Risper Okello
19 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 an academic high achiever, maintaining exceptional grades in many of her modules. She attends bi-weekly meetings with her professors and has completed a six-week Extra Learning Support programme. She is the Economics Course Rep and has successfully completed beginner and intermediate level 1 courses in French.
Risper is a member of the Salsa Society, learning Salsa, bachata and kizomba dance styles, the Afro Caribbean Society, the Debate Society and the Economics and Finance Society. She plays volleyball every week and recently started rock climbing - progressing quickly to Level 2. Risper goes to the gym and swims on a regular basis, focusing on building her physical strength and endurance.
An astute broadcaster, Risper's podcast, 'Becoming African', discusses the challenges Africans face in their daily lives, particularly as international students adapting to life abroad. Risper is the incoming President of StagRadio, giving her further opportunities to develop her role as a Changemaker.
Risper is a Community Zone Officer within the Student Union where she works to integrate the different societies at the university. She serves at her church, ushering guests and reading the scriptures. Aware of the importance of good mental health, Risper organised a workshop for her flatmates on dealing with anxiety as part of her role as Residential Assistant.
Beacon Workshop Participation
At Leadership Workshops, Risper is enthusiastic and often takes a leading role in discussions, especially in plenaries where she makes valuable contributions, using experience gained from previous workshops.
Risper's 2024 Summer Beacon Citizenship Project focused on inspiring children to work towards achieving their dreams by initiating a long-term mentorship project at the Kings of Kibera children’s home.
