Alumni 2000 – 2009

As Communication Officer for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) for the Americas, Luiz Fernando Godinho is responsible for media relations and the outreach of the organization, in addition to coordinating various country operations in the production of UNHCR content. His aim is to make UNHCR a credible reference on forced displacement, mobilise support for the cause of refugees and build empathy for people forced to flee violence, human rights violations and conflict. Using communication to combat disinformation and hate speech, as well as to provide reliable information to refugees about services, support and the risks associated with their displacement, which is especially important in the context of Latin America and the Caribbean. 

A master’s student at the University of Westminster, between 2000 and 2002, Luiz Fernando considers his experience very enriching, not only professionally, but also personally, in which he can expand his mind on other topics, improve professional skills and create new job opportunities: “My experience at a UK university was key to a twist in my professional career, as I was able to join the UN after my post-graduation thanks, to some extent, to my Master’s Degree. It added to my previous professional experience as a journalist and enriched my curriculum”.

A graduate student at the University of Leeds, Sissi De La Peña studied in the UK in 2003, where she stayed to work for 9 years. “I did influence a lot, as I stayed to work for 9 years in the UK and then another 3 years in the USA. So, my studies in the UK did really influence my international career which now makes a significant impact in my current activities”. 

Back in Mexico City, she is in charge of International and Government Affairs at AMCID_Mx, Sissi's focus is on shaping the digital policy landscape, particularly in artificial intelligence, digital economy and cybersecurity. From strategic partnerships she is part of a pioneering team, as co-author, on the Regulatory Sandbox of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Mexico, setting a precedent in AI regulation and ethical governance. And also, in the “Proposal for a National AI Agenda 2024-2030 in Mexico,” which consolidates the contributions of more than 340 experts in the Mexican ecosystem. Both projects were funded by the UK Government, in coordination with the Senate and digital sector regulatory bodies. 

Book author and professional speaker, Allan Costa is the CEO and shareholder of ISH Tecnologia, the largest Brazilian company in the field of cybersecurity, standing among the 3 largest companies in the segment in Latin America. In 2023, ISH generated gross revenue of USD 100 million and has about 900 people working at the company. Master from Lancaster University in 2003, Allan considers his experience in the United Kingdom as decisive, emphasizing the network of contacts he established: “When I returned to Brazil, my career progressed quickly, I took on new positions, until I became CEO of the company where I worked at the time a few years later”. 

For 4 years he was honorary consul of the United Kingdom in Curitiba. Recently, he returned to Lancaster University for a lecture to business school students, talking about his entrepreneurial experience, the companies he has created and how his time at Lancaster has favoured his career path. 

“My time at East 15 Acting School was particularly impactful, opening up countless possibilities and broadening my horizons both personally and professionally”.

Adriana Llabrés, a producer and actress, won the Best Actress award at the Ariel Award [Premio Ariel] (the highest award given by the Mexican Academy of Film, Arts and Sciences to the best of Mexican cinema) for her role in Todo el Silencio, which explores diversity within Mexico’s deaf community. A student at the University of Essex’s East 15 Acting School between 2006 and 2007, she is dedicated to telling in Mexican cinema stories that go beyond the traditional narratives to which we are used to. In addition, she seeks to create safer and more inclusive spaces for women on film sets, which earned her the Sorority Award [Premio Sororidad] from Mexico. For her, the experience in the UK opened doors, allowing her to be in contact with several projects and collaborators around the world. 

“I was in the right place at the right time to develop my career”.

Leonardo Trench is the founder and director of Gradeup Education Consultancy, a company dedicated to guiding and preparing Brazilians for admission to universities abroad. Currently, he represents more than 50 universities in the UK, which is the primary destination for his company’s students. His connection with British shores began in 2006 when Leonardo pursued a master’s degree in sports at Loughborough University. For two years, he taught in elementary schools and undergraduate courses and was also a volleyball player for the university team, earning the title of best athlete twice.

This experience gave Leonardo first-hand insight into the country’s education system, which laid the foundation for establishing his student exchange consultancy upon returning to Brazil. “Having this background, I can speak from the heart. It’s my day-to-day life, highlighting the benefits and advantages that the UK offers for education.” He maintains strong ties with the UK to this day and was recently invited to join the British Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Brazil.

Helping victims of human rights violations in their search for truth, justice and reparation is what motivates Human Rights Officer Octavio. He helped about 40 torture victims secure reparations, as well as deter future violations by prosecuting the perpetrators. Octavio also contributed to the drafting of laws on torture and disappearances in Mexico. 

He got a master's degree in 2010 from the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Essex and believes that it was a transformative experience: “University of Essex reputation among human rights entities quickly allowed me to find job opportunities and to have a good development in my career, since it provided me with the necessary knowledge on international human rights law”.