Featuring six exceptional Ulster University students, alumni and partners, the second phase of the popular advertising campaign showcases the Changemakers and highlights their leadership across sectors from sport to AI and business.
The billboard campaign, which will run from Monday 29 July throughout the summer, features large, striking portraits of each Changemaker and the adverts have been unveiled in locations close to Ulster University’s campuses - Belfast, Coleraine and Derry~Londonderry.
Celebrating our changemakers
At the heart of this campaign are six trailblazers whose accomplishments span diverse fields, from athletics to AI (Artificial Intelligence) innovation. Each of them embodies the spirit of determination and excellence that Ulster University strives to instil in every member of our community, and we are proud that they have chosen to work and partner with us.
These Changemakers are:
Kate O’Connor
The 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony took place on Friday 26 July in Paris and making her debut was Commonwealth Games Silver Medallist and current UU Masters student, Kate O'Connor who truly represents the pinnacle of dedication and perseverance.
In her advert Kate said:
“Choosing Ulster has helped me reach my educational aspirations and my sporting goals.”
Kate’s journey as a high-performance heptathlete through her Masters in Communication with PR is a testament to the University’s support for students balancing academic pursuits with elite sports training. Kate’s story is one of resilience and ambition, which we hope will inspire students to pursue their passions to the fullest.
Cat McCusker
Regional market leader for Northern Ireland as well as the Education Consulting Lead for PwC nationally and an alumna of Ulster. Cat has chosen Ulster University as a key partner to shape the future of education in her organisation.
Cat said:
“PwC’s award-winning collaboration with Ulster University is redefining business and learning excellence and creating leaders for the future.”
Earlier this year, an Ulster University and PwC collaboration was awarded a prestigious Learning Excellence Award in Business and Academic Partnership Innovation Award for the MSc Business in Technology (MBT). The goal was to develop a competency-based programme that advanced business and leadership capability in a tech-powered world and the programme certainly delivers, combining leading-edge academic theory with best practice from industry.
Dr Jason McKeown
As the CEO of Neurovalens, Dr. Jason McKeown has chosen Ulster University as a key partner to advance health technology innovations. His groundbreaking work in developing non-invasive neurostimulation devices is revolutionising medical treatments and has the potential to improve the quality of life for countless people.
In November last year, Ulster University Insomnia research and testing helped Neurovalens to gain US Food & Drug Administration, FDA clearance for a medical device which treats chronic insomnia.
Combining neuroscience and technology, the innovative ‘Modius Sleep’ device is a significant development for those suffering from sleep disorders as it has been designed to deliver non-invasive electrical stimulation to key areas of the brain and nervous system without the need for surgically implanted electrodes or for tablets, therefore reducing pressure on an already stretched health service.
Joe Donnelly
The CEO of North Belfast-based charity, TAMHI (Tackling Awareness of Mental Health Issues) and award-winning, dedicated mental health advocate, Joe Donnelly, chose Ulster as a key partner to promote mental health awareness.
By harnessing the power of play and sport, particularly football, TAMHI is making a real difference in an area that has been recognised for having one of the highest suicide rates in Europe: North Belfast.
In June, Ulster, through our University and Community Benefit Framework, sponsored a TAMHI-organised cross-community football match against a team of Manchester United Legends. The event brought communities together in a shared space through sport and shone a spotlight on the importance of supporting positive mental health.
Additionally, in November last year Ulster University Screen Production students and graduates created a moving documentary that offers a poignant look into TAMHI’s outstanding work.
Russell Sloan
As the CEO of Kainos, Russell Sloan identified Ulster as a key collaborator to help push the boundaries of AI and build a better world through technology. Our collaboration with Kainos and Russell, is a great example of the University’s work with partners at the forefront of technology.
Together Ulster and Kainos have been bridging the gap between academic research and industry for quite some time and as part of this, pioneered a joint AI Research Centre, based at Ulster University.
Ashleigh Galway
As Principal of Currie Primary School, Ashleigh chose to partner with Ulster University to help engage and inspire the next generation of young people.
Currie Primary School engages with our schools outreach programme on subjects such as promoting confidence in literacy through World Book Day, enabling pupils to discover their Coding skills, through Mirco:Bit Technology and various STEM projects ensure that all pupils have fair opportunity to access and connect to higher education.
Additionally, under Ashleigh’s leadership, Currie Primary School took part in Architects of Change, a unique research partnership between Ulster University and Belfast City Council which saw pupils take part in workshops to encourage them to be environmentally aware and understand their impact on the planet from an early age, through fun sessions on topics such as recycling and sustainable city planning.
Kate and Jason will feature on billboards around Coleraine while Ashleigh and Joes’ ads will be on display in Belfast City Centre and Cat and Russell will be proudly displayed in sites around Derry~Londonderry.
Strengthening Our Community
This campaign demonstrates the powerful impact of our partnerships and highlights the University’s role as a catalyst for socio-economic development and innovation in Northern Ireland and beyond.
Join us in celebrating these new thought leaders, change makers, and game changers who embody the spirit of Ulster University.
These Changemakers join an impressive line-up of partners and people from the first phase of the campaign:
- Dr Jackie Henry, Deloitte’s Managing Partner for People and Purpose and UU-BrightStart Apprenticeship Programme partner
- Richard McGuinness, Chief Operating Officer at FinTrU
- Oluwaseyi Kushimo, Vice President of UUSU
- Matthew Lewsley, Manchester United Foundation Outreach Manager
- Dr Esther McGuiness, Head of the School of Law and Co-Director of the University’s Law Clinic
- Daniel Crawford, Chief Strategy Officer at Axial3D, a University spin out company.