To mark International Women’s Day on 8 March, we’re delighted to share a selection of empowering stories from women in our university community.
This year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, calls for bold steps toward gender equality, including calling out stereotypes, challenging discrimination, questioning bias, and celebrating women's success. It’s a reminder that while significant strides have been made, there’s still work to be done to break barriers and create lasting change.
Read on to discover the incredible successes and achievements of our staff, students, and alumni.
SOPHIE STEADMAN & MOLLY HUGHES
Last November, art graduates Sophie Steadman and Molly Hughes curated a special exhibition at our Brampton Road campus to celebrate 60 years of arts education. Arts@60 brought together 150 stunning pieces from over 50 alumni, showcasing the powerful impact of creativity on society, the economy, and our local community.
Their vision transformed the space into a vibrant tribute to Cumbria’s artistic legacy – watch our YouTube video to hear how Sophie and Molly brought the exhibition to life.
ABIGAIL FOLEY & AMELIA ROSS
Law students Abigail and Amelia will represent the University of Cumbria at the 2025 Client Interviewing Competition for England and Wales. After winning our internal competition, they impressed the judges in the regional heats on 14 February with their client-focused approach and legal expertise. The national final, which takes place at Swansea University on 8 March, could see them secure a spot at the International Client Interviewing Competition in Glasgow.
MEGAN RICHARDS
Second-year BA (Hons) Wildlife Media student Megan Richards has won the 'Saving the Planet' category at the 2025 RTS North East and The Borders Awards. Her nine-minute passion project, On The Edge: Saving the Iberian Lynx, took her to Spain, where she documented conservation efforts to protect this endangered species.
With support from The Hadfield Trust and the University of Cumbria’s Institute of Education, Arts and Society, Megan turned her dream into an award-winning reality, proving that powerful storytelling can drive real change.
HELEN STATHAM
Helen Statham, a Carlisle-based PR and social media expert, was named the University of Cumbria's 2024 Alumnus of the Year ten years after earning her BA (Hons) in Event Management. From kickstarting her career at Cumbria Live to launching her own agency, Helen’s journey is one of passion and ambition. Today, as co-director of Intro PR and Social Media, she’s helping organisations across Cumbria amplify their voices.
LAUREN O’DONNELL
2024 BA (Hons) Wildlife Media graduate Lauren O’Donnell was recently nominated in the 'Factual Short Film' category at the 2025 RTS North East and The Borders Awards. Her three-minute production, Behind the Lens, offers a raw and personal insight into the patience, ethics, and skill required to capture wildlife on film. Shot in her hometown of Dunblane, Lauren’s work is already earning well-deserved recognition – an exciting start to what promises to be an incredible career.
CHLOE AUSTIN
As part of our National Apprenticeship Week 2025 celebrations, we heard the inspiring story of Chloe Austin, who studied an assistant practitioner degree with us in 2019. She qualified in 2021 with aspirations of continuing her studies, but a serious accident temporarily put her dreams on hold.
With unwavering determination and the support of her employer, Risedale Estates, Chloe embraced the opportunity to upskill through our degree apprenticeship programme. She qualified as a registered nurse in January 2024, proving that resilience and ambition can turn obstacles into achievements.
GEORGIA COSTIN & ABBEY WILKINSON
In June 2024, University of Cumbria graduates Georgia Costin and Abbey Wilkinson won the ‘Saving the Planet’ (undergraduate) category of the 2024 RTS Student Television Awards for their 10-minute film, Tails of Cumbrian Heritage.
Determined to tell an all-female story, they spotlighted the work of breeders and Fell Pony Heritage Trust members Libby Robinson and Samantha Smith. Their dedication to celebrating Cumbria’s rich natural and cultural heritage has set a new benchmark for storytelling in wildlife media.
PROFESSOR MARY MORRELL
Professor Mary Morrell’s appointment as the first Head of the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine in November 2024 marked a significant milestone in the development of our new medical school. A trailblazer in both education and research, Professor Morrell has helped shape the next generation of doctors through her innovative roles at Imperial College London. As well as redeveloping the early years of the medical curriculum and supporting the pioneering first intercalated BSc pathway in Remote Medicine, her groundbreaking research on sleep-related health issues continues to impact the clinical care of thousands of patients.
JEANNE LANDON-CAMPBELL
With a career spanning over 40 years, nursing academic Jeanne Landon-Campbell has left a lasting mark on countless lives. In July 2024, she watched the first cohort graduate from the accelerated master’s programme she designed – an achievement made even more special by a heartfelt tribute from one of her students.
Inspired by Jeanne’s impact, graduate Valentine Eze named his young daughter after her. Valentine hopes Munachim Zoe Jeanne will one day follow in her namesake’s footsteps.
LISA SCARGILL
Graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Social Enterprise Leadership from the University of Cumbria in July 2024, Lisa Scargill is the first-ever recipient of The Hensman Prize, an award recognising graduating students who are making a tangible difference in Cumbria. From leading social impact initiatives at Balfour Beatty to securing funding for vital community projects, Lisa’s dedication and contribution will have long-lasting impact, helping to raise the skills and aspirations of young people across the county.
Lisa is now continuing her studies with the university on our DBA programme, with her research focusing on social sustainability.
JACKIE ARNOLD MBE
Barrow native Jackie Arnold MBE is spearheading a transformative era in her hometown as she takes on the role of strategic advisor to our Vice Chancellor's Executive. With over 40 years of experience in business and financial management, including her historic appointment as the first female chair of The Cumberland, Jackie is uniquely positioned to foster key partnerships that will drive Barrow's evolution into a university town. Jackie's unwavering commitment to her community is poised to leave a lasting impact on Barrow's educational and economic landscape.
If you’d like to find out more about International Women’s Day 2025 and how you can #AccelerateAction, visit the IWD website.
Take a look back at International Women's Day 2024
From transformational research to fundraising challenges for charity, read on to discover the uplifting successes and achievements of our staff, students and alumni.
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