Originally from rural Ireland where education beyond secondary school was not the norm, Catherina came to the UK aged 18 and worked her way through multiple roles to become the Operations Co-ordinator at a medical company in the City of London. After some time focused on her family, Catherina returned to work and joined Brunel Able Children’s Centre as the administrator, quickly progressing to become the centre Coordinator. Graduate degree through the Open University in Social Science focusing on Social Disadvantage and completed Management Training. As Co-director since 2019, Catherina evolved the Urban Scholars programme to encompass a hybrid blended model of programme delivery that ensured continuation through Covid-19 and beyond.  Passionate about the programme and particularly the Scholars, Catherina developed a range of engagement strategies as part of an Alumni programme for past Scholars for which she has been recognised by Brunel University London.