Ola – Head of Global Lounge
Welcome to our Meet the Team page! My name is Ola and I have the privilege to lead the team of amazing people here at the Global Lounge. I joined Bristol in 2018 with a mission to develop this brand new initiative and bring the Global Lounge to our campus, working alongside various teams and project managers.
The Global Lounge opened its doors in September 2021, and since then we have had a number of wonderful colleagues and Ambassadors working with us, and now thousands of amazing students and staff from around the world building a diverse and brilliant Bristol community.
I am originally from Poland, however I have lived in England since 2008, first in Brighton then in Nottingham. Prior to that, I studied in Poland, Scotland and Italy, where I met amazing people, and learned first-hand that studying abroad and travelling helps you make friendships for life and learn about other cultures, which I am passionate about. Outside of work I enjoy hiking in the mountains and travelling, whenever possible. My more stationary hobbies include different crafts (like woodburning or pottery with silversmithing being my latest favourite), cooking world cuisines’ dishes and listening to/watching live music in the incredible Bristol scene..
Alex – Global Lounge Coordinator (Community and Culture)
Hi, I’m Alex! My role is to help work with students and staff to organise cultural and community-building events such as Diwali, Day of the Dead and many more! I am extremely open to learning about new cultures and traditions from all around the world. If you have an idea for an event to promote your culture, please do get in touch at global-lounge@bristol.ac.uk.
Working to promote international culture and values is something I am very passionate about. From 2013-14 I lived in Xinjiang, China, volunteering in a variety of local schools, learning Mandarin and travelling in the holidays. I then spent my Erasmus year of my law degree living in the Netherlands, working closely with Amnesty International to help tackle global-civic issues. In my personal life, I’m very passionate about cinema and have organised film screenings all around Bristol, have a love for making music and have had 7 albums out to date and I also love cooking, coffee and travelling.
Elly – Global Lounge Assistant (International)
Hello everyone! My name is Elly and I am the Global Lounge Assistant (International). I am originally from Devon but have lived in Bristol for nearly two years now and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Previously, I worked as Front of House in a theatre for five years and mostly recently have worked in the NHS, so joining the Global Lounge team is an exciting new adventure for me. I have an MA in Creative Writing and am now applying the creative part of my brain to our welcome events for International Students. It is incredibly important to me to have the opportunity to chat to people from all over the world and to keep learning about different cultures and countries.
Outside of the Global Lounge, you can find me watching football (COYG!) or attempting to play it. I am always working on a new artistic project, have written a couple of pilot scripts for TV, and recently picked up watercolour painting. I enjoy going to festivals and gigs with my friends and love a good vintage clothing find. I have travelled in Europe and Canada but am looking for some new destination recommendations!
Janet – Global Lounge Front of House
Hi folks, I’m Janet. I’m originally from London but have lived in Bristol for several years now and almost know it like the back of my hand. I have worked in hospitality for almost fourteen years, doing everything ranging from being a barista to working silver service on all levels. I take complete pride in what I do and know most of the best places to visit because of it. I consider myself a social butterfly and very much a people-person, which has really helped me.
A bit about myself, I spend all my free time and pennies on art and music, have travelled far and wide to see artists perform and am partial to a good record find. I also paint oil portraits in my spare time when I find the oomph and inspiration to do so. I consider myself quite creative so thrive within a likeminded environment. I am also an avid lover of cats and dogs and volunteer several times a week walking some, so you’ll probably catch me around the city with my most regular one no doubt.
Humza – Global Lounge Assistant (Community and Culture)
Hi, I’m Humza and as a Global Lounge Assistant I will be helping support the rest of the team over the Welcome period. I am currently finishing my master’s degree in addition to my work as a Global Lounge Assistant. I have worked across different University teams in a range of student-facing roles over the past few years, including as a Student Ambassador for the Global Lounge.
In terms of what I do outside of work, I can often be found cooking in the kitchen, crafting new recipes or eating my way around Bristol best spots. So, do come find me to ask about all the best places to eat. Also, I am a keen language learner that is always looking to add to my list of spoken languages, and I have enjoyed learning about a range of different cultures on my travels. I look forward to meeting all of you soon so please do say hi if you see me.
Amy – Global Lounge Coordinator (International)
Hi everyone! I’m Amy, the Global Lounge Coordinator (International). I am responsible for organising welcome events for new international students at our vibrant university in the lively, multicultural city of Bristol!
Originally from Belfast, I have now lived in Bristol for nearly 13 years, having first moved to the UK to study International Relations at university. Reflecting on my own transition to this dynamic city, I vividly remember the mix of excitement and challenges that come with adapting to a new environment and culture. These experiences have fuelled my passion for building student communities and opportunities for meaningful connection. I truly believe we all have something to learn from each other!
Beyond my role at the Global Lounge, you’ll often find me immersed in Bristol’s vibrant music scene, attending gigs, and discovering new cultural spaces and venues whenever the opportunity arises! As an avid traveller, I am always on the lookout for fresh adventures to embark upon. When not on the move, I channel my creativity into the world of crafting, with my current fascination being learning how to make my own clothes!
Femke – Global Lounge Marketing and Communications Assistant
Hi! I’m Femke and my role is to help promote all of the amazing events we hold in the Global Lounge. I send out our newsletter, update the website and create content for the Universities social media channels to make sure you’re always in the loop! Before joining the Global Lounge team I was doing a ski season in France and before that I worked in communications for a sustainability and wellbeing engagement app – two topics that I’m really passionate about.
I’m half Dutch (but don’t know much so please don’t test me – I’ll sign up to the Language Café)! I grew up in Oxfordshire and love being in nature either hiking or cold-water swimming and have done a few triathlons over the last couple of years. I’m new to Bristol but moved here for the great music scene and ample supply of charity shops which I find impossible to walk past without going in. Please come and say hi if you see me around!
Gaia – Global Lounge Manager
Hi there, my name is Gaia (pronounced like papaya: ga-ia) and I’m the Global Lounge Manager. Don’t let my USA-leaning accent fool you, I am originally from Italy, but I’ve grown up around the world due to my mom’s job. I’ve lived in England since 2014, moved to Bristol in the second half of 2023, and I’m loving this city. Before UOB, I worked as a project manager within the media, comms, and entertainment industries in London.
Outside of work, you can find me in your nearest coffee shop with a book and an oat flat white at hand. I’m a keen traveller and I’m often thinking about my next trip. I’ve recently taken up tennis (prior to Zendaya’s “Challengers”, I must add) and love binge-watching series. Please send through any recommendations you may have for food spots in Bristol, weekend getaways, books/ films/ tv-shows, how to do a good backhand, etc!
Jacqueline – Student Inclusion Officer (International) – currently on secondment
Hello, I am Jacqueline! And I very much look forward to meeting you in-person or on-line. The Global Lounge is a fantastic place of discovery and exploration with creativity at the heart of all we do. I am passionate about the concept of ‘we are all international!’ and I do believe that we each have a unique contribution to make as we share our cultural heritage with one another. In my role it is my privilege to welcome all international students to Bristol, and to offer support as we build an inclusive community together.
I am originally from South Africa, have lived in Germany for 4 years, spent extended times in Finland and China, and have travelled to 25+ countries, before moving to Bristol in 2005. I have been a part of the University of Bristol community since 2009. I participate in various art shows, enjoy doing interior design, love visiting with friends, taking relaxing country-side walks and going to coffee shops whenever possible.
Charlotte – Global Lounge Marketing and Communications Assistant – currently on maternity leave
Hi all, I’m Charlotte. As the Global Lounge Marketing and Communications Assistant, I help to promote all the wonderful events we host. As well as creating all sorts of content, from social media posts to videos, graphics and posters, I upload lots of useful information to the website so you can find out what we are up to.
Originally growing up in London having travelled to many places in Europe, I decided to make Bristol my home because it has such a thriving arts and cultural scene. I love being creative and I run my own ecommerce business, where I design and sell homewares. Previously I’ve worked in marketing and videography for a variety of different organisations. At the weekend I love to visit new places in Bristol, upcycle second hand furniture, read, draw, go to exhibitions and explore the beautiful countryside around the city.