What does volunteering mean to you?
This Volunteers’ Week, we’re celebrating the contributions of our alumni volunteers - those who generously give their time, share their expertise, and make a lasting impact on our community.
Over the past year, our alumni volunteers have supported a wide range of activities - from mentoring students, speaking at events and hosting company visits, to sharing their experiences through alumni profiles, panel discussions and student recruitment events. Their contributions have created meaningful connections, inspired others, and helped strengthen our Business School community.
As part of Volunteers’ Week, some of our alumni have shared reflections on their volunteering journeys - what inspired them to get involved, what they’ve gained from the experience, and what giving back to the Business School means to them.
Liza Kellett
MA Work-Based Learning (1998)
“It doesn’t feel like volunteering, it feels like being part of a multi-faceted support system to underpin confidence, broaden perspective, and support success.
As one of those graduates who came to Leeds for University (40 years ago!) - and then stayed - it’s so easy to be involved. I’ve been invited to do guest lectures, chats, panels and workshops, from International Women’s Day to mentoring (and benefiting from) students working on a social enterprise project for Trust Leeds. There are lots of opportunities and ways to volunteer, and you can choose what works for you and matches your schedule.
The Leaders in Residence programme is really well co-ordinated, so you get plenty of notice and a wide a variety of opportunities to share your experience and wisdom. Recently we supported MSc Management students through an assessment centre exercise and mock interviews. In this instance they were international students whose English was good, but who had little work experience and lots of ambition. They were so grateful for feedback and tips (this was very gratifying but I was so glad I was partnered with Geoff Sims who has had a career in headhunting and brought relevant expertise!). The Leaders in Residence have so many different backgrounds in business sector, scale and role, and there are always students who appreciate talking to someone in their field of interest.
I tend to take the ‘warts and all’ approach as my best learning has often come from the difficult bits. And because I’ve mainly worked in the charity/social enterprise arena, last month I was asked to chat about my social enterprise leadership journey at LUBS’ Social Venture Bootcamp. Meeting deeply impressive social impact-minded students from Leeds and Italy was really inspiring and fun. It was great to have a question about how being a mother has influenced me, my work and my career - this just wasn’t part of the conversation when I was studying (or in my early career).
I like staying connected to Leeds University, and to the Business School which enabled me to fashion a quirky, work-based learning Masters degree.”
Kenneth Yu
MSc International Finance (2009)
“I graduated from the Business School in 2010 and have been managing the Guangzhou alumni group as a volunteer since returned to China. Over the years, I have organised numerous alumni gatherings. Most recently, in March of this year, I served as a speaker to share academic and professional experiences with Leeds University Business School Offer Holders. It has been an honour to contribute to these initiatives, and my efforts reflect my deep affection for our alma mater. Additionally, the alumni network we have collectively built and maintained has provided me and fellow alumni with a valuable professional network, offering significant support in both our careers and personal lives.”
Amy Punchard
BA Business Management with Marketing (2022)
“This year I have headed back to the Business School twice - once for a Lunch with Alumni talk on careers, placement years, and study abroad, and once for a guest talk on consumer behaviour. There are two motivations that drive me to get involved – the first is that I remember what it was like to be in those shoes, worrying about the future, and I want to do anything that I can to help students with their goals and to know what the future could look like for them. The second is because I feel I owe a lot to the Business School – my job today came from my coursework, placement year, awards, my time studying abroad; I’m very grateful for the opportunities I was given and I’d like to give something back.”
Gábor Márton
MSc Management Consulting (2022)
"Since graduating, I’ve been actively involved with the Business School through the Alumni Mentoring Scheme, taking part every year to support current students and recent graduates as they navigate their early careers. Most recently, I was delighted to speak at a webinar for offer holders, sharing my experiences and insights to help them feel more confident about joining the Leeds community. Volunteering in this way has been incredibly rewarding – it’s a chance to give back to a School that gave me so much and to support the next generation of Leeds graduates. I'm always happy to hear from alumni and am more than happy to help however I can."
Monica Wang
BA Accounting and Finance (2006)
“As I reflect on my journey from a Leeds University Business School graduate (Class of 2006) to an international professional in China, I am reminded of one constant that has shaped my career and identity: my connection to the Leeds alumni community. This bond, which began the moment I returned to Shanghai as a young graduate - feeling uncertain and lacking a network, has been instrumental in both my personal and professional journey. Today, I am proud to channel this legacy of support into my contributions to the University, particularly as a member of the International Advisory Board (IAB) with the Business School and an alumni speaker at the most recent offer holder event.
Having navigated cross-cultural enterprises in China, my contributions at the IAB meetings have centered on bridging Leeds University Business School international strategies with the evolving needs of students and industries in China, to help translate China’s workforce trends into academic priorities. As someone who built a career in China after graduating from LUBS, I understand the challenges and opportunities. My advocacy at IAB is to ensure Leeds graduates are seen as top contenders in China’s competitive job market, while also reinforcing the University’s reputation as a global leader.
At the recent offer holder event, I shared my story of how a fresh graduate transformed into a confident professional, thanks to the Leeds community. I encouraged families and prospective students to see the University not just as a place of study, but as a lifelong network. One prospective student later wrote, ‘Your journey showed me that Leeds doesn’t end at graduation - it grows with you.’
My contributions to the Business School are more than professional duties, they are a heartfelt tribute to the institution and people who shaped me. Just as Leeds alumni once lifted me, I now strive to uplift tomorrow’s students, ensuring they inherit a global network as vibrant and supportive as the one that carried me”.
Anith Puthiyankath
MBA (2002)
“Towards the end of 2021, I took the opportunity to be part of the Leeds University Business School’s ‘Leader in Residence’ scheme. As part of this I have been volunteering in sessions where we engage with current students to share real world experiences especially commercial awareness, ethics, networking, etc. I have also spoken at a few sessions organised by the Business School, sharing my experiences from my time as a student, my journey since graduating and on specific areas like supply chain, ESG, luxury food, etc. I am benefiting immensely from these volunteering opportunities because I am spending time with the next generation – understanding their behaviours, shopping habits, what influences their purchasing decisions, etc. As a business owner (Ittiyera Group and World of Origins), I need to cater to the present at the same time be aware and prepared for the future.”
Grace Keane
BSc Accounting and Finance (2018)
“During my time at Leeds University Business School, I was grateful for all of the support and guidance I gained from my mentor as part of the Nurturing Talent Mentoring Scheme (NTMS). Being the first person in my family to go to University, I had no contacts or exposure to the professional working world and therefore the experience I gained from my mentor was invaluable. When I started at RSM as a graduate, I was keen to rejoin the scheme as a mentor, to give back to students in the same way. I have invited all of my mentees into the office over the years, to help break down the barriers of what a modern, professional environment looks like. This has since developed into hosting various insight days for students across the Business School, participating in mentoring on other modules and arranging for other members of staff to speak in lectures and during panel events. Being able to provide opportunities to those who otherwise wouldn’t have access, is something I am really passionate about and encourage others to do the same!”
Mahmoud Reda
MBA (2021)
“Over the last 4 years, I have volunteered to support Leeds Business School students by helping bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world experience. My volunteering was varied between participating in online Business School School events and providing individual coaching and mentoring.
As a volunteer, I have participated as an MBA alumnus to answer any questions from the new MBA programme candidates. I have also mentored six students, four of whom I guided by sharing insights about studying at Leeds Business School, helping them better understand the module's objectives, academic environment, life at Leeds, and expectations. For the remaining two students, I provided technical support for their graduation projects in supply chain management. I shared real-world challenges and practical examples from the industry, which enriched their understanding and contributed to the quality of their final projects. This experience allowed me to give back to the Business School and support the next generation of Business School alumni.
Volunteering is deeply meaningful to me, as it allowed me to give back to the Business School community and support the development of future alumni. Sharing my knowledge and real-world experiences also gave me a sense of fulfilment and pride. It reminded me of my journey and the importance of mentorship and guidance along the way.
Volunteering is worthwhile because it creates a meaningful impact, not just for those we help, but also for ourselves. It’s an opportunity to contribute to the growth of others. Through volunteering, we develop valuable skills such as communication, empathy, and leadership, while also gaining fresh perspectives and a deeper sense of purpose. Others should consider volunteering because it’s a powerful way to make a difference, expand their network, and experience the personal satisfaction that comes from helping others succeed.”
Rani Okhomina
MSc Organizational Psychology and Business (2024)
“Volunteering with Leeds University Business School has been one of the most fulfilling ways I've stayed connected to my alma mater. Being invited as an alumni speaker at the MSc Organizational Psychology and Business webinar was a deeply humbling moment for me; not just because I had the chance to share my journey, but because I got to give back to a place that has given me so much.
Since graduating, I've always hoped to pay it forward by supporting and uplifting those coming after me, whether through informal LinkedIn conversations or larger platforms like the webinar. To see that dream realised soon after completing my studies is something I’ll never forget. It reminded me how much community, generosity, and encouragement can shape someone’s path just as it shaped mine. I'm proud to be part of the Leeds University Business School alumni network and always willing to contribute in any way I can.”
Morgan Chua
BSc Accounting and Finance (2023)
“As an alumnus of Leeds University Business School, it is my pleasure to give back to my alma mater by sharing my personal experiences and tips with undergraduate degree offer holders, helping them transition into university life. It was a great volunteering experience to be one of the speakers at the ‘Business Bachelors Offer Holder Event’. I was delighted to see that Leeds University Business School continues to be a popular choice among pre-university students considering an undergraduate degree. This made the volunteering experience all the more rewarding, and I am definitely looking forward to participating in future events held by the Business School.”
Clarena Amatha
MSc Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (2023)
“As a volunteer with Leeds University Business School, I had the pleasure of speaking at the 2025 PGT Conversion Webinar, where I engaged with prospective students who had received offers to study at the School. It was a meaningful opportunity to share my personal journey, offer insights into the student experience, and help attendees connect with staff, academics, and alumni. Being part of this event reminded me of the importance of community and mentorship. Volunteering in this capacity has been incredibly fulfilling, as it allows me to give back, support others in their academic decisions, and remain connected to a place that has shaped my professional growth.”
Puneeth Sudheendra
MBA (2023)
“I’m Puneeth Sudheendra, a proud alumnus of the Leeds University Business School MBA Class of 2022–23. Currently, I work as an Accessories Strategy Specialist at Jaguar Land Rover and live in Milton Keynes, UK. Before my MBA, I spent over nine years in the automotive sector with companies such as Ford, Renault, Hyundai Mobis, and Bosch, holding roles ranging from Territory Manager to Strategic Analyst and Regional Accessories Manager.
My connection with the Business School didn’t end with graduation. In fact, I found a new sense of purpose in staying actively involved as an alumni volunteer. I’ve had the privilege to take part in a variety of initiatives – from supporting career fairs to promoting LUBS to international students.
Volunteering gave me a chance to reflect on my journey and share real-world lessons with future business leaders. If my story can guide even one student, I consider it time well spent.
Being an international student myself, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with studying abroad. I’ve enjoyed supporting the Business School in its outreach to prospective international candidates by sharing my own experience of navigating the UK job market post-MBA.
One of the most rewarding moments for me was returning to campus as a guest speaker for the current MBA cohort. Speaking to students about life before and after the MBA, I was able to candidly share insights about my transition into a strategic role at Jaguar Land Rover.
Standing in front of the class where I once sat as a student was surreal. It reminded me of how far I’ve come, and how important it is to keep supporting those still on the journey.
Most recently, I was honoured to be invited as an alumni panelist to the MBA north event. I joined a group of fellow alumni to discuss pre- and post-MBA career journeys, job search strategies, and key industry trends. It was a dynamic and engaging session that underscored the value of community and shared experience.
Giving back to LUBS is my way of expressing gratitude. This MBA gave me clarity, direction, and a powerful network. Volunteering helps me stay connected to that energy.”
Through volunteering, I’ve built new relationships, expanded my own perspective, and stayed in touch with a community that continues to shape me. It’s a two-way street – I share, but I also learn.
To any alumni considering getting involved: do it. Your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.”
Milan Gupte
BA Business Management (2024)
“During my time at the Business School, I had the opportunity to be a PASS Leader where I mentored students from the year below on learning strategies, exam preparation and overall career success during the course. After graduating, I continued my involvement by speaking with prospective students sharing insights about my time at the Business School and life in Leeds. Volunteering in these roles has been incredibly rewarding; it has not only given me an opportunity to give back to the community that has shaped so much of who I am but has also helped me grow as a communicator, leader and given me multiple opportunities to network with meaningful people”.
Tosin Ibikunle
MBA (2007)
“As an alumnus of Leeds University Business School, giving back to the Business School community has been one of the most rewarding parts of my professional journey. Since returning to Nigeria after my MBA, I’ve had the privilege of serving as one of the alumni group leaders here - bringing together fellow graduates, creating connections, and strengthening our shared bond with the School.
In October 2024, I had the honour of returning to LUBS, 16 years after graduation, to speak with the next generation of MBA students. Walking those familiar halls again, and sharing my story where mine once began, was incredibly meaningful. It reminded me just how far the LUBS experience reaches—beyond lectures and assignments, into lifelong networks and opportunities to inspire others.
Volunteering with the Business School has not only been deeply fulfilling, it’s been fun. The relationships, the shared pride, and the chance to contribute to something bigger than myself—it’s all been worth every moment. I truly believe that volunteering is a powerful way to stay connected, to grow, and to give back to a community that helped shape who I am today.”
Annie Hanily
BA Business Management with Marketing (2019)
“After graduating from Leeds Business School in 2019, I’ve had the pleasure of volunteering through the Nurturing Talent Mentoring Scheme, where I’ve supported current students by sharing insights and advice from my career journey so far and life after the University of Leeds. I’ve also had the opportunity to visit undergraduate students to speak about careers in marketing, particularly in niche fields like SEO and PR. I’ve loved the opportunity to volunteer with the Business School, it’s been really rewarding to give back and stay connected as an alumni. What's more, through each volunteering opportunity I’ve built my confidence, made new connections and have hopefully helped inspire and support the next generation of marketing professionals.”
Philip Kalinda
MSc Business Analytics and Decision Sciences (2015)
“I have volunteered with Leeds University Business School on a few occasions and found it very rewarding to give back and share what I’ve learned throughout my career to those breaking into the working world. I have spoken to the students of Business Analytics and Decision Sciences, my course, and been able to share my experiences when applying for my first job and things that helped me become a successful candidate. I have also contributed to Lunch with Alumni events where I have been able to speak to students from other masters courses looking to learn from my experiences. It has been very flexible and I've had the opportunity to do this both in person and remotely during the pandemic! I have been able to benefit from alumni sharing their experience during my time at the university and I have seen first hand just how valuable these connections are. It has been a worthwhile experience being able to give back and mentor the students on the course I studied and on other courses. I look forward to contributing more where I can in future!”
Sakshi Mishra
Business Analytics and Decision Sciences (2023)
“As an alumnus of Leeds University Business School, I have stayed actively involved through several initiatives. I recently spoke at the online Offer Holder Event for the Analytics and Operations programme, sharing my experiences and answering questions. Through my role at Asda, I also organise visits for Business School students to our headquarters, including networking sessions and data-focused workshops as featured in this news article on the Merchandising Centre of Excellence and the Industry Insight Day. I also presented at last year’s Leeds University Business School Masters Offer Holder Event.
These volunteering activities are deeply meaningful to me as they are a way to give back to the university that shaped my journey and to support future students as they begin theirs.”
Prinn Sukriket
MBA (2004)
“Over the past 10 years, volunteering with the Business School has been a deeply rewarding and meaningful experience for me. One of my proudest contributions has been establishing and managing an active Facebook group for Thai alumni, providing an ongoing platform for connection and mentorship beyond formal LUBS events. The group has enabled alumni from various generations,some dating back several decades,to actively network, share career opportunities, and offer mentorship. A notable highlight was bringing together alumni such as a former Deputy Prime Minister, who is himself a Leeds MBA graduate, along with his child who followed in his footsteps and has since risen to a senior executive role. Personally, volunteering has significantly expanded my own professional network and provided valuable connections. I'm extremely grateful to LUBS for their exceptional support and encouragement; without their dedicated support, the Alumni Thailand group would not have become the vibrant community it is today. I strongly encourage others to become volunteers as well,it's not only about helping others, but also greatly enriching your own experiences. Volunteering truly is beneficial and deeply fulfilling.”
Jean Coughlan
MA Human Resource Management (2021)
“Revisiting the Business School is always an honour. It’s amazing to get to share learnings from my early career with the current students, and I love being able to offer relatable and relevant advice in a way that resonates with them. I remember how grateful I was for those glimpses into the real working world, so I hope I can help bridge that gap too. Plus, the opportunity to revisit the school reminds me of the fantastic alumni community that I’m lucky to be a part of.”
Pantelis Karamanis
MA Advertising and Marketing (2009)
“Staying connected to Leeds University Business School since completing my MSc in Marketing Management with Advertising has been both fulfilling and energising. As leader of the LUBS Alumni Group in Greece and a mentor since the inception of the postgraduate mentoring scheme, I’ve had the chance to support students and fellow alumni at key points in their journey, helping them navigate career and personal development challenges. Most recently, I was honoured to contribute as an Expert Industry Mentor in the LUBS Entrepreneurship Awards, supporting future entrepreneurs through insight and guidance. Volunteering with the Business School has been a deeply rewarding experience- it's a way to give back to a school that has greatly influenced my professional path and to keep learning and be inspired from the vibrant LUBS community.”
Lewis Hodges
MSc Management Consulting (2018)
“As a member of the Departmental Advisory Board at the Leeds University Business School, I’ve had the opportunity to reach back and share the current challenges organisations are facing within the consulting industry. The goal of this engagement has been to help shape the student experience and curriculum, ensuring it reflects the latest industry trends.
As a part of the Board, I've shared my experiences with the traditional consulting recruitment processes and offered an insight into the skill gaps they are currently struggling with. When students have reached out to me via LinkedIn, I've been able to provide ad-hoc support such as reviewing CVs and giving tips for interviews and assessment centres.
Volunteering in this way has been incredibly rewarding as it’s a chance to give back to the University, stay connected with emerging talent, and help to bridge the gap between academia and industry – although from my experience, staff at the Leeds University Business School already do this exceptionally well”.
Evans Uhunoma
MA Human Resource Management (2022)
"I’ve had the privilege of staying actively engaged with the Business School through various volunteering initiatives. I’ve served as a mentor in the MA HRM e-Mentoring Programme, offering academic and career guidance to current students. I’ve also taken active roles in two alumni-led events, including a full-day networking and mentoring session where I shared insights about my academic and consulting journey, facilitated small group discussions, and provided one-on-one advice to students exploring careers in consulting and technology transformation. Beyond these structured activities, I’ve continued to support Leeds University students and recent graduates (at least 50 in the last 3 years) via LinkedIn - reviewing CVs, offering interview coaching, and guiding them through career-related decisions. Volunteering in this way has been incredibly meaningful to me; it allows me to give back by sharing lived experience, supporting future leaders, and contributing to a culture of learning and empowerment that extends well beyond graduation.”
We’re incredibly grateful to all our alumni volunteers for their time, energy, and dedication. Their stories remind us of the power of community and the lasting difference that volunteering can make.
Whether you’re looking to inspire the next generation, reconnect with the Business School, or grow your own skills and network, there are many ways to get involved. Find out more about volunteering opportunities and how you can make an impact.
