Trustee and graduate, Kesiah, shares her reflections on RISE 2026.
“On Wednesday 17th June, The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation hosted its fourth annual summer event at Imperial College London, bringing together Scholars, alumni, trustees and industry professionals – just to name a few – to showcase what the Foundation is all about.
What made this year particularly special was the opportunity to see, one year on from graduation, the tangible impact of the programme after completing its first full cycle. Listening to what the first cohort of graduates have gone on to achieve already, was incredibly inspiring. From careers spanning ballet to postgraduate education, public health and research, it was a powerful reminder of Cowrie’s purpose and the difference it continues to make against the odds.
Hosting a panel and hearing from tenured professionals and business owners was extremely insightful – particularly after understanding they’ve faced their own hurdles to get to where they are now.
The Foundation has already changed the lives of so many Scholars, but being given the context of first-hand experiences put it all into perspective. Listening to one graduate recount her experience as a first-year student with severe social anxiety, who persevered and battled through as opposed to dropping out – which she would’ve done had it not been for her scholarship – is truly encouraging. As she succeeds now in a leadership role, giving back to other marginalised groups after achieving a first-class degree, it is simply a testament to her resilience, unlocked through Cowrie.
Similarly, Scholars like Ruby highlight how vital Cowrie’s support can be. Despite her exceptional talent and passion for ballet, she would not have been able to afford the extensive travel required for auditions both across the UK and internationally, without the Foundation’s support. For many of us Scholars, being awarded such a competitive scholarship was more than just financial aid – it affirmed our capabilities, giving us the confidence we once lacked to push forward, knowing that there are people who are rooting for us.
The interpersonal side to Cowrie has been just as pivotal to our development. The friendships and relationships that have developed and blossomed as a result of the networks that have been built – both with mentors and scholars alike – have been heartwarming to say the least.
A few alumni were able to catch up and go for a meal post-event and it was so refreshing to be able decompress with fellow Scholars in an informal environment and further build our relationships with each other, and it’s even more exciting knowing that as the time passes, we will progress not only as professionals, but also as friends.”
Kesiah Gakpe, Cowrie Trustee and graduate
