Our Advisory Board

Kara Irwin (Chair of the board)

Kara Irwin is a US and UK qualified lawyer and executive coach providing international advisory, training, and coaching services to law firms, universities, and non-profit organisations at both the board and operational levels.

She practiced corporate law in New York and London while developing an active pro bono practice focused on using legal professional associations to promote and support good governance and the rule of law. She later founded the Pro Bono Centre at BPP Law School, during which time she also served as a trustee for Advocates for International Development and LawWorks and as an advisor on pro bono matters to the UK Attorney General.

Her current advisory and board roles focus on operational efficiency, people and process management, governance, and compliance. Kara values the AUSA Advisory Board as a way to support hard-working and inspirational Arden students making the most of educational opportunities.

James Adeleke

James Adeleke is the CEO of Generation Success, an award-winning social enterprise, who collaborates with over 70 employers in the UK and Ireland to tackle social inequalities and connect diverse talent with careers through mentoring, events, and recruitment services.

James values his role on the Advisory Board of Arden University as it allows him to influence educational policies and practices that promote inclusivity and equal opportunities. This position enables him to integrate his expertise in diversity and social change into the academic sphere, fostering an environment where all students can thrive. His work at Arden University aligns with his broader mission of driving social change and equality.

He is also a member of the Education Board at the City of London Corporation and a School Governor at Newham Collegiate. His work has earned him recognition, including being named in the Diversity Powerlist 2023, won the Entrepreneur of Excellence Award at the National Diversity Awards 2022, and was announced as EY's Accelerate Entrepreneur of the Year 2021.

Anwar Azari

Anwar has worked in several Higher Education Institutions for both the university and their Students’ Unions. He currently works for a university as a lawyer specialising in contracts and procurement and was previously the Managing Director of another Students’ Association in London. He has separate HE qualifications in IT, Business, Law and Coaching but is a big fan of the work Arden University is accomplishing for its own students and has supported the development of our Association since 2022.

He has a particular interest in working with Student bodies and is incredibly supportive of the work and growth of our own student body. He also works extensively as a volunteer for several charitable organisations, including UEASU as a Supervising Trustee, the Scout Association as Chairman of a Scout Group and he runs a youth club he founded over 5 years ago in an economically deprived area.

Lauren Legroun

Lauren Legroun, CMgr FCMI, is a results-driven executive and Chartered Fellow with extensive Board-level experience, including her tenure as CEO overseeing a university of applied sciences. With a strong background in commercial strategy, Lauren has successfully led international business organizations with 250+ employees. She boasts a remarkable track record of driving growth across B2B, B2C, and B2G sectors, especially within the education industry.

Lauren's expertise spans executive leadership in marketing, sales, business development, finance, HR, legal, IT, and academic operations. Her proficiency in SaaS and corporate training programs and her ability to form strategic international partnerships underscores her sophisticated understanding of the education sector.

Currently working with M Square Media Group as Chief Business Officer for Global Markets, Lauren values her role as Deputy Chair of the AUSA Advisory Board because it allows her to share her expertise and contribute to driving successful outcomes for Arden University students. By leveraging her global business network, fostering innovation, and enhancing business performance, she aims to play a pivotal role in strategic decision-making and mentorship that directly benefits the student community.

David Gilbody

David Gilbody is a full time BA (Hons) Business Management student, at Arden's Manchester campus. Alongside his studies, he also volunteers as a student representative for Business Management. His hobbies include martial arts, reading and meditation. In his opinion, he values being on the advisory board because of the productive help he can give in sharing his experiences of student life and how Arden is treating him in his studies.

He relishes the opportunity to study for his knowledge and qualifications in business and would like to share his experiences and feeback with the Advisory Board to help create an even better university experience for all students. He volunteers lots of his time to volunteering at many events and meetings related to his work as a student representative with the aim of increasing his knowledge and skills in collaboration, communication and in self-improvement.

Emma Craven

Emma Craven is am a level 4 distance learner studying BSc (Hons) Psychology. She has ADHD, Fibromyalgia, Depression and Anxiety, and earlier this year she joined the student representative team.

She has worked tirelessly for over 15 years advocating for vulnerable and marginalised groups, her passion and motivation has always been intrinsically linked to supporting others. Emma states the following about her attitude to advocacy: "I will have uncomfortable conversations and while others may find these frank discussions unsettling, I believe they are necessary and pivotal for influencing change".

Emma's goal is to highlight what it means to be living with ADHD and other neurodivergent differences by dismantling the barriers that students can face in higher education, with a solution-focused, non-defeatist and relatable approach. In her role as a student representative, as an Advsiory Board member, she works to represent students who are facing the biggest barriers, and feels that she can offer the university a way into those student’s world, by sharing her passion and understanding with all.

She is motivated to spread positive messaging, promote non-tokenistic inclusion and influence meaningful change. Her goal is for all students to feel empowered, never give up, create a better future for themselves, but mostly to reach their full potential.

Hanna Kathrin Heidenreich

Hanna Kathrin Heidenreich is a 23 year old distance learning student currently studying LLB (Hons) Law. She also volunteers time outside of her studies as a student representative for other Law students.

She is passionate about human rights and outside of being a university student she works for Amnesty international, UNO and Unicef. During this work, she has said that she realized that it is a privilege for most children and teenagers to experience a good education without disadvantages because of nationality, gender or even religion.

The aspect she values the most in her engagement as a member of the Arden University Students' Association Advsiory Board is helping to ensure that students' opinions and feedback is heard in decision-making at Arden. She is proud to take part in that work in order to make sure students' voices are heard.

Jay Agbaje

Jay is your student president elected by you to lead the work of your Students' Association over the next year.

The President as the most senior student representative sits on the advisory board as a full member.

Steve Clayton

Steve Clayton is Pro Vice Chancellor (Effectiveness, Quality and Complaince) at Arden University and is a univeristy member of Arden University Students' Association Advisory Board.

Steve is a highly experienced university administration professional, with a deep understanding of the Higher Education sector developed over 25 years. He has spent his entire career in Higher Education roles, spanning the full breadth of university functions including Faculty, Strategy, Planning, Student Experience, Inclusion, Registry, Quality and Standards, Governance, Compliance, Information Technology, Estates, and numerous strategic projects. He is relentless in ensuring high quality standards and cares deeply about the integrity of Higher Education.

Steve is a member of the Association of Heads of University Administration and is their spokesperson on Quality and Standards.

Steve does not seek personal accolade or award, preferring to focus entirely on the continuous improvement of Arden University on behalf of its students, staff, and shareholders.

Vanessa Vix

Vanessa is the General Legal Counsel at Arden University and is a university member of the Arden University Students' Association Advisory Board.

Academic Staff Representative

At every Advisory Board meeting, we have a different academic staff member representative in the form of one of our Faculty Deans.