Students as Leaders 2026/27 Students as Leaders

Tara is an environmental scientist, climate change expert, author and broadcaster with more than 20 years’ experience advising governments, world leaders and international organisations on climate change and sustainable development. A former UN climate negotiator and Special Adviser to the Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice, Tara is also an accomplished science communicator and television presenter. She holds a PhD from Ulster University and is the author of How to Save Your Planet One Object at a Time

Gary Rutherford is founder and CEO of ARC Fitness, an organisation pioneering Derry/Londonderry's Inclusive Recovery movement. He has created a successful recovery model spanning physical activity, structured education, and family support, and forged statutory commissioning partnerships across the Western Health and Social Care Trust, Department of Health, and Public Health Agency. Gary is a respected voice in addiction recovery, he also shapes healthcare curricula with Ulster University and Queen's University Belfast.

Agnes is the founder and Chief Executive of the Positive Futures group operating across the island of Ireland and which comprises 3 charities, one of which is a housing association. The organisation supports children and adults with an intellectual disability, acquired brain injury or autism, a number of whom also have sight/ hearing loss. In 1999 Agnes facilitated the establishment of ARC in Northern Ireland, an umbrella organisation for providers of services for people with a learning disability, which she chaired for 22 years. She is also a lay member of the social care tribunal which hears appeals against decisions relating to the regulation of care services and the social care workforce.

Colum Mackey is Head of Policy, Representation and Evaluation at Students’ Union UCL, the UK’s largest students’ union. He supports student leaders in influencing change locally and nationally, with a focus on evidence-based policy driven by original research. Outside work, Colum chairs the trustees of an Irish community charity in London.

He studied Law at Ulster University and served as President of Ulster University Students’ Union. In 2017, he completed the Washington Ireland Programme before moving to London.

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Rhonda is a leadership development specialist with more than 25 years of experience helping individuals and teams thrive across the public and private sectors. Drawing on her background in senior strategic management with a multinational retailer, she brings practical insight into the realities of leadership, organisational change and team performance. At AAB, Rhonda designs and delivers impactful leadership and management development programmes and provides professional coaching to leaders at all levels. Known for her warm, inclusive and engaging style, she helps participants build confidence, strengthen collaboration and translate leadership concepts into meaningful action.