Meet the team

Ola Drummond – 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 Kidd – 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.

Jeannine Richter – Global Lounge Coordinator (International)

Hi all, I am Jeannine. As a Global Lounge Coordinator (International), I look forward to welcoming all the international students to Bristol and to offer my support to ensure they feel at home and become members of our inclusive global community.

I am originally from Germany but I have also lived in the USA and New Zealand, both for 5 years. I absolutely love travelling, meeting new people and learning about different cultures and customs. I came to Bristol in 2018 and have no plans to leave any time soon as I fell in love with the diversity and culture the city offers. In my free time I love reading, trying out new recipes, meeting friends to go for coffee and going for relaxing walks by the sea or around Bristol harbour.

Anna Llewellyn – Global Lounge Assistant (International)

Hello, I’m Anna! ! As the Global Lounge Assistant (International), I enjoy organising events and trips to welcome students to Bristol and the UK. I love learning about new cultures and communities (especially the food!) and my degree in Geography makes me a strong addition to any quiz team. Having grown up in India and Africa, I remember the culture shock I experienced when I first moved to the UK and so I hope to be able to help students settle quickly into Bristol life.

Outside of work, I have recently spent time teaching English in the Amazon rainforest whilst learning French, practicing yoga and sea swimming. I love cooking and hiking and hope to take up surfing this year!

Charlotte Hay – Global Lounge Marketing and Communications Assistant

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.

Janet Paiocchi – 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 twelve 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.

Blake Makuuchi – Global Lounge Assistant

Hi, I’m Blake! As Global Lounge Assistant, I will be supporting students and the Global Lounge team during the Welcome period. I am from sunny California but have lived in Bristol for three years. I graduated from the University of Bristol with an undergraduate degree in Criminology this past summer. I was a Global Lounge Ambassador for two years as a student, supporting international students and helping run cultural and social events. I also founded and was President of the USA Society and Criminology Society at the university, demonstrating my love for enhancing student experience.

In my free time I love exploring the wonderful city of Bristol, going to concerts, cooking, and travelling. I love exploring new cultures! Having travelled to nearly 20 countries and studied abroad in India for a summer when I was 17, I was inspired to move across the pond for university and have loved every minute of it. As a previous international student myself, I know how important the Global Lounge is for students to feel supported and welcomed. I am excited to meet and welcome everyone!

Humza Hussain – Global Lounge Assistant

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.

Jacqueline Conradie-Faul – 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.