by Kathy Shaw, SPARK manager
CONGRATULATIONS! Several of our SPARK members are graduating this summer. Thanks to all of them for their continued work towards justice and peace.
Congratulations on your recent Graduation from Leeds Trinity University
Iesha is a long-standing SPARK member and has recently graduated from Leeds Trinity University with a First Class BA (Hons) in Digital Marketing.
Iesha was a panel member representing SPARK at a recent event on UK Poverty and the Real Living Wage. Iesha used her skills as a student Ambassador and has added her input and value to a number of SPARK events and led a community support activity, motivating fellow students and making positive links to the Student Union.
We wish her every success in her search for work and know she will be an asset to any organisation.
Congratulations on your recent Graduation from Manchester Metropolitan University
Lucy is a longstanding SPARK member and recently graduated from Manchester Met, she already has a job in the competitive field of Early Years teaching.
She will be an inspirational teacher and a leading light in all she chooses to do. A passionate advocate for social change, Lucy gives her time to engage others in social justice issues as well as balancing her studies and other commitments.
Lucy has led a number of SPARK social justice discussions at her local youth group and organised creative and community building opportunities in her local area of Wibsey, Bradford.
Congratulations on your recent Graduation from the University of Leeds
Isaac attended the SPARK and LTU Leadership Conference, he is a passionate advocate for mental health and has used his dedication and insight to great advantage in LTU Students’ Union as a Mental Health Officer and as the President of the Together and Wellbeing Society.
Isaac brings his understanding and compassion to promote and develop others and to raise awareness of this vital topic.
Congratulations on your recent Graduation from Leeds Trinity University
Theo is a sports journalist, broadcaster and disability advocate who graduated this month from Leeds Trinity University with a BA in Sports Journalism.
Theo attended our SPARK and LTU Leadership conference and has maintained an interest in the work of SPARK.
He has an amazing backstory; Theo was diagnosed with a very rare syndrome when he was 11 which included learning difficulties. Refusing to be defined by a diagnosis, he overcame many challenges with hard work and commitment. He has gone on to advocate for others with extra challenges in life.
Whatever path he takes in the future, Theo will always be an inspiration with his talent and love for music and his enthusiastic knowledge about sport.
Our Graduate Chair!
Tom graduated last year from the University of Sheffield as a Master of Planning with Class One Honours in Urban Studies and Planning.
Tom Allan is a founder member of SPARK and has continued to actively support the project as SPARK Chair since December 2024; he is also a trustee for Million Minutes.
Tom is now putting all his skills and knowledge to good use as Graduate Planner in York but still finds time to volunteer and support the causes he is passionate about. Central to his future work as a planner is his commitment to driving positive change and building a more sustainable future.
Congratulations on your recent Graduation from the University of Cambridge
Heather graduated this month with a Law BA; also completing an exchange at Utrecht University where she immersed herself in the issues of human rights and social justice.
Despite the many challenges of a demanding academic schedule, Heather was also the Chair for the Amnesty International Student Group, working alongside other dedicated activists to advocate for justice and peace.
Heather has also managed to find time to lead on SPARK social media and digital marketing, a really vital role in ensuring our public image reflects the target age group we are here to engage.
Heather continues to contribute across many different spheres to reflect her passion and commitment to diversity, inclusion and justice in all its forms.