David Woods
PhD in Health Policy
David Woods, author of four books and numerous peer-reviewed articles, has built a remarkable career in journalism and literature. With a PhD in health policy, he once served as editor-in-chief of the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
In his recent book, The Road Not Taken, Woods reflects on his journey in international journalism, from witnessing the devastation of wartime Britain, where he once wore a saucepan for protection, to observing the ruins of post-war Germany. David’s career was shaped by pivotal choices, historical events, and encounters with literary and journalistic figures.
David writes with a journalist’s perceptive view, always crusading to protect good English from potentially dangerous excrescences like dangling participles and abstract nouns. He not only has a passion for language but also for extracting the maximum insights from the many interviews subjects he encounters.
Grace Smith
BSc Hons Interactive Multimedia Design, Web & Graphic Design
Grace Smith, Founder of Forge Female Fitness and Workforce Wellness, was awarded the Great British Entrepreneur of the Year Northern Ireland Award in 2024, in additional to numerous accolades including, Gym of the Year, Coach of the Year, Inspirational Woman in Health & Wellness, Health & Wellbeing Business of the Year. Most recently, Grace and Forge Female Fitness have been shortlisted by Women in Business for Small Business of the Year 2025.
Forge Female Fitness is dedicated to providing an inclusive space and service to help empower woman of all ages through strength, confidence and community, and strives to inspire and transform women's lives through personalised training and support.
Grace’s new business, Workforce Wellness, harnesses a holistic approach to health and wellness and helps employers and organisations develop bespoke corporate wellness strategies that promote enhanced health and wellbeing for their employees.
The skills and expertise that Grace learnt from her course have been incredibly beneficial for her current success. Grace uses her knowledge around web design, marketing and design every day to create and build systems within her businesses that she and her team uses on the daily. Grace credits the power of connection with fellow UU alumni and mentoring she received from business start-up expert and fellow alum, John Ferris, Ulster Bank Business Accelerator Community Manager, as being pivotal in her entrepreneurship journey and success.
Jenna McCusker
BSc Psychology
Jenna McCusker, a Derry/Londonderry-based entrepreneur, has started a brand new podcast "Mental Health & Me", a self-funded series that delves into mental health discussions intertwined with life's journeys and a touch of humour. Alongside her podcast, Jenna is also simultaneously running her own successful business, House of Scents, an award winning online and instore handmade home fragrance business.
Jenna's inspiration for the podcast stems from her personal experiences with mental health challenges and the support she received from others who had gone through similar experiences. Jenna decided to then launch her podcast in the hopes that it could help others with their own personal mental health struggles. The Mental Health & Me podcast has been well received, with its Instagram page nearing 2,000 followers and YouTube interviews gaining hundreds of views. Well-known local guests such as Jessica Khloe, Diona Doherty, and Sean Lynch have shared their personal stories, contributing to its growing impact.
