backgrounds where becoming an entrepreneur or charity leader might not seem like an option. For these graduates, university gave them the training and opportunities to unlock these careers.
Path to leadership
These graduates are leaders. Whether they’re entrepreneurs, self-employed or charity founders, university gave them the skills, tools and network to flourish.
Meet them
University of Greenwich
Open University
University of Plymouth
Kingston University
University of Cumbria
University of Gloucestershire
University of Winchester
University of Salford
Growing up in one of the largest council estates in London, Byron left school without any qualifications. Returning to education, he enrolled into the University of Greenwich in 2004, graduating in 2008 with a BSc in economics.
Since graduating, the Londoner has built a business empire across a range of sectors including property services, construction recruitment, corporate and personal branding, employability skills, professional mentoring and business consultancy.
Byron has gone on to become an award-winning entrepreneur, business start-up expert, and successful author. Since 2019 he has been co-chair of Evolve Housing + Support, a homelessness charity in London that provides housing and support. He currently works with the university as a mentor.
Entrepreneur and author
Byron Cole
University of Greenwich
“I am literally living my dream, and the University of Greenwich was definitely an important part of that.”
Reggie Nelson
Associate at blackstone and social mobility advocate
Kingston University
Thirsty for knowledge
Reggie grew up on a council estate in East London and had to overcome many hurdles to go to university when many of his peers didn't pursue higher education.
A fortuitous meeting with Quintin Price, then Chief Investment Officer at global asset management firm BlackRock, would change the trajectory of his life forever.
Thirsty for knowledge, Reggie had spent hours knocking on doors in affluent Kensington and Chelsea seeking career advice. In Mr Price, Reggie found a trusted friend and mentor who helped him on his career path by introducing him to the world of finance and advising him to go to university.
“I dreamed of a university education, top job and the wealth to go with it, but had no idea how to achieve it.”
He took Mr Price’s advice and, following an internship with Quintin's global asset management firm, enrolled on an Economics BSc (Hons) course at Kingston University. After completing his degree, Reggie landed a dream job in the heart of the City of London as a graduate analyst in the investments and client business team at Legal and General Investment Management.
Determined to share his tale of triumph over adversity with others, Reggie visited Westminster in 2019 to speak to then Prime Minister about her Race at Work charter, which sought out to boost diversity in the corporate sector.
Most recently, he has published a book retelling his life story about how he defied the odds to go to university and embark on a successful career. Called Opening Doors: How Daring to Ask for Help Changed My Life (And Will Change Yours Too), the memoir hit number one best seller on Amazon for Career Guides in 2023.
Reggie is now an associate at private equity firm Blackstone, a social media influencer and a social mobility advocate. He also previously hosted a money and business podcast for the BBC called Your Work Your Money.
Defied the odds
“Before my chance encounter with Quintin Price who advised me that my best shot was to get into financial services, I hadn’t even considered university – it wasn’t a viable option for me.”
Sir David Harrison
Entrepreneur
Open University
Sir David was adopted and grew up in a County Durham mining community. He identifies his Open University MBA as a key part of his success as an entrepreneur.
In 2007, he set up True Potential LLP, which is now one of the largest wealth management firms in the UK. It manages over £29 billion of its client’s money, invested worldwide from their headquarters in Newcastle.
Sir David has been a consistent champion of education and social mobility through his foundation, the Harrison Foundation, and making it a shareholder in the business. In 2017, Sir David set up the first Harrison Centre for Social Mobility to tackle some of the North East’s most entrenched social issues.
“I believe everyone needs a second or third chance, so if things don’t work out at school there should still be opportunities available.”
Donna Butler
Solicitor
Donna is a solicitor and partner at Beers LLP, a law firm based in Plymouth. She studied Law at the University of Plymouth as a mature student and continues her strong links with the university by being part of the Mentoring Programme.
A native of Plymouth, Donna made it a point during her time at the university to fully immerse herself into the uni experience. She was a member of the student law society committee and organised law fairs.
During her time at the university, she was able to work closely with lawyers at a private practice. This experience enabled her to develop her skills which proved useful for her CV.
University of Plymouth
“I really enjoyed my time at Plymouth. It was definitely the right choice for me.”
“I give back because I want to be able to share my experiences with students and fellow alumni, to enable them and empower them to achieve whatever they want.”
Byron Cole
Liam desbois
Food photographer
Liam is a highly successful food photographer for a several well-known brands, including Waitrose. While completing his BA in Photography: Editorial and Advertising at the University of Gloucestershire, he had an opportunity to spend time on work experience with a professional photographer.
He was offered a full-time assisting role while still on the course to start upon graduating. He spent two years assisting full-time alongside managing a photographic studio. After around four years assisting, he felt it was time to begin shooting his own work.
Liam has been a food photographer for two years and accomplished all these things by the age of 25, making him one of the youngest in his field.
University of Gloucestershire
“With such a specialist career choice, learning from the lecturers at university was crucial to my success.”
Samantha Kingston
Tech entrepreneur and founder of virtual umbrella
Samantha graduated from University of Winchester in 2012, earning a degree in Journalism and Media Studies. Since then, she has become a successful female tech entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Virtual Umbrella, a virtual reality (VR) marketing agency.
Samantha explored her relationship with her alcoholic mother through Anonymous, a 360 film that was premiered at Raindance Film Festival in 2019 and which she was VR Director for.
Samantha has also dedicated herself to charitable endeavours, becoming a Positive & Sober Coach and Community Champion for Alcohol Change UK. In 2022, Samantha returned to the University of Winchester to participate in TEDxWinchester and shared her experience of losing her mum and how creating her film helped her and others process their grief.
University of Winchester
“Going to University of Winchester allowed me to grow independently and create an environment I felt comfortable in to Develop skills that I didn't realise I possessed.”
KAtie Slavin-Trower
Theatre school founder
University of Cumbria
Finding confidence
Raised and based in Coatbridge near Glasgow, Katie is a first-generation graduate of the University of Cumbria.
In fact, she is the first person on her father's side of the family to ever stay on and complete Highers, as well as attend university.
Katie suffered from a bad stammer as a child but found confidence through drama.
After gaining her BA in Drama, Performance and Technical Theatre in 2014 from the University of Cumbria, Katie achieved a lifelong ambition of opening a theatre school for children with additional support needs.
Katie’s Shining Stars ASN Theatre School is now a thriving charity helping young people and adults find their own confidence.
Shining Stars uses British Sign Language and is an accredited Makaton friendly School.
Starting with five children, Katie now has almost 100 children and adults attending a range of classes in the evenings, weekends and throughout the holidays with dedicated Easter and summer schools.
“University has had a massive impact on my life. I lived a sheltered life and had to grow up when I moved away to university. As well as life skills, university gave me skills I needed to start Shining Stars.”
Katie was a finalist in the Young Scot Awards 2016, nominated in recognition of her work in setting up Shining Stars Theatre School. The following year the group performed at the awards ceremony at the SEC in Glasgow to an audience of 400 people.
This publicity helped to raise the profile of Shining Stars and the group has performed for their local MP’s and at Westminster in London for national government leaders.
In recent years Katie has been invited to speak with the First Minister of the Scottish Parliament about her work and also accepted an invite from the Royal Household to visit members in the Palace of Holyrood House in Edinburgh.
Katie was honoured again by the University of Cumbria in 2018, named as its Alumnus of the Year.
Alumnus of the year
“through the help and support I received from peers and lecturers at university, I’ve been able to deliver successful workshops, build partnerships with local councils and continue partnerships with the University of Cumbria.”
“University has had a massive impact on my life.”
Suzann Harrison
Suzann is an Advanced Clinical Practitioner within the NHS in Greater Manchester. She graduated from the University of Salford in 2012 with a BSc in Adult Nursing.
Following the completion of her master’s at Salford, Suzann led on initiatives to improve links with North West Ambulance Service. Following the loss of their son Declan during pregnancy in 2013, Suzann co-founded the support group Stockport Sands, a stillbirth and neonatal death charity. It’s raised thousands of pounds for Stepping Hill Hospital Sandalwood bereavement suite.
Founder, Stockport Sands
University of Salford