Category: City Alumni Stories

Yehya Al-Khairi – CitySpark winner who wants to revolutionise travel tech

Yehya at CitySpark

Post Covid restrictions, Yehya Al-Khairi (BEng Computer Systems Engineering, 2018) spent three months travelling, and it gave him the idea for a new app. Velz, now in its Beta stage, was recently announced a winner at the 2023 CitySpark entrepreneurship competition, and as founder, Yehya has big plans to disrupt the current world of travel…Continue Reading Yehya Al-Khairi – CitySpark winner who wants to revolutionise travel tech

Launch Lab Podcast – Starting Up and Standing Out!

A photo of Muklesur Bharuya next to a quote from the story.

Muklesur Bharuya (Bar Vocational Studies, 2021) joined the City Launch Lab to follow his passion for technology and entrepreneurship. In collaboration with the Launch Lab, he is about to release a new podcast series, Launch Lab Podcast, to help others find their footing as entrepreneurs and consider a career as problem solvers.  “Since childhood, I…Continue Reading Launch Lab Podcast – Starting Up and Standing Out!

“The Climb” – Alice Hafer finds her footing in HBO Max’s new TV competition for rock climbers

Alice Hafer is climbing a rock face.

What TV competition show would you take part in? For Alice Hafer (MA Creative Writing (Playwriting & Screenwriting), 2016), HBO Max’s show “The Climb”, produced by Jason Momoa, was a perfect fit. An experienced rock climber with a passion for screenwriting, Alice wanted to see how far she could get competing against nine other climbers from around the…Continue Reading “The Climb” – Alice Hafer finds her footing in HBO Max’s new TV competition for rock climbers

Cheapskate – Award-winning Newsletter helping you save money and enjoy London

Kate and Georgia with the Award.

Co-founder Kate Samuelson (MA Magazine Journalism, 2015) was delighted when digital newsletter Cheapskate won the Georgina Henry Award for Digital Innovation at the 2022 British Journalism Awards. Kate’s passion for the newsletter format and helping people access culture means around 10,000 readers receive tips on free London events every week.  “Winning the award meant so much to me –…Continue Reading Cheapskate – Award-winning Newsletter helping you save money and enjoy London

Fighting injustice through legal training

A photo of Hamna Zain and her quote "“I believe conducting regular training on the most problematic subjects will change the dynamics.”

Barrister Hamna Zain (Bar Professional Training Course, 2012) returned to her home country, Pakistan, after completing her training at The City Law School. Having worked in the legal profession for over a decade, Hamna has made it her mission to provide legal training to those who have the least access and especially women. “Being a…Continue Reading Fighting injustice through legal training

Raising climate awareness through cli-fi – An interview with Yasmeen Cohen about her YA novel The Helix

Yasmeen Cohen

Six years ago, Yasmeen Cohen (BA Journalism and Economics, 2014) attended an event that opened her eyes to the destruction of the environment. Today, she is Sustainability & Climate Analytics Lead at Deloitte and about to publish her first novel, The Helix. A fantasy novel for young adults, The Helix falls into the climate fiction (cli-fi)…Continue Reading Raising climate awareness through cli-fi – An interview with Yasmeen Cohen about her YA novel The Helix

Experience vs academic achievement – The insights of a recent graduate

A photo of Oreoluwa Shoyinka next to a quote from the story.

When Oreoluwa Shoyinka graduated in 2021, she found it surprisingly difficult to gain graduate level employment, despite receiving a First Class Honours and The City Law School Certificate of Academic Achievement. As experience seemed to trump grades, Oreoluwa turned to City’s Career Service for advice and is now back on track to becoming a barrister….Continue Reading Experience vs academic achievement – The insights of a recent graduate

Dr Valerie Vaughan-Dick MBE – A champion for GPs and ethnic minority communities

A photo of Valerie Vaughan-Dick MBE next to a quote from her.

For Dr Valerie Vaughan-Dick MBE (BSc Hons Economics, 1983), the Queen’s Jubilee was an extra special occasion as she was recognised in The Queen’s Birthday Honours with an MBE for services to General Practice and to Ethnic Minority Communities. We talked to Valerie about the work that led to her recognition.  “I am delighted,” Dr Valerie…Continue Reading Dr Valerie Vaughan-Dick MBE – A champion for GPs and ethnic minority communities

In his father’s footsteps – With ambition to help others

Mohammad with a city scape in the background.

Mohammad Taqi Yasir (Bar Professional Training Course, 2019) was recently recognised in Forbes 30 under 30 Asia for his work as co-founder and vice-president of Footsteps, a development organisation in Bangladesh. We spoke to Mohammad about the recognition, his goals to provide help and support to other people, and his studies at City.  “Honestly, it feels surreal to…Continue Reading In his father’s footsteps – With ambition to help others

From City to Rio (Ferdinand): Sulthan Ahmed’s journey

Sulthan Ahmed

Sulthan Ahmed (BSc Computer Science 2006) knew from a young age he wanted to work with computers. Sulthan also knows it can take some time to find a sense of confidence and fulfilment. As a Senior Developer for the Government and a musician, Sulthan believes he can finally be himself and make a difference.  When Sulthan…Continue Reading From City to Rio (Ferdinand): Sulthan Ahmed’s journey