Previous Active* Champions

Previous Active* Champions

University of Galway - Galway Campus

In January 2025, we welcomed our 2025 cohort of Active* Champions. These exceptional individuals are playing a pivotal role in driving positive change on our campus. After receiving specialized training in consent and workshop facilitation, they will actively lead workshops and host informative stalls, significantly contributing to our ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of consent and awareness.

The Sexual Violence and Harassment Prevention and Response team is beyond inspired by our incredible Active* Champions, who are working alongside us to make the University of Galway a safer, more supportive place for everyone.

As they complete their Active* Champion training with Active* Consent, they will be fully equipped to step into their roles as peer educators and lead the way in sexual violence prevention, education, and awareness. Their dedication to fostering a culture of respect, safety, and consent is truly something to celebrate. Let’s cheer them on as they prepare to shine as the leaders and changemakers our community needs!

Active* Champions 2025/2026

Rakshita Saini

I’m Rakshita, a Master’s student in Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation. As an Active Champion, I’m passionate about creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive space for everyone at University of Galway. I believe in the power of open conversations, kindness, and standing up for one another. Outside of academics, you’ll usually find me dancing, exploring Galway cafés and enjoying good coffee, or geeking out about fitness.

Rezija Micure-Skaista

Hello! I’m Rezija and I am a final year film and digital media with sociology and politics student. I’ve previously been a member of the European youth Parliament, and this was what really sparked my interest in activism and also travel. In my free time I can usually be found either with the musical theatre society or spending time with my friends at the cinema. I’m super excited to start my journey with active champions and can’t wait to help make a difference on campus!

Aaliyah Andre  

Bel Bonjou! My name is Aaliyah, I am a third year in English and Creative Writing with Classics and I just greeted you in guadeloupean creole. I’m originally from the french west indies but I’ve completely fallen in love with Galway! Although my studies have no direct link to human rights, I am strongly committed to ideals of equality and justice. I am an endless optimist (the fancy tumblr word for that is pronoïa) and in love with all things artistic. My fingers are perpetually stained with ink, if that’s from covering pages of my notebook in stories or teaching myself brush calligraphy is your bet. I am naturally a voracious reader and no movie is too campy or pretentious for me, I will watch anything as long as you recommend it to me. Dare me to send you a poem, I just might.

Ciara Bell / Ciara Nic Ghiolla Maoil

I’m Ciara, a second year Irish and archaeology student. I'm a big nerd when it comes to archaeology and have found working as a consent campion this year land last really rewarding. I'm a keen crafter and love to share knowledge with everyone.

Is mise Ciara, táim sa dara bhliain i Ghaeilge agus an tseandálaíocht. Is saoithín mór mé le seandálaiocht agus I mo thuarim nuair a thog mé part mar 'consent champion' an bhliain seo agus seo chaite chonaic mé na torthaí maith faoi an obair seo. Taim i ngrá le ag ceardaíocht agus oideachas a spré le gach dhaoine. 

Muriël Sinke     

Hi, I'm Muriël. I am a second year BA Government student from Amsterdam, and I have been involved with Active Consent for a year now. I love being active, reading books, cooking good food and crochet non-essential things. Hope to see you all in the various workshops or to meet you at one of our many stalls :)

Michelle Clifford            

4th year social science student who is Interested in health promotion, disability rights, mental health and preventing gender based violence, woman’s health with a specific interest in endometriosis. I was involved in multiple different organisations over the past few years such as spun out and too into you which have helped me develop my skills and understanding of society.

Tonya Pell          

I am a third year PhD Education researcher with a professional background in youth development, volunteer management, community engagement, and DEI programming. My research interests and background include feminist theory, gender and sexuality studies, sex education, parent education, teacher education, and community education. Outside of academia and work, I enjoy cooking/baking, watching tv/films, reading, being in nature, and listening to live music!

Aisling Hanley 

My names Aisling and I’m a third year Psychology student. As a former CEIM leader and current active champion, I’m passionate about peer education and the difference it came make on campus. I love a good story whether that’s through film, books or even music so I spend a lot of my spare time reading. When I’m not doing that, I like to spend time with my dog Buster.

Ella Frazer         

I’m Ella, a Final year Law and Business student interested in all things feminism, baking, and travelling! I’m recently back from my Erasmus in Germany and really excited to work with the other Active* Champions to bring consent awareness to the campus.

Grace Gaynor

I'm Grace, a Master's student studying Drama and Theatre studies. I am an active student on campus, particularly in societies, where I am the founder and auditor of Galway's Horror society, which is currently in its second year! When I am not studying or volunteering, my hobbies include reading and watching films (aka chronically logging movies on Letterboxd). Gender, sexuality and queer studies are my passions, which I strive to develop further during my time as an Active Consent Champion!

Molly Keating

My name is Molly and I’m a second year Global Media student. As an Active* Champion, I really enjoy running workshops and engaging with the University community. In my free time I enjoy watching comedies and listening to trivia podcasts.  

Claire Mee

Daniel Lynch

I'm a proud Galwayman, hailing from the parish of Milltown. I'm an economics student, with minors in law and politics, and my three great loves in life are: musical theatre, the muffins from Bialan, and my dog Bruno.

Izzy Tiernan

Haigh a chairde, my name is Izzy Tiernan and I’m delighted to be serving my second term for Active* Champions & CMLOnG this year! I’m a BA Human Rights student and have been involved in the union since my first week on campus. I’m neurodivergent and passionate about accessibility rights, universal design and equity in every aspect of our university life, from lived experience and years of professional experience.

Fiachra Mac Dómhnaill

Is mac léinn Ghaeilge & Cumarsáide mé i mbliain na céime. Tá spéis nach beag agam meon dearfach timpeall gnéis a chothú, agus tá súil agam go mbeidh tionchar dearfach agam mar bhall de na Active*Champions. Is iad na caitheamh aimsire is mó tá agam ná  a bheith ag léamh (diostóipe go háirithe), ag scríobh , ag cróiseáil, ag déanamh karate, ag cócaireacht, ag bácáil agus ag déanamh grianghrafadóireachta. Is breá liom foghlaim faoi stair agus cultúr na hÉireann chomh maith.  

I’m a final year Gaeilge & Cumarsáid (Irish & Communications) student. I am passionate about promoting sex positivity and hope to put some good into the world as an Active*Champion.  My hobbies include reading (especially dystopia), writing, crochet, karate, cooking, baking and photography. I also really love learning about Irish history and culture.

Laura Kearney

Laura Kearney [3rd Year BsC Psychology] Hi, I’m Laura and I'm a third year student from West Cork studying psychology. I love working with children and have a particular interest in early years psychology. I also enjoy reading in my spare time, doing yoga, and going to a pub quiz with my friends. I’m really excited to be part of the team this year and to help make a positive impact on campus!

Ciara Mulry

Hi, my name is Ciara Mulry, I am a second-year psychology student from Galway. I am passionate about making the language surrounding consent accessible to everyone in order to end sexual violence. I have a specific interest in disability advocacy, women's healthcare and lgbtq+ rights. I enjoy going to the gym, attending live music events with my friends, travelling, and learning about other cultures.

Shannon College of Hotel Management

Conn O’Brien

Hi everyone, my name is Conn O’Brien. I am a Year 3 student in Shannon College of Hotel Management. I am also an Active* Champion! The overall practice of consent is often misinterpreted, and it’s really easy to forget about the rights and wrongs. I saw the opportunity of being a Consent Champion as an opportunity to educate my peers and to spread awareness on such an important topic! So far, I have received so much valuable information. I am excited to learn even more and continue to share my knowledge with others as time goes on!

Ruby Conroy

Julia Owczarczak

Hi, I’m Julia Owczarczak, a third-year student at Shannon College of Hotel Management originally from Poland. I’m proud to be part of the Active Consent Team, helping to create a safe and respectful space for everyone on campus. I also serve on the EDI Committee, working to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion within our college. I’m passionate about hospitality and love creating memorable experiences for people, it’s what truly inspires me. Outside of college, I enjoy reading, going to the gym, and taking car trips to unwind and explore new places.

Jane Luft

Michael Pryce

Erin Brady

Active* Champions 2024/2025

Meet the Champions: Colleen [HDipA (Full) - Psychology (Year 2)] I'm Colleen, a postgraduate student of Psychology in the University of Galway, with a specific interest in Social Psychology and social influence. I'm proud to be both Irish and indigenous Okinawan (Uchinānchu), and I'm also passionate about promoting societal equality. I'm interested in anything artistic - from writing creative non-fiction to baking a batch of cupcakes. I also, of course, love to draw, sketch, and paint. When I'm not studying or doodling on my iPad, you might find me reading, volunteering, or cuddling with my pet cat, Chia.  Tonya [PhD Researcher - Education (Year 2)] I am a PhD Education researcher with a professional background in youth development, volunteer management, community engagement, and DEI programming. My research interests and background include feminist theory, gender and sexuality studies, sex education, parent education, teacher education, and community education. Outside of academia and work, I enjoy cooking/baking, watching tv/films, reading, being in nature, and listening to live music!  María José [MSc in Health Psychology 2024-2025] My name is Majo but you can call me Jo. I am originally from Guatemala and I love sharing my culture with other people. I am currently studying my MSc in Health Psychology and I hop to specialize in sexual health. I love reading, baking, listening to music, doing yoga and spending time with my friends.  Ranllus [MA in film studies 1st year] I'm from Mexico City. I did my undergrad in communication sciences. I'm also a photographer. I have worked as a photojournalist and documentary filmmaker on projects involving human rights, environmental protection, and gender equity. I am currently pursuing an MA in film studies. Film, literature, photography, social movements, human rights, art, psychology, sexual and reproductive rights, politics, and I love cooking!  Michelle [3rd year BSC social science] 3rd year social science student who is Interested in health promotion, disability rights, mental health and preventing gender based violence, woman’s health with a specific interest in endometriosis I was involved in multiple different organisations over the past few years such as spun out and too into you which have helped me develop my skills and understanding of society I am also apart of the the student union. My hobbies include CrossFit, running, reading books, watching a good series.  Chekka  [MA Public Advocacy and Activism] My name is Chekka and I am so excited to be living in Ireland. I am doing an MA in Public Advocacy and Activism and I love getting involved with local communities and learning more about Irish culture. I am interested in learning how to play instruments, meeting new people, being outdoors and reading books.    Charlotte  [2nd Year BA (Joint-Honours) English and French] I’m Charlotte, a second year English and French student. I love coffee with friends and have found working as a consent campion really rewarding. Sea Swimming, Pilates and brunch with friends  Hannah  [Final year Law and Business] Hi, I'm Hannah and I am a Creative Communications Active* Champion. I am a law student passionate about making law accessible to everyone. I love trying new things, drinking coffee, and I have a massive sweet tooth! I am excited to work with the team and have a great year! I love to read, especially Greek mythology retellings!

Shannon College of Hotel Management

In September 2024, we were thrilled to celebrate the Shannon College of Hotel Management cohort of Active* Champions. These exceptional individuals are championing the culture of consent not only on the Shannon campus but also during their work placements. By leading the way in promoting respect and awareness, they are setting a powerful example for the industry, bringing positive change both on campus and in their professional environments. Campus Consent Champions

In 2023, The Sexual Violence and Harassment Prevention and Response Programme Coordinator, in collaboration with the Active* Consent programme initiated the recruitment of our inaugural cohort of Campus Consent Champions at the University of Galway. These exceptional individuals played a pivotal role in contributing to positive change on our campus. Equipped with specialized training in consent & digital intimacy workshop facilitation, they actively conducted numerous workshops and informative stalls, contributing significantly to our ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of consent and awareness.