Elevate Graduation (London) – A Celebration of Growth & Achievement
- StartYoungUK
- Mar 26
- 2 min read

The Elevate Graduation was a truly unforgettable day, marking the hard work, dedication, and achievements of our incredible students. From inspiring speeches to interactive networking and a well-earned graduation ceremony, the event was filled with passion, community, and endless potential.
Career Insights & Mentorship
The day began with Kate Gregory, who provided invaluable interview tips and insights into early careers. This was followed by a dynamic mock interview session, where students had the opportunity to gain real-world experience and receive expert feedback from our dedicated mentors. This session helped build confidence and prepared our young people for their future career journeys.
The Graduation Ceremony
After a well-deserved roast lunch, we moved into the highlight of the day—the Graduation Ceremony. Alex Hawley and Stuart Baker delivered powerful speeches, reflecting on the growth and impact of the Elevate Programme. The most moving moment of the event came when students shared their own experiences. Many spoke about how Elevate has boosted their confidence, helped them form new friendships, and developed skills that will support them in the future. For some, this was their first-ever graduation, making the moment even more special.
Adding to the inspiration, Leshay Whiley, an alumna of the very first Elevate programme, shared her journey from Elevate to securing an apprenticeship at Barclays. Dr Theodora Thomadaki also provided insightful guidance on university career paths, further expanding the horizons for our graduates.
A Heartfelt Thank You
A huge thank you to Angela, who has led this programme with unwavering dedication and passion. Her leadership has been instrumental in making Elevate the success it is today.
We also extend our deepest gratitude to Barclays for their incredible support in making this initiative possible. Their commitment to investing in young talent is truly inspiring.
A massive thank you to our partners, mentors, and volunteers, whose time, energy, and belief in these students have been instrumental in their journey. Your dedication has made a lasting impact, and we are so grateful for your ongoing support.
Capturing the Moments
A special mention goes to Darius Panfil, whose exceptional photography throughout the programme has captured so many wonderful memories. Thanks to Darius, we have incredible moments to look back on and celebrate.
Looking Ahead
To our graduates—this is just the beginning. Keep striving, keep growing, and know that you have a strong support system behind you. We look forward to following your journeys and seeing all that you achieve!
Thank you to everyone who made this day so special.
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