What is your role and what does it involve?
I’m the Donor Relations Manager at UCL, which means I get to help bring our donors closer to the impact they’re making. A big part of my job is about storytelling - whether that’s through reports, campus visits, or events - so our supporters can and feel the difference their generosity creates.It’s a mix of strategy and creativity. I work closely with fundraisers, academics, and students to design thoughtful experiences that genuinely show donors how valued they are. Sometimes that means writing personalised thank-you letters, other times it’s coordinating a bespoke campus visit or creating a report that showcases student voices.
Ultimately, I see my role as making sure every donor, no matter the size of their gift, feels like a true part of the UCL community - and that their support is not just acknowledged, but celebrated.
How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?
I’ve been at UCL for just under eight months now, having originally joined as maternity cover for the Donor Relations Officer. Since then, I’ve found my feet in the world of philanthropy and have stepped into the Donor Relations Manager role - an exciting journey for someone relatively new to the sector!Before joining UCL, I was the Senior Events Executive for a wonderfully unique mental health company called Paws in Work. Yes - Paws! I worked alongside a rotating cast of adorable puppies to bring stress-relief sessions to workplaces across London, helping people unwind while ensuring developmental mile markers were met for the pups themselves. It was a role full of joy and logistics, and I learned a lot about how to create meaningful, memorable experiences for all’involved.
Outside of my day job, I wear a few other hats - sometimes quite literally! I’m an independent researcher specialising in Egyptology and Maya archaeology, with a particular focus on monumental architecture and ancient graffiti. My work has taken me from the sand dunes of Nazca to the pyramids of Belize and the temples of Egypt. I recently published a piece on a Maya pyramid excavation , and I continue to share my passion as a guest lecturer and mentor in all things ancient.
I’m also the co-founder of Muses in the City, a women’s network that connects people to arts, heritage, and culture through free events - think regency picnics in the park, live Renaissance drawing workshops, museum tours, and guest lectures. We’ve grown to over 100 members, and it’s been a real privilege to help create a space where people can come together and explore the world around them.
When I’m not digging into the past, I quite literally step into it - I’m an avid historical fantasy costumer. From regency inspired dresses to renaissance pieces, and even some cosplays (Meg from Hercules and Peggy Carter from Captain America), I love designing and wearing outfits that celebrate history, storytelling, and a bit of cinematic flair.
What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?
I was the first female guest lecturer for the Archaeology and Heritage Circle at the National Liberal Club. I presented an overview of Egyptian graffiti in the ancient world and shared my own research of how graffiti was used as a political tool by priests to establish their power after Egypt’s golden age (New Kingdom).Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of your to-do list
Because of my cultural heritage background, I am working closely with colleagues across UCL to develop new and exciting ways for our donors to engage with the incredible work UCL does in the arts and humanities.What is your favourite album, film, novel, video game?
Album: Epic the Musical by Jorge Rivera-HerransFilm: The Mummy (1999)
Novel: The Song of Achillies by Madeline Miller
I am also a sucker for At The Mountains of Madness by H.P. I love everything from Assassin’s Creed to The Witcher 3, to Tomb Raider, but a recent game I fell in love with is South of Midnight.
South of Midnight is impactful for the way it weaves the lived experiences of Black Americans into its Southern Gothic narrative, bringing long-overlooked voices and histories to the forefront. By spotlighting rich Black folklore, music, and cultural traditions, the game offers both representation and a powerful, immersive exploration of identity, resilience, and ancestral legacy.
What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?
Most of my favourite jokes come from ancient texts and unsurprisingly they are not the most ’pre-watershed.’ From ’Yo Mamma’ jokes in ancient Rome to entertaining a bored pharaoh in Egypt, it is easy to see that people have not changed in thousands of years.Who would be your dream dinner guests?
Historical guests:- Nefertari: Ancient Egyptian Queen
- Herodotus: Ancient Greek Historian
- H.P. Lovecraft: Author
Living Guests:
- Malala Yousafzai
- Greta Thunberg
- Pedro Pascal
What advice would you give your younger self?
Something I heard recently that deeply resonated with both the person I am today and the version of me I wish I could have embraced earlier is:"I would rather be cringe in someone else’s mind than be caged in my own."
Growing up, I often let the fear of judgment shape how I spoke, acted, or shared my passions. I thought fitting in required shrinking myself. This quote reminds me that it’s far more freeing - and far more rewarding - to be true to yourself, even if it means being misunderstood or laughed at by others. Because the alternative is living trapped by self-doubt, constantly second-guessing your worth, your voice, your choices.
It’s okay to be bold, to be different, to take up space. Being "cringe" to someone else often just means you’re being brave enough to be authentic. And the moment you choose authenticity over approval, you stop living in a cage of imagined limitations and start building a life that feels like yours.
What would it surprise people to know about you?
- I am scuba certified and have swam with sharks and sea lions.
- I have been spelunking.
- I was once an extra in a golf movie.
- I flew a plane when I was 8 (briefly once in the air of course but I still count it haha).
- I used to teach kids chemistry while dressed as a wizard (unfortunately I do not have photos of this).
What is your favourite place?
Any ancient ruins. I love to explore and feel a part of history with every step. Do I pretend I’m Indiana Jones / Lara Croft whenever I find myself in ruins? Yes lol!- University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT (0) 20 7679 2000
