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Esuantsiwa has held numerous leadership roles including Commissioner for the Women’s National Commission, Chair and Co-Founder of the Gender and Development Network, Vice-Chair of ActionAid UK, and Chair of the Oxfam Assembly. She was the first woman of colour elected Chair of the Fawcett Society in 2001 and served as Trustee for organisations including VSO, Akina Mama Wa Afrika, and the Equality and Diversity Forum. She was also one of the first Black volunteers sent by Voluntary Service Overseas to Tanzania in 1977. From 1985 to 1995, she was a global feminist leader during the UN Decade for Women, and part of the UK delegation to the 1995 UN Women’s Conference in Beijing. In 1995, she founded Anona Development Consultancy, working across five continents with over 100 charities on gender and racial equity, anti-racism, decolonisation, and leadership.

Fellow awards winners on the night were:

• Alumni Association Graduating Student of the Year Award 2025 – Amardeep Sidki (Medical Research MSc, 2025).
• Future Leader Award 2025 – Francesca Bavisi (Law LLB, 2020).
• Alumna of the Year Award 2025 – Dr Ffion Davies (Medicine MHChB, 1990).
• Rhoda Bennett Philanthropy Award 2025 – Catherine Wigdor (History and Politics, BA, 1993).
• Dr Mark Sims Memorial Award for Public Service 2025 – John Neville (Â鶹APP Relations BA, 2013) and Nick Johnson (Geography BSc, 2013).
• Mary Attenborough Award for Volunteering 2025 – Oliver Nunn (Law LLB 2010).

The evening’s keynote speech was delivered by Criminology graduate, Lucy Dawson, who was diagnosed with rare brain disease, anti NMDA autoimmune encephalitis, in her third year of study in 2016. Due to complications from her time in hospital, Lucy developed foot drop from nerve damage, leading to partial paralysis in her left leg.

Lucy began a blog to share her story and raise awareness of NMDA Autoimmune Encephalitis. Her platform allowed her to connect with individuals and families affected by the disease and gave her a renewed sense of purpose.

Feeling empowered through this connection and support, Lucy returned to her studies in 2018. With the encouragement of her lecturers, friends, family, and the University, she completed her degree, living independently and attending lectures – ultimately graduating with pride.

Today, Lucy continues to raise awareness for NMDA Autoimmune Encephalitis through her online platforms, public speaking and modelling career. She has worked with several major brands, and maintains a strong presence in the media, including influential social media platforms where she campaigns for greater disability awareness.