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Advisory board
Alumni Advisory Board
The UEL Alumni Advisory Board, established in 2018, serves as a key advisory group for university-wide projects and initiatives, representing the alumni community in partnership with the University and its Alumni Engagement team. Since its inception, the board has made a significant impact, launching various activities aimed at enhancing the experience of both students and alumni.
While board membership is currently closed, any future opportunities to join will be communicated to the wider Alumni Network via email. Each September, the board hosts an open meeting for graduates, offering a chance to learn about the board’s initiatives and provide valuable feedback.
Meet the chairs of the Alumni Advisory Board
Edna Chirwa, Chair
Edna Chirwa, an accomplished professional with a diverse background, began her UK journey at the University of East London in 2011 as a business management student from Zambia. Her dedication to student leadership and representation led her to pivotal roles in the Students' Union, where she served as Women’s Officer and later as Vice-Chair of the Students’ Council. She also served on the National Union of Students (NUS) UK as Black Students’ International Students Representative in 2014.
More about Edna
Earning respect and trust, Edna was elected Students’ Union Vice-President in 2013 and 2014, concluding her impactful tenure as an Executive Officer & Officer Trustee in 2015.
Demonstrating a commitment to continuous growth, she pursued an MBA at UEL, graduating in 2016. During her studies, Edna worked as part of UEL's Employability team, supervising the Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey. Edna also worked with the Student Recruitment team as an International Student Recruitment Ambassador (Africa). Her journey then took her to Regent’s University London, where she worked as a Placement Officer and later as a Business Relations Officer.
Edna holds over 8 years’ experience in the field of Higher Education and more than 10 years’ experience in the private sector. She also has more than 10 years’ experience working in an Embassy/Diplomatic Mission, where she worked as a Protocol Officer and Assistant Consul General.
Edna is an organised administrative professional. Beyond her career, she channels her passion for charitable causes, currently serving as Vice-Chair of the West Silvertown Foundation where she has been a Trustee member since 2018. She also volunteers with Brentwood Foodbank.
Edna's story is one of leadership, dedication, and a continuous pursuit of excellence. She is a Member of the Association of Business Executives (MABE) UK.
Edna has been an active member of the UEL Alumni Advisory Board since its establishment in 2018 taking on the role of International Chapters lead in 2022, before becoming Chair in 2023.
You can contact Edna Chirwa at: echirwa1@uel.ac.uk.
Bansari Bantwa, Vice-Chair
Bansari Bantwa is a young, dynamic professional in the field of psychology, currently serving as the Senior Career Zone Advisor at the University of East London. Armed with a master’s degree in psychology, Bansari has dedicated her career to supporting and guiding students in their academic and professional journeys.
More about Bansari
As the Vice-Chair of the UEL Alumni Advisory Board, Bansari aims to significantly contribute to shaping the direction of alumni engagement. Her collaborative spirit and proficiency in team dynamics make her an invaluable asset to the university community.
Beyond her role at the university, Bansari is deeply involved in mental health advocacy, working closely with various charities to provide support to young adults. Her passion for mental health and well-being is evident in her efforts to organise support sessions for students, emphasising a holistic approach to education. She is the founder of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion committees in various institutions in her home country, India, and strives to encourage healthy practices and environment for staff and students. She also actively volunteers as the EDI Representative as well as the Health and Safety Officer for her team at the University of East London.
In recognition of her outstanding commitment to student services, Bansari was honoured with the prestigious UEL Vice Chancellor's and President’s Award for Excellent Student Service in 2023. This accolade reflects her unwavering dedication to fostering a positive and supportive educational environment.
Bansari's proactive involvement in campaigns and marketing for the Graduate Outcome Survey and National Student Survey showcases her strategic thinking and commitment to enhancing the overall student experience. She also served as the Course Representative for the School of Psychology at UEL which equipped her with insights into the student perspective, allowing her to bridge the gap between students and academic teams effectively.
You can contact Bansari Bantwa at: b.bantwa@uel.ac.uk.
Samantha Larbi, Royal Docks School of Business and Law representative
Samantha Larbi graduated in 2021 with a postgraduate degree in business and financial law. She is also an accomplished author and a former TV reality star.
More about Samantha
She is passionate about economic empowerment and policy, with a rich background spanning diaspora affairs, banking, technology, and the creative industry.
As the Royal Docks School of Business and Law representative, Samantha seeks to build connections among alumni around the globe. Her motto is 'anything is possible' and aims to help others to succeed and realise their full potential to live and create an authentic life that is genuine to them.
You can contact Samantha Larbi at: slarbi@uel.ac.uk.
Chris Johnson, School of Architecture Computing and Engineering representative
Chris studied manufacturing systems management at the University of East London, and since graduating has over 20 years of experience working in the UK industry.
More about Chris
He has worked in product design and development, marketing, and specification sales – across many product groups including lighting, power products, educational equipment, materials, and furniture.
This has involved working with a wide range of sectors, currently working with architectural interior design and advising on sustainable material selection.
He has been actively involved with the UEL alumni, supporting their activities for many years, and in 2022 achieved an Alumni Achievement Award for his involvement in the Alumni Advisory Board Mentoring programme.
You can contact Chris Johnson at: cjohnson3@uel.ac.uk.
Giovanni Bordone, School of Arts and Creative Industries representative
Giovanni is a seasoned professional with a multifaceted career as the Course Leader in MA Marketing and a Senior Lecturer in marketing and creative enterprise at London Metropolitan University. He is currently pursuing a DBA at Guildhall School of Business & Law. His research project is related to the digitalisation of the supply chain and the future of the fashion industry.
More about Giovanni
He is also the Academic Liaison Tutor for NTTU University Vietnam, highlighting his commitment to global education. Having taught and worked in approximately thirty countries worldwide, Giovanni has dedicated much of his professional career to the dynamic landscapes of the UK and China. In the fashion domain, he has imparted knowledge at esteemed institutions, including the London College of Fashion, Istituto Marangoni (Shanghai and London), IFA Paris and many more.
Primarily centred in the luxury sector, his fashion career has been distinguished by first-hand experience with renowned brands such as Burberry, Ermenegildo Zegna, and Scabal, spanning diverse technical and commercial roles. Additionally, he has conducted numerous corporate trainings globally, collaborating with the most prestigious fashion companies.
Giovanni harbours a profound passion for technology and future scenarios, particularly within the realm of fashion.
In his personal life, Giovanni is married and a proud father of three children. Beyond his professional endeavours, he maintains a fervent passion for sports, actively participating and competing in various disciplines.
You can contact Giovanni Bordone at: gbordone@uel.ac.uk.
Racheal Oyindamola Ogunleye, School of Health, Sport and Bioscience representative
Rachael Oyindamola Ogunleye graduated with a master’s degree in biomedical science from the University of East London in 2016, after completing a bachelor’s degree at Brunel University London with honours in 2014. She has since developed her career in clinical research. She currently works at the University College London Hospitals (UCLH) and is an associate staff at London's global university, University College London (UCL).
More about Rachael
She works in the Institute of Health Informatics (IHI) department with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR BioResource) as a Clinical Research Practitioner. She has a range of work experience in the health sector, starting her professional career as a registered nurse before branching into the exciting world of clinical and medical research.
Rachael has an ardent desire and motivation for global health promotion with the hope for overall improved care and better outcomes for patients and their relatives.
Rachael has a lifelong commitment and passion for learning, and personal and professional development. She is currently studying for a postgraduate degree in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at UEL, expanding her knowledge in a fast-growing evolving technology world.
She is interested in travelling, photography, arts and crafts, mentoring, networking and collaborations with like-minded students, dedicated alumni and professionals within the university and corporate organisations, fostering change and driving positive impact both in the UK and internationally.
You can contact Rachael Ogunleye at: orachael@uel.ac.uk.
Laura Marie Lane, School of Psychology representative
Laura is the Founder and Managing Director of Greater Good, a coaching and consultancy firm that specialises in designing and supporting mental health programmes. Laura is enthusiastic about bringing mental health to the forefront and advocating for services that have a wider societal impact. In her practice, she works with organisations and individuals to recognise, and positively challenge, personal, relational, and structural factors that can affect one’s psychological health and emotional well-being.
More about Laura
Before founding Greater Good, Laura spent over two decades in the corporate sector, leading finance and business growth in the United States, Europe, and Latin America. She then went on to train as a psychologist, focusing her education and research on compassion-based interventions, trauma-informed practices and positive ageing.
Laura holds a BA degree in music and psychology from the University of Minnesota, an MBA from Edgewood College, and an MSc in applied positive psychology and coaching psychology from the University of East London.
She is an EIA Accredited Coaching Practitioner through the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) and a graduate of Applied Compassion Training through the Stanford Medicine Centre for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE).
You can contact Laura Lane at: llane@uel.ac.uk.
Darshan Dabhi, International representative
Darshan currently holds the role of Agents Relation Assistant within the External Relations Directorate at the University of East London. He proudly holds both a BSc in Business Management and an MSc in International Business Management from UEL.
More about Darshan
Beyond his academic pursuits, he has actively contributed to the vibrant university community. As the founder and President of the University of East London Indian Society at the University of East London Students' Union, he successfully fostered a sense of cultural unity and engagement among his peers.
Darshan was elected as the Vice-President of the University of East London Students' Union, serving under the portfolio of welfare and wellbeing during the academic year 2018-2019. In this capacity, he became the voice of students, representing their interests across various university boards and committees. This invaluable experience equipped him with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by students and strengthened his advocacy for their needs.
Furthermore, he proudly holds the position of National Officer at the National Indian Students Alumni Union (NISAU), where he actively contributes to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for Indian students both nationally and internationally.
Festus Olatoye, School of Education and Communities representative
Festus Olatoye graduated with a distinction in MSc Information Technology at the University of East London in 2014. After this, Festus studied PGCE Computer Science at UEL and finished in 2015, obtaining a Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Festus often represented the University as a Student Ambassador and got involved in the Students' Union at UEL.
More about Festus
He was elected and served as the Postgraduate (Taught) Officer in 2014. Later that year, Festus was one of the elected delegates who represented the UEL Students' Union at the National Union of Students' (NUS) Conference held in Liverpool.
After graduation, Festus went on to work in secondary schools across London as a teacher of mathematics and computer science, an experience which helped him to impact positively on young people and build community engagements. This passion for community engagements inspired Festus' involvement with the UEL Alumni Advisory Board.
You can contact Festus Olatoye at: folatoye1@uel.ac.uk.
