Risper Okello

20 years old, attending the University of Surrey, UK. Risper was awarded a Beacon Scholarship for University in May 2023 and a Beacon Scholarship for Schools in June 2020.

Risper is studying towards a BSc in Economics. She is a talented and conscientious student achieving excellent results in all areas. She schedules regular meets with her professors to review and discuss course material in depth and regularly attends webinars via the Economics and Finance Society. As a volunteer peer tutor, Risper supports her peers and reinforces her own understanding of course content.

Risper enjoys all that university life offers: she is learning French, goes to the gym and takes part in Salsa and Bachata. She creates podcasts and released two episodes of her podcast, Becoming African, via Stag Radio.

Risper’s leadership and social influence goes from strength to strength. She served as President of Stag Radio this year, running DJ and podcasting workshops that led to placements with the BBC. As an International Student Ambassador, she gives campus tours and liaises with the international recruitment team. She founded the East and Southern African Society, acting as President and organising numerous events.

Citizenship is an important part of Risper’s leadership development. She was elected Community Zone Officer, pledging to foster cultural integration and awareness, which she and her team achieved through the One World Gala. She boosts student engagement in non-academic activities, co-organising the Varsity sporting event. Her ESA team raised money for her Dream Seed Project to buy stationery for children’s homes.

Beacon Workshop Participation

In Beacon Workshops, Risper readily takes on team roles, showing empathy, offering constructive challenge, and sharing valuable insights.

Beacon Summer Citizenship Project

Risper’s Summer Citizenship Project was called ‘The Dream Seed Project’ and focused on empowering underrepresented youth to develop, articulate, and act on their aspirations through community mentorship in Kibera, Kenya.