Meet the alumni speakers who inspired at Winter Graduation

Adam Bailey

BA (Hons) Contemporary Military and International History, Class of 2020

If there is one thing I would like to convey from my experiences after graduating, it’s this; Take everything as you see it, one step at a time. One small step is still a step towards your goals, even if sometimes it feels like the end is miles away.

Adam Bailey is a Wholetime Firefighter for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, who has just completed his apprenticeship for the role. As someone who initially wasn’t going to attend university, Adam looks back on his time here as a crucial step on his way to his current role.

Adnan Sabir

Postgraduate Diploma in Cyber Security, Threat Intelligence and Forensics, Class of 2024

Wherever you go, remember the power of community to uplift, inspire, and make a lasting difference.

Adnan Sabir is the University of Salford Students’ Union Officer for the School of Science, Engineering and Environment. Adnan has a passion for making a positive impact and ensuring that every student’s voice is heard and valued, advocating for student mental health and wellbeing.

Ahmad Ali

BSc Business Management

Our diversity today is what makes this moment even more special. No matter our nationalities, ethnicities, or beliefs, we are all here together, in the same room, wearing the same gown, and celebrating the same achievement. This is a powerful reminder that our differences don’t divide us—they unite and strengthen us.

Ahmad Ali is the University of Salford Students’ Union’s Officer for Salford Business School. Ahmad is studying Business Management, but is currently on sabbatical in order to represent students, with a goal of ensuring every student feels supported and empowered during their time at Salford, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.

Alishba Malik

BSc (Hons) Psychology and Criminology, Class of 2024

My years at the University of Salford have been nothing short of extraordinary. This institution became my home, my community, and my springboard into the world. The friendships I made here are lifelong bonds that have weathered late-night study sessions, questionable takeaways, and the occasional existential crisis about essay deadlines.

Alishba Malik is the University of Salford Students’ Union Officer for the School of Health and Society. Alishba completed a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and Criminology, which sparked her passion for mental health advocacy. Alishba is committed to promoting wellbeing and creating a more compassionate and connected community.

Alvina Imran

BSc Biomedical Science, Class of 2024

No matter who tries to put you down or what challenges you face, use those experiences as fuel to rise above.

Alvina Imran is the President of the University of Salford Students’ Union. During her time as a student, Alvina acted as a course and school representative and has always been passionate about making our university a better place for all students. Alvina has also volunteered with different charities since 2017 and has brought lessons in compassion, community and the profound impact that helping others can have to her role as President of the Students’ Union.

Alvina gave two speeches: one for the School of Science, Engineering and Environment and one for Salford Business School.

Goshe Khan

BEng (Hons) Aeronautical Engineering, Class of 2022

It taught me something invaluable: being an engineer isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about knowing how to figure them out – engineering teaches you how to think.

Goshe Khan is a Graduate Landing Gear Engineer for Airbus Operations Ltd and has an array of experience in other fields, both technical and financial. Goshe’s achievements also lie outside the engineering field, with her leading an award-winning project for Feed the Homeless, a Bristol-based charity, where she produced an organisational framework to ensure the longevity of the charity.

Joshua Fletcher

Postgraduate Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Class of 2021

To everyone here who might struggle with self-doubt or has a loud inner critic, my advice is this: don’t waste energy fighting that voice. Let it sit there with all the others. And remember to give yourself credit, not just for big achievements, but for every small victory along the way. Those small moments are the foundation of resilience.

Joshua Fletcher is a leading psychotherapist, best-selling author and podcaster specialising in anxiety and mental health who has just published a new book called ‘And How Does That Make You Feel?’. You may also know him as @AnxietyJosh on social media, where he has a large following and an engaged community who seek expert guidance on managing anxiety.

Kimberly Preston-Bond

Master of Business Administration, Class of 2021

Consider what it is that makes your heart fire with passion, what can you do that’s different from how it’s been done before, how can you make your part of the world a better place?

Kimberly Preston-Bond is the founder and CEO of Visit from the Stork, a family support charity that focuses on supporting those in crisis, including survivors of domestic violence. Her work has significantly improved public health and support systems for vulnerable families and has supported more than 2,000 families in Salford, Manchester and Bury. Visit from the Stork received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2022 and Kimberly was a highly commended recipient of our Alumni Excellence Award: Champion of Health and Wellbeing in 2024.

Kolawole Abolarin

MSc Cyber Security, Threat Intelligence and Forensics, Class of 2023

Even the most difficult obstacles might seem more doable when a community comes together to provide support and direction. Making individuals feel heard, understood, and capable of overcoming their obstacles is more important than merely finding solutions to issues.

Kolawole Abolarin is the co-founder of Cyber Aware Group, whose goal is to promote cybersecurity and fraud awareness to vulnerable groups in society using personalised context and relatable content. Kolawole was a Student Ambassador while he was studying at Salford and also worked as a Student Web Assistant.

Mike Jones

BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, Class of 2019

I referred earlier to ‘the spark.’ This was mine. It gave me everything I wanted. The opportunity to use my skills to help children, young people and their families to develop into the best versions of themselves and enable them to find their place in the community and society.

Mike Jones is a Practicing Occupational Therapist in a special education school in Cheadle called Seashell Trust. After 30 years of being employed in different sectors, including transport distribution for an estate agency franchise and as a wheelchair-access vehicle salesman, Mike chose to follow his dream and study Occupational Therapy at the age of 50.

Sara Sara

BA Fine Arts, Class of 2024

You may find yourself in situations where you must take a leap into the unknown, much like I did. Embrace those moments. Be willing to start over, build from scratch, and keep pushing.

Sara Sara is the University of Salford Students’ Union’s Officer for the School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology. During her time as a student, Sara was deeply involved in various societies and initiatives ranging from actively participating in society events to hosting collaborations focused on crucial issues like mental health, charity work, combatting hate crimes and addressing Islamophobia. She acts as the bridge between staff and students, fostering a community that prioritises mental health and ensures everyone’s voice is heard and valued.

Suzann Harrison

BSc Nursing (Adult), Class of 2012

Embrace your journey as graduates in whichever career path you have chosen. Always remember that any setbacks you may face along the way, can lead to profound personal and professional growth.

Suzann Harrison is an Advanced Clinical Practitioner and Manchester Triage System Trainer within the NHS Foundation Trust who has led on initiatives to improve crisis responses across Greater Manchester hospitals and was awarded the title of Queen’s Nurse in 2021, a title only awarded to a tiny number of nurses in Greater Manchester. Suzann was the first in her family to attend university and recently featured as part of the Universities UK ‘100 Faces’ campaign. She also won an Alumni Achievement Award in 2022.

Suzann gave two speeches at Winter Graduation for graduates in our School of Health and Society.