"Queen’s was where I found my voice — not just academically, but personally. Being recognised by Queen’s feels incredibly meaningful because it was the place where I first began to believe in myself and have the confidence to work towards my dream career."

After graduating from Queen’s University and spending three transformative years abroad, Rachel returned to the UK to complete a postgraduate diploma in Newspaper Journalism. She began her reporting career in London at the Daily Mail.

Two years later, Rachel was transferred to New York — a move that became permanent. She has now lived there for fifteen years and her current role is Managing Editor at CNN.

"To be included in this series feels like a full-circle moment, and a reminder of how formative those years were in shaping the confidence and ambition I carry with me today.

I am still close friends with people I met in that course, despite moving away more than twenty years ago. I love coming back to Belfast and taking a walk through the quad while reflecting on cherished memories from my time there."