Undergraduate of the Year Award 2025 - The Future Business Leader
On the 9th of April 2025, I experienced a moment I’ll never forget: I was named the Undergraduate of the Year 2025 – The Future Business Leader at the GradIreland National Undergraduate Awards. Even now, as I write this, it still hasn’t fully sunk in. What began as an application rooted in authenticity and aspiration turned into an award that marks a milestone in my academic and professional journey.
The Leadership I Believe In
To me, leadership isn’t just about titles or performance metrics. It’s about listening, acting with integrity, and advocating for change, especially when it’s not easy. As Business Faculty Representative at DCU, I witnessed first-hand how institutional systems can either serve or overlook student needs. When I identified the gap in analytical education within the business curriculum, I didn’t wait for permission. I started conversations, gathered student input, and worked closely with faculty and administrators. The result was the launch of the Data Analytics Specialism, a change that will benefit students for years to come. This role taught me that leadership is about amplifying voices, not just your own. It’s about being relentless yet respectful; strategic, but people-focused.
Entrepreneurship with Purpose
Innovation and leadership often go hand in hand, and my experiences with KatoAI and Parking Protect with Enactus DCU have taught me just how powerful student-led entrepreneurship can be. Both initiatives were born from a desire to solve problems that matter, whether that’s tackling AI ethics in education or improving parking accessibility through social enterprise. These ventures reminded me that real leadership doesn’t just exist within a boardroom. It exists wherever someone asks, “What if we did things differently?” and dares to answer it with action.
Recognition That Reflects Values
Winning awards like the Leaders of Tomorrow Award with Accenture and the Deloitte x DCU Student Business Consulting Competition validated the ideas I was passionate about. But winning Undergraduate of the Year was different. This wasn’t just recognition for a project or a pitch; it felt like a recognition of who I am and what I stand for: - Authentic leadership rooted in values - Innovation driven by responsibility - Community advocacy grounded in impact It reminded me that staying true to your values is a strength, not a compromise.
Gratitude and Growth
his award isn’t mine alone. It belongs to every mentor, lecturer, teammate, peer, and friend who has challenged, supported, and believed in me throughout this journey. Behind every achievement are countless conversations, late-night brainstorming sessions, thoughtful feedback, and people who reminded me of my strengths even when I doubted them.
My internship at Accenture gave me a front-row seat to what leadership looks like in fast-paced, high-impact environments. I learned not only about data and AI, but about the value of precision, empathy, and curiosity in decision-making. It was there that I saw how analytical thinking and human insight can go hand in hand. Being a part of DCU WIN (Women in Leadership) has shown me the power of representation, solidarity, and intentional space-making. It has empowered me to challenge the status quo, to uplift others as I rise, and to see leadership as something rooted in community, not competition. My Erasmus exchange at KEDGE Business School in France expanded my worldview. Living and learning in a new cultural context forced me out of my comfort zone and taught me how to adapt, listen deeply, and appreciate different approaches to problem-solving and collaboration. It deepened my commitment to leading with a global, inclusive mindset.
To the students I’ve mentored, the ones I’ve worked with, and the ones who trusted me enough to share their challenges and ideas, thank you. You’ve taught me more than any textbook ever could. You reminded me that leadership is about showing up, being present, and creating the conditions for others to grow too. Every part of this journey has shaped the way I think, lead, and collaborate. I carry each of these lessons forward with humility, gratitude, and an open heart.
What’s Next?
This award is not an endpoint. If anything, it’s a reminder to keep going, to stay grounded, to stay curious, and to lead in a way that makes space for others, questions the status quo, and puts purpose at the heart of progress.
I’m incredibly grateful to Aldi, GradIreland, and the amazing judging panel for this recognition, and to every mentor, lecturer, colleague, and friend who has supported me on this journey so far. I’m excited to continue learning, growing, and leading with intention.
If you’re a student, a leader, or simply someone trying to make your mark, don’t underestimate the value of showing up as yourself. You never know who’s watching, who you’re inspiring, or when your name might be called.