Three Essex graduates up for Study UK Alumni Awards in Cyprus

An amazing three Essex graduates from Cyprus are up for top awards after winning through to the final of the British Council Study UK Alumni Awards.

Finalists in the social action categoty include Management, Mathematics, and Economics graduate Şadiye Işısal for her work to build peace across borders and linguist Dr Elena Papadopoulou, who has made a difference to thousands of people by promoting ccessible higher education in underprivileged communities.

In the business and innovation category, MBA graduate Derek Guimond is a finalist thanks to his inspiring journey from professional volleyball player to successful entrepreneur. He is now empowering the next generation of students and student-athletes to pursue their academic and athletic dreams.

Sadiye said "Being shortlisted for the British Council Study UK Alumni Awards in the Social Action category is a profound honour. Community work, especially in small and conflict-affected regions, is often seen as a lost effort, but for me, it is a lifelong journey. Recognition like this is not just a personal achievement—it is a testament to the power of youth-driven change. It reaffirms that perseverance in peacebuilding and structural transformation, no matter how slow, does make a difference. This nomination empowers me to continue amplifying youth voices and working towards a more united future for Cyprus."

Elena is also inspired by being named as a finalist: "Being shortlisted for the Social Impact Award by the British Council is a profound honour that reflects not just my personal journey, but the collective commitment of Unicaf to transforming lives through education. This milestone would not have been possible without the exceptional education I received at the University of Essex, which shaped my passion for learning and equipped me with the skills to make a meaningful impact. It reaffirms the belief that providing access to quality higher education, especially for underserved communities, has the power to unlock potential, bridge inequalities, and create lasting change. This recognition inspires me to continue championing education as a force for social progress.”

Being recognised in the awards is also very important to David. He added: "Being shortlisted for the Study UK Alumni Awards is an incredible honour and I'm delighted to continue to represent the University of Essex in my daily life from a professional perspective - I certainly wouldn't be the man I am today without the support, friendship, and love from the University of Essex community, its professors, students, faculty, and foremost, its Spirit."

Şadiye’s story

Şadiye Işısal remarkable journey from studying at Essex to becoming a leading advocate for peacebuilding and youth empowerment in her divided homeland has inspired many.

Leaving home to study abroad is a challenge for anyone, but for Şadiye Işısal, it represented far more than just pursuing a degree. Growing up in a divided Cyprus, Şadiye carried with her the hope of contributing to the unification of her homeland. Her time at the University of Essex shaped her identity, provided her with the skills to become a leader, and set her on a path to become a changemaker in peacebuilding and youth empowerment.

Şadiye graduated in 2018 with a BSc in Management, Mathematics, and Economics. In the early stages of her degree, she encountered challenges with public speaking and later struggled with exam-related anxiety that threatened to derail her studies. It was during this period of difficulty that Şadiye discovered she had dyslexia. With support from Essex’s resources, including mental health and study mentors, she learned how to adapt her approach to studying and exams, enabling her to excel.

Her time at Essex also included opportunities for growth outside the classroom. Şadiye was nominated as a Student Representative, a role that helped her develop confidence by speaking to large audiences. She also took advantage of the Essex Abroad scheme, attending summer schools in the Czech Republic and Japan, which broadened her horizons and introduced her to global perspectives. These experiences inspired her to think beyond borders and pursue initiatives that would have a positive impact on her community.

Since returning to Cyprus, Şadiye has dedicated herself to peacebuilding and youth engagement. She represented the Turkish Cypriot community (TCC) at the Act Now Mayor’s Conference in Stuttgart, Germany, where she addressed 105 mayors and raised awareness about the Cyprus Problem. As a UN Youth Champion for Environment and Peace, her advocacy has been showcased internationally, including a portrait exhibition in the Buffer Zone, Times Square, and the Normandy Peace Forum.
Şadiye became the first TCC delegate at the One Young World Summit, where she raised the profile of the Cyprus Problem to a global audience of 2,000 delegates. At COY18 in Dubai, she advocated for environmental peacebuilding as a critical pathway for Cyprus’s future.

Her achievements have not gone unnoticed—she was honoured as a Peace Ambassador by the Association for Historical Dialogue and Research (AHDR) for leading a project on the UNESCO-protected Lefkara embroidery, which fostered cultural exchange among participants from both sides of the island.

Currently, Şadiye works as the Administration and Operations Coordinator for the EU Scholarship Programme for Cypriot Youth, implemented by UWC International. The programme has engaged nearly 3,000 youth and their families across the island, providing 64 scholarships to bicommunal pairs of students to study at UWC schools in Europe. Şadiye’s role is instrumental in creating opportunities for young people to connect and build a shared future. Şadiye credits the University of Essex for equipping her with the skills and resilience to overcome challenges and succeed.

Her story is a testament to the power of education in transforming not only individuals but entire communities. Through her work, Şadiye continues to inspire others to strive for unity, progress, and peace.

Elena’s story

For Dr Elena Papadopoulou, the journey into education and social impact began with a passion for linguistics, which she honed during her time at the University of Essex. Studying for both an MA in Language Acquisition (2006) and a PhD in Linguistics (2014), Elena credits Essex with equipping her with the skills and global perspective that have shaped her career. Today, as Pro Vice-Chancellor of Teaching and Learning at Unicaf, she leads efforts to provide accessible higher education to underprivileged communities, primarily across Africa, and has transformed thousands of lives through education.

Elena’s academic journey at Essex was pivotal. Immersed in a rigorous, research-driven environment, she conducted groundbreaking research on the acquisition of wh-questions by Greek Cypriot children, contributing to a deeper understanding of bilingualism and language development. Essex’s emphasis on critical thinking, independence, and collaboration prepared her for leadership roles in education, where she combines innovative approaches to teaching with a commitment to inclusivity.

Since joining Unicaf in 2018, Elena has played a leading role in shaping educational opportunities for students from over 156 countries, many of whom are the first in their families to access higher education. Through her work, thousands of students have achieved qualifications that have enabled them to improve their livelihoods, contribute to their communities, and stimulate local economies. In Malawi alone, hundreds of Unicaf graduates have gone on to leadership roles in education, health, and government, creating a ripple effect of positive change in their societies.

Elena’s impact extends beyond teaching. She has spearheaded initiatives to enhance curriculum development, integrate technology into education, and support academic research. As Editor-in-Chief of the Unicaf Research Newsletter and Principal Editor of the Unicaf Online Journal, she provides platforms for scholars from low-resource settings to share their work, amplifying voices often unheard in global academia. Her mentorship of doctoral students and junior faculty members further underscores her dedication to fostering the next generation of educators and researchers.

Reflecting on her achievements, Elena attributes her success to her time at Essex. The University’s vibrant, multicultural environment, personalised mentoring, and global outlook prepared her to lead in an international context.

“Essex nurtured my intellectual curiosity and taught me the value of collaboration and innovation in education,” she said. “These experiences have been instrumental in shaping Unicaf’s approach to accessible, high-quality education for underserved communities.”

Elena has shared her experiences of UK education extensively, inspiring others through public speaking engagements, workshops, and discussions with international partners. Her leadership at Unicaf draws directly on her Essex education, blending affordability, accessibility, and academic excellence to deliver transformative programmes that bridge the gap between Western higher education models and the needs of local contexts.

Through her work, Elena exemplifies the power of education to change lives, create opportunities, and build stronger communities. Her recognition as a finalist for the British Council Study UK Alumni Awards is a testament to her commitment to social action and the enduring impact of her Essex education.

Derek’s story

Based in Limassol in Cyprus, Derek’s inspiring journey from professional volleyball player to successful entrepreneur showcases the transformative power of UK higher education.

Derek’s career is as diverse as it is impressive. As a professional volleyball player and coach, he has achieved notable success on the court. His accomplishments include winning the NCAA National Championship in 2015 with Loyola University Chicago, competing in England's Volleyball Superleague, and winning national titles in Cyprus. Beyond playing, he now coaches and continues to inspire young athletes across Cyprus. However, Derek’s impact extends far beyond sports. As Managing Director of The Guimond Vukovic Group, an education consultancy, Derek is empowering the next generation of students and student-athletes to pursue their academic and athletic dreams in the UK. His company partners with 12 UK universities, recruiting over 200 student-athletes to date and generating more than £4 million in tuition fees while securing £1.6 million in scholarships for his clients.

Derek’s story is deeply intertwined with his time at the University of Esses. As a two-time NCAA Division 1 champion he was one of Essex’s first international recruits to the elite volleyball programme and was awarded a full tuition sports scholarship to study for an MBA. As a student athlete at Essex he helped the team win the BUCS Division One men’s title and played a key role in establishing its successful high performance culture.

He credits his Essex experience for shaping his entrepreneurial vision. "Professor Jay Mitra, the MBA Director at the time, completely changed my understanding of what success could look like,” Derek recalls. “He taught me that entrepreneurship could offer a fulfilling path beyond the traditional corporate ladder." It was at Essex that Derek laid the foundation for his business, building relationships with British universities while competing in BUCS and national leagues. Today, his consultancy not only facilitates higher education opportunities but also changes lives. Derek shares, “I’ve had dozens of clients thank me for helping them pursue their dreams. Each success story is a reminder of how meaningful this work is."

Derek also met his wife during his time at Essex, forging lifelong connections with teammates and classmates that continue to enrich his life. He notes, “Studying at Essex didn’t just prepare me for my career—it gave me a community, friendships, and a partner to share my journey with."
Through his work, Derek remains an ambassador for UK education, regularly sharing his personal experiences and inspiring others to follow in his footsteps. “Having lived this route myself, I know the life-changing potential of studying and competing in the UK,” he says. “I’m proud to have helped hundreds of young people find their path, and I look forward to seeing what they achieve.”

As a finalist for the British Council Award in Business and Innovation, Derek’s achievements exemplify the spirit of innovation. From championing student-athletes to reshaping perceptions of UK education, Derek continues to make a profound impact on his industry and community.