Date: Wednesday 7th May 2025

Time: 10am – 3pm

Location: Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare

Alex Candon is a final year student at Dublin City University (DCU), pursuing a BSc (Hons) in Health and Society.

As the Science & Health Faculty Representative at DCU Students’ Union, Alex has demonstrated leadership in driving student engagement, quality assurance participation, and collaborative initiatives. With a strong background in youth advocacy, research, and coaching, Alex is passionate about health, education, and community development. Outside of academia, Alex works as a gymnastics coach and has contributed to national student engagement efforts through the National Student Engagement Programme (NStEP) Student Quality Assurance Reviewers Pool.

Bohdan is a Computer Science student at TU Dublin and the founder of ReFridge, a student-led social enterprise tackling food insecurity and food waste on campus.

Originally from Ukraine, Bohdan is passionate about using technology and community action to solve real-world problems. Through ReFridge, he has led a team that redistributed over 3,000 kg of surplus food to support students in need, while reducing CO₂ emissions and promoting sustainability. He has also represented TU Dublin in national entrepreneurship competitions and continues to advocate for student-led solutions in higher education.

Máire Buckley is the Experiential Learning Officer in the Careers & Employability Service in Maynooth University working alongside other members of the UpSkill Team. 

UpSkill initiatives at Maynooth University represent a portfolio of experiential learning opportunities that develop students’ future focused skills and competencies, empowering students to understand themselves as people, as engaged citizens and as independent thinkers, and ultimately thrive personally, professionally and academically.

Rebecca Boyle is an Employability and Skills Development Coordinator in the Careers & Employability Service in Maynooth University working alongside other members of the UpSkill Team. 

UpSkill initiatives at Maynooth University represent a portfolio of experiential learning opportunities that develop students’ future focused skills and competencies, empowering students to understand themselves as people, as engaged citizens and as independent thinkers, and ultimately thrive personally, professionally and academically.

Seamus O’Neill is an Employability and Skills Development Coordinator in the Careers & Employability Service in Maynooth University working alongside other members of the UpSkill Team. 

UpSkill initiatives at Maynooth University represent a portfolio of experiential learning opportunities that develop students’ future focused skills and competencies, empowering students to understand themselves as people, as engaged citizens and as independent thinkers, and ultimately thrive personally, professionally and academically.

Zuzana O’Sullivan works as an Academic Success Coach under AnSEO-Student Engagement Office at the Munster Technological University (MTU). She works closely with students to enhance their academic skills, resilience, and personal development. Her background in social work, combined with community outreach, enables her to offer a holistic approach to student engagement through coaching and mentoring.

Zuzana’s core work includes one to one support, class workshop facilitation and development of targeted interventions. She is currently exploring methods of data collection to gain valuable insights into service delivery in order to improve the positive collaborative environment and enhance the overall quality and scope of student engagement work.

Caoimhe is the Student Engagement Officer at AHEAD Ireland. She creates spaces to amplify student  voices, coordinate impactful projects like the Students with Disabilities Advisory Group, and deliver tailored trainings and events, such as the annual AHEAD/USI Power of Disability Conference.

As a former SU President of NCADSU, Caoimhe brings a strong background in student advocacy and engagement. She is passionate about fostering accessibility, collaboration, and social inclusion within educational and extracurricular settings.

Caoimhe will also be joined by members of the Students with Disabilties Advisory Group. 

Faith is a member of Student Volunteer Ireland’s Student Advisory Panel and also a final year student at University College Dublin studying Politics & International Relations.

She has a passion for volunteering and being involved in the community, which started from working around sustainability and mental health initiatives in secondary school. She has continued this into third level, being involved in peer mentoring, ambassador roles and most recently working with UCD Access and Lifelong Learning through their Student Partnership Initiative. She plans to study a Masters in Development Studies in the UK after her graduation this September, due to her interest in topics like neocolonialism and global power dynamics.

Tommy is a Sociology & Social Justice student heading into his final year at University College Dublin. Through volunteering, he’s had unforgettable experiences, gained confidence and most of all, skills that will help him throughout my university and future life.

Sarah Fitzpatrick is the Vice President for Post-Graduate Affairs in the Union of Students in Ireland (Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn) 2024/25.

Sarah studied Psychology at DCU and previously served as the Vice President for Wellbeing in Dublin City University Students’ Union (DCUSU). In her current role with USI/AMLÉ, she oversees all affairs and policies relating to postgraduate students, including both taught and research.

Katie joined AsIAm in 2015 as the AsIAm Autism Friendly HEI Award Coordinator.

Katie coordinates the successful national AsIAm Autism Friendly HEI Award. She works closely with Irish universities, colleges and ETBs who are on the journey to embed the Autism Friendly HEI principles within their culture, and are making institutions that are fully inclusive. Katie is passionate about ensuring that the autistic community are supported and empowered on their path in further and higher education.

Fiona has worked in Autism for twenty years, including children’s services, personal planning, and transitioning to Higher Education. Fiona holds an MEd in Autism. 

She is currently the Autism Friendly Project Coordinator at DCU Autism Friendly Project, primarily focusing on implementing the project principles.