Two Essex finalists in Study UK Alumni Awards in Greece

Two Essex graduates have been recognised for their inspirational impact after being named as finalists in the British Council’s Study UK Alumni Awards in Greece.

Law with Human Rights graduate Ifigenia Bakella is a finalist in the social action category and Economics graduate Eleni Manousiadi is a finalist in the business and innovation category.

Ifigenia is co-founder of Genesis Hellas which is now a highly-respected NGO addressing some of the most pressing issues faced by vulnerable communities in Greece.

Ifigenia said. "I feel deeply honoured to be shortlisted for the British Council Alumni Awards. This recognition means so much to me, as it reflects not only my own journey but also the incredible support and opportunities, I’ve been fortunate to receive along the way. I’m grateful for the chance to contribute in my own way, and I hope this inspires others to pursue their passions and make a difference, no matter how small."

Nurturing sustainable approaches to business and encouraging start-ups to make a positive contribution to their communities has led Eleni to be recognised through the Study UK awards. She now leads the Blue Growth Accelerator (BGA), an initiative under the EU-funded Horizon 2020 DOORS project, which works with numerous partners to promote innovation and sustainable ‘blue’ growth in the Black Sea region.

Eleni said: “I am truly honoured to be shortlisted for the Study UK Alumni Awards by the British Council. This is a recognition that highlights the significant impact of the Horizon 2020 DOORS project, developing the first-ever blue business accelerator in the Black Sea, an area of great geopolitical importance, currently facing complex challenges. We are proud to support a real sustainable growth and to show our commitment for meaningful change in the field of business and innovation.”

Ifigenia’s story

Growing up in Greece during a significant refugee wave, Ifigenia Bakella felt a deep sense of responsibility to make a difference. Volunteering at a local refugee camp ignited her passion for human rights and motivated her to pursue a degree in Law with Human Rights at the University of Essex, home to the renowned Human Rights Centre. Her time at Essex became the foundation of her journey to becoming a leader in social action, with her UK education providing the skills and knowledge necessary to transform her passion into impactful initiatives.

While studying at Essex, Ifigenia co-founded Genesis Hellas, a non-governmental organisation in Athens, with her family. Despite being based in the UK during her studies, she managed to coordinate projects remotely, regularly traveling to Greece to oversee the organisation's growth. What started as a small initiative has evolved into a respected NGO that addresses some of the most pressing issues faced by vulnerable communities in Greece.

One of the organisation's key projects focuses on providing nutritious vegan meals to Athens’ homeless population, promoting health, sustainability, and inclusivity. Over the past six years, Genesis Hellas has served approximately 2,000 beneficiaries annually, addressing the needs of individuals without access to adequate food. Additionally, the organisation’s emergency response team delivers aid during natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods, distributing over 2,000 parcels to affected families last year alone.

Inspired by her experiences in the UK, Ifigenia introduced volunteer workshops for children aged three to 12. These workshops aim to foster empathy and compassion in the next generation by teaching them about the value of volunteering. Since launching this initiative, Genesis Hellas has engaged over 15,000 students, creating a ripple effect of social awareness and responsibility.

Ifigenia credits her UK education for equipping her with the critical thinking, organisational skills, and global perspective needed to lead such impactful work. At the University of Essex, she gained a comprehensive understanding of human rights and the tools to design effective, equitable interventions. The emphasis on practical application and independent thinking inspired her to address systemic issues in her home country.

Her story has inspired others to follow in her footsteps. As a mentor to students at her former high school, Ifigenia shares her academic journey and encourages young people to consider studying in the UK. Her insights also influence the 1,000 annual volunteers at Genesis Hellas, many of whom have taken more active roles in social action or pursued international education.

Beyond her work with the NGO, Ifigenia is an advocate for sustainability and human rights. She regularly speaks at events and on podcasts, discussing how her UK education shaped her approach to humanitarian work and inspiring audiences to consider the transformative power of education.

As a finalist for the Study UK Alumni Awards in the Social Action category, Ifigeneia embodies the spirit of the University of Essex. Her commitment to making a meaningful difference in her community, combined with the skills and values she gained during her studies, showcases the profound impact of a UK education on individuals and the wider world.

Eleni’s story

Based in Athens, Eleni has established herself as a leader in fostering sustainable growth and innovation across the Black Sea region, using her expertise in economics, statistics, and finance to drive impactful change.

Her journey began at Essex, where she earned an MSc in Economics in 2016, followed by an MSc in Statistics and Finance in 2018. Reflecting on her time at Essex, she credits her UK education for equipping her with the analytical skills and global perspective needed to thrive in her field. The university’s multicultural environment, emphasis on collaboration, and commitment to fostering critical thinking laid the groundwork for her career, inspiring her approach to leadership and problem-solving.

After spending three years in the UK as a policy consultant, Eleni returned to Greece in 2021 and joined Kantor Management Consultants. Shortly after, she assumed leadership of the Blue Growth Accelerator (BGA), an initiative under the EU-funded Horizon 2020 DOORS project. This role marked a turning point in her career as she stepped up to lead the programme amidst unforeseen challenges.

As the coordinator of the BGA, Eleni leads a team of 20 consortium partners, working with esteemed organisations such as Deltares, GeoEcoMar, and the University of Stirling. Her work focuses on promoting innovation and sustainable blue growth by supporting marine-based startups and fostering collaborations between businesses, researchers, and investors.

Under her leadership, the BGA has supported 10 startups across the Black Sea region and beyond, covering sectors such as blue biotechnology, marine renewable energy, coastal tourism, and ocean monitoring technologies. Her efforts to provide training on sustainable business models, access to investors, and circular economy practices have empowered these startups to thrive. By prioritising mentorship and creating an inclusive environment, she has helped entrepreneurs refine their ideas, access funding, and build networks that drive growth and sustainability.

The impact of her work has been widely recognised. The DOORS project recently received an award at the Black Sea Stakeholder Conference for its contributions to fostering a sustainable Blue Economy. This recognition highlights the importance of Eleni’s leadership in driving investment and innovation in the region, as well as her ability to lead diverse teams towards shared goals.

Beyond her professional achievements, Eleni has inspired others by sharing her experiences of studying in the UK. Through her mentorship at the BGA, she applies the principles of equality, respect, and community-building that were central to her time at Essex. She encourages startups to adopt a mindset of giving back and contributing positively to their communities, fostering a ripple effect of integrity and collaboration.

Her ongoing collaboration with the University of Stirling, including her involvement in the Special Interest Group chaired by Lord Jack McConnell, exemplifies the lasting connections she has built through her UK education. This group brings together academics, businesses, and policymakers to support sustainable development goals in the Black Sea region.

As a finalist for the Study UK Alumni Awards, Eleni Manousiadi exemplifies the transformative power of a UK education. Her work has not only advanced innovation and sustainability but has also inspired others to embrace collaboration, integrity, and positive change in their own endeavours.