Grace is a final-year Business Studies student at Dublin City University, specialising in Finance. She completed her INTRA placement in KPMG’s audit department last year, where she developed strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure. Grace has always been passionate about leadership, which she’s built through captaining Gaelic football teams, contributing to DCU’s Student Managed Fund, and leading our student start-up “Waste Not Want Not” as CEO. Representing DCU at an International Entrepreneurship Bootcamp in Helsinki further strengthened her interest in innovation, and she applied for this award to continue challenging herself and growing as a future business leader.

Maria is a first year Accounting and Finance student at Maynooth University, driven by a strong sense of gratitude for the opportunities she has received. This motivates her to perform at her highest level while growing academically and personally. She is passionate about making a positive impact and inspiring others from rural Ireland. Alongside her studies, she balances part-time work in her local pub, actively participates in her local football team, and is a musician with several awards. Maria applied for the PwC First Generation Undergraduate of the Year Award to further develop and gain valuable insight into the industry.

Rachel is studying Business & Law at UCD. She is grateful to have been nominated for the Real Impact Undergraduate of the Year Award – a huge thank you to Grant Thornton for this award. Volunteering and running a small circular fashion business have truly enriched her university experience. This active involvement is something she hopes to take into her future workplace and beyond. Whether it is AI workshops for law students or raising money for isolated elderly Rachel’s goal is always the same, to turn passive awareness into meaningful involvement.

Hannah is a final-year student of Economics and International Relations at the University of Limerick. She has developed strong academic and leadership experience through her involvement in the UL Student Managed Fund and her role as Chairperson of the UL Music Society. Hannah is passionate about promoting female representation in finance and leadership, and aims to encourage greater participation and confidence among other students. She aspires to pursue a career in finance or consulting, combining analytical skills with leadership to contribute to inclusive and forward-thinking workplaces.

Aimee Cloake grew up in inner-city Dublin and is a first-generation college student. Now in her final year of BESS and serving as Access Officer in Trinity Students' Union, she organised College Awareness Week 2025 and is establishing Trinity's first Access Student Society. She sits on STAND's National Advisory Panel, mobilising students for global justice, equity and sustainability. An advocate on working class experiences and social mobility in Ireland, her current project is an online platform where people can share their experiences of class-based discrimination and raise awareness. She uses her voice to be the difference she needed growing up.

As a final year Global Business student at Trinity College Dublin, Lauri has a strong interest in entrepreneurship and sustainability, and a firm belief that the two can work hand in hand to drive future growth. She is particularly passionate about how innovation and business can make environmentally conscious choices more accessible at an individual level. Lauri hopes to build a business that supports sustainability initiatives and empowers people to make greener decisions, while supporting economic growth. She applied for this award to develop her ideas, gain experience, and contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable and innovative future.

Louise grew up on her family’s dairy farm in County Down, where her passion for agriculture began. The family process and sell their own milk and dairy products directly to the public, giving her hands-on experience in adding value to produce while educating people about where their food comes from. She is studying Agricultural Technology at Queen’s University Belfast and currently on placement as a McDonald’s Progressive Young Farmer with Dawn Meats, gaining insight into the beef supply chain. Louise is building a career dedicated to supporting the sustainability, resilience, and long-term future of family farms and the wider agricultural sector.

Robyn is a third year Law student and applied for the award to demonstrate her passion for the field. She is a first generation University student and honestly never thought she would find something that fascinated her. Her past three years of studying have allowed her to explore the world of Law and how it applies to every aspect of life. Robyn discovered a particular interested in Land Law.

A chairde gaeil, cuireann sé áthas orm a bheith anso i ndeireadh na bliana acadúla seo, taréis móran éachtaí a bheith bainte amach ag na grúpaí go bhfuil baint agam lo. Ba mhaith liom a rá nach mbraithim gur domsa amháin an taitheantas (tah-hin-tis) seo ach dos na héinne i gCuallacht Chorcaí agus i gConradh na Gaeilge i gcoitinne (guit-anna). Ní fhéadfainn a bheith anso gan gach duine a chabhraigh liom agus ba mhaith liom an taitheantas seo a thiomnú dóibh.