Susanna Kempe (She/Her)

Hi, I’m Katie McGowan, a Psychology undergraduate at the University of Leeds and a 2025 Laidlaw Scholar. My academic interests centre around human behaviour, social influence, and cultural psychology. This summer, I’m researching how cultural background and perceived empathy in artificial intelligence influence consumer trust — a project that brings together my fascination with social psychology and cross-cultural dynamics. Outside of academia, I’m passionate about women’s rights, youth leadership, and community impact. I’ve volunteered with organisations including Let Me Know (LMK) and Jewish Women’s Aid (JWA), helping to raise awareness around healthy relationships and gender-based violence. I’m also a Holocaust Educational Ambassador, committed to promoting dialogue, reflection, and education around collective memory and human rights. I currently serve as a School Representative for Psychology, advocating for students and working with staff to ensure that student feedback leads to meaningful change. Leadership, empathy, and representation are values that guide everything I do. Outside of my academic and voluntary work, I love travel and adventure — I hold an Advanced Open Water Scuba Diving certification, and I’m always looking for new ways to explore both above and below the surface. I'm especially interested in how research and leadership can create real-world change, and I’m always open to connecting with others who share those goals.

Hello! My name is Mayowa and I am an operations director with a background in architecture and interior design, bringing over eight years of experience in the real estate and design industries. I have led design teams, optimized processes, and driven operational efficiency to improve business performance. Currently, I am pursuing an MBA at IE Business School, where I am focused on expanding my leadership and business expertise to drive operational excellence and strategic innovation. As a Laidlaw Scholar, I am committed to research and leadership initiatives that foster industry transformation and efficiency. After my MBA, I aim to transition into management or strategy consulting, leveraging my expertise in operations and business strategy to solve complex challenges and drive sustainable growth.

Hi everyone! My name is Hannah and I’m the Marketing Manager at the Laidlaw Foundation. I was previously a UCL Laidlaw Scholar in the 2022 cohort, where I studied English Language and Literature. It’s a real privilege to now work with the community as part of the Foundation team. My role focuses on building and nurturing an engaged global Scholars network, creating events that strengthen connection, and shaping how we share the Foundation’s work and impact. In my spare time, I love cooking new dishes, reading, going to the theatre, and café hopping around London. Please don’t hesitate to reach out or connect with me on LinkedIn. I’m always happy to chat! 

Laidlaw Scholar and International MBA graduate with over a decade of international experience in economic research, financial conferences, and stakeholder engagement across Africa, the Americas, and Europe. I am passionate about translating complex policy and financial topics into accessible conversations and building meaningful connections across institutions and communities. As Secretary of the Women in Business Board, I remain committed to strengthening the Laidlaw network and supporting initiatives that empower ethical and inclusive leadership.

Marketing professional with 5+ years of experience and a strategic, entrepreneurial mindset. Skilled in building brand awareness through digital media, influencer collaborations, PR, events, OOH, CSR initiatives, and e-commerce activations. Expertise in luxury and beauty industries. Currently completing an MBA program at HEC Paris with a 100% scholarship. Actively seeking opportunities in luxury brand management or global communications strategy.

Bringing Global Perspective & Proven Expertise to Drive Impact Impact and a global mindset have been part of my life since I first began traveling and living in different countries. From the Caucasus region to Europe, Asia, and the US, I’ve seen firsthand how creative ideas, creative thinking, collaborative diverse teams, partnerships, and human-centred leadership can transform communities, organizations, and even countries. Currently, as an International MBA candidate at IE Business School, I am expanding my expertise into digital business, transformation & innovation, and ethical leadership - building on 9+ years of cross-sector, cross-cultural experience in driving impactful outcomes in diverse environments. • Deep understanding of cultural nuances and behaviors that cross boundaries. • A proven track record in relationship building, partnership management, negotiation, project & operations management, and strategic planning. • Orchestrated 80+ projects, events ranging from small-scale workshops to international conferences, forums, and expos. • Strong expertise in cross-cultural and cross-functional communication with government officials, multinational companies, CEO's, executives, and senior managers. Stakeholder management. • Experience contributing to innovation-driven projects (tech & Edtech), with strong skills in leveraging technology for organizational advancement. • Leadership in mentoring teams, capacity building, driving collaboration, and achieving results in diverse settings. • A creative and tech-savvy approach to problem-solving and innovation. Beyond my professional work, I’m a traveler, life-long learner, writer, and dancer—passions that keep me curious, adaptive, and deeply connected to people from all walks of life.

I like Space and Robotics.

I am a junior at Columbia University, majoring in Urban Studies with a specialization in Public Health, and a 2024 Laidlaw Scholar. My first summer research was with the Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Preservation and Planning Mapping Historical New York Initiative. I digitized historical maps and census data, contributing to a digital atlas of early New York settlements, focusing on Queens and the Bronx. For my second summer, I worked with WeCanMake, a community land trust, on a mixed-use housing microsite in the UK.