Rule-breakers and Change-makers: 30ish alumni making a big impact
20 October 2022
Eschewing the format of traditional ’30 Under 30’ lists, the inaugural awards were open to alumni under or over 30, who feel 30(ish).
Designed to recognise the change-makers, innovators, and rule-breakers in the Cardiff University alumni community, there was an overwhelming response, with nearly 300 nominations submitted. Or 300(ish).
Alumni from across the globe and a wide range of industries, nominated themselves, or were put forward by their fellow alumni, staff, or colleagues.
30(ish) winners were invited to the inaugural awards event at the University’s innovative sbarc | spark building, hosted by Chair of Council and alumnus Pat Younge (BSc 1987) and emceed by alumna Babita Sharma (BA 1998). Around 70 alumni, guests and staff attended this special night, with some travelling from as far as the USA and Canada to receive their awards.
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences alumni featured among the glittering list of winners, including Myles Hopper (BA 2010)
and Jamilla Hekmoun (MA 2018) from the School of History, Archaeology and Religion.
Eight alumni received further special recognition awards in categories ranging from Community activist, Equity activist and Wales to the world to Entrepreneurship and Journalism and media.
Jamilla Hekmoun (MA Islam in Contemporary Britain, 2018), community organiser, mental health advocate and volunteer, received the Community activist special award. Jamilla is chair of the Muslim Mental Health Alliance and worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to provide mental health resources to the Muslim community. She is passionate about helping reduce stigma around mental health and has shared her own experiences of mental health.
Myles Hopper (BA Ancient History, 2010), founder of recipe box company Mindful Chef, received the Entrepreneurship special award. As an entrepreneur, he’s shown it’s possible to balance purpose and profit, with the company donating 14 million school meals to children in poverty and are a carbon neutral business, championing sustainability and positive community action.
The 2022 People’s Choice winner was Jessica Mullins (BSc 2011) announced following a live vote at the ceremony on 20 October.