International Women’s Day 2025 – The College Alumnae Making Herstory
Friday 7th March 2025
International Women’s Day takes place this Saturday 8th March, shining a much-deserved spotlight on women and their achievements across the world.
This year’s theme is Accelerating Action – focusing on the ongoing fight for a gender equal world. To celebrate, we’re highlighting some of the inspirational alumnae from Loughborough College who are taking immense strides in their industries and inspiring women and girls internationally to strive for a world free from bias, stereotypes, and division.
Champion runner Keely Hodgkinson became a household name last year, as she clinched Olympic gold in the women’s 800m final at the Paris games. Following her headline making triumph, she went on to earn the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award in December 2024, and was made an MBE for her contributions to athletics in the 2025 New Years Honours list.
Creative Arts alumna Ella Freer inspired thousands of viewers through her artistry skills as she made her way to the grand final of the BBC make-up competition, Glow Up. Since wowing the show’s judges with her talents, Ella has returned to Loughborough College for guest lectures, inspiring and motivating current students with her journey to success.
To commemorate the coronation of King Charles III in 2023, Degree student Georgie Dove was selected as part of the King’s Scout Working Party to assist in the celebrations, supporting both the inaugural King’s Garden Party, and the Gilwell Park Coronation Camp. Having been part of the KSWP for over 15 years, Georgie was one of just twelve King’s Scouts selected for the role.
Entrepreneur Rosanna made significant strides with her ground breaking start-up Tiaki whilst studying at College for her degree in Applied Sports Science with Management. After graduating, she continued to earn international achievements, being awarded the prestigious Young Entrepreneur Award 2024 by the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU and Junior Achievement Europe.
Public Services alumna, Ashleigh has been forging an extraordinary career in the Royal Navy as a female submariner, making waves in a traditionally male-dominated field. With women only being allowed to serve on submarines with the Royal Navy since 2014, Ashleigh’s success is symbolic of her breaking down barriers in the Armed Forces.
Rising racing star Abbi Pulling has been making history in the world of motorsport since earning her Diploma in Sporting Excellence qualification from the College. Abbi was one of three College students and alumnae to take part in the inaugural F1 Academy season in 2023, and went on to be crowned champion of the second season in 2024. Her history making career continued as she became British Formula 4’s first female race winner at Brands Hatch, earning a seat in the GB3 Championship.
