Student winner

Vuyo Dube, School of Social Sciences

As the founder of the Manchester European Society, Vuyo has demonstrated exceptional leadership and initiative. He has built a range of partnerships including with the Manchester Joean Monnet Centre of Excellence and the Manchester Consular Association to create unique opportunities for students to engage with diplomatic missions and policy discussions. These have demystified diplomatic careers and international relations . He has also organised an extensive programme of events to foster cultural exchange and community cohesion. The initiatives seek to address isolation among international students and The structures he has put in place means there is a legacy that future cohorts of students will benefit from.

Vuyo also serves on the organising committee for an Erasmus + Forum bringing together university staff, students ad diplomats.  He is also organising a pan-African summit in partnership with Manchester Museum.

2nd Place

Eleanor Duke, School of Arts, Languages and Cultures

As one of the Managing Editors, Eleanor oversees and organises the committee running The Mancunian newspaper, supporting the wider team as well as writing and editing articles across all four sections of the newspaper. Her commitment ensures the student community is informed of current events in Manchester through high quality ethical journalism. 

3rd Place (joint)

Hrishikesh Pawar, School of Engineering

Initially as PASS Leader, and then this year as PASS Coordinator, Hrishikesh has improved the offer for new first years in Welcome Week to make events more engaging, as well as creatively addressing some of the issues first years face settling into the course.  He has also implemented Year 2 PASS to provide structured support for students at a demanding time.

Scarlett Henderson, School of Arts, Languages and Cultures

As a volunteer at Biko Bikes Scarlett not only fixes other students’ bikes but she’s also the Social Media and Marketing Officer for the group. She has also stepped into a leadership role, running the newly founded ‘Women’s Night’, supporting other women and non-binary people to become bike mechanics, providing hands-on skills development and addressing a real demand.