Sophie Healy-Thow, a BSc International Development Graduate (2021) was one of five winners of the prestigious prize at the Global Citizen awards ceremony in New York recognised for her pioneering work in the field of poverty and food security. Sophie was presented her award by Brooklyn Peltz Beckham and C.D Glin, President PepsiCo Foundation & Global Head of Social Impact (Pictured above).
The Global Citizen Awards honours people who have excelled in their own fields and who have made changes to combat poverty, previous winners include Annie Lennox, Elton John, Sting, Prime Ministers and many other activists.
Sophie is a one-time winner of the grand prize at Ireland’s Young Scientist competition, and is the founder of Act4Food, a youth-led campaign which mobilises the power of young people to call for a global food system which provides everyone with access to safe, affordable, and nutritious diets, while simultaneously protecting nature, tackling climate change, and promoting human rights.
Sophie Speaking with Sarah, Duchess of York at the Global Citizen Award Ceremony
Speaking of her win Sophie paid homage to her time at CUBS and on the BSc in International Development:
“I Loved doing the BSc in International Development I wouldn’t be doing the work I do today without it. The skills, knowledge and experience I gained while on the programme prepared me for my career to date and I really put everything I learned over the 4 years in to practice when I founded Act4food. I am very grateful for all the academic support and encouragement from programme directors , faculty and my fellow classmates during my time at CUBS”
Speaking of Sophie’s win Dr Edward Lahiff, Programme Director, BSc International Development said:
"Sophie is a great example of how the study of international development prepares our graduates for engagement with the most pressing issues of our time, such as food security, and at the highest level. We are very proud of all that Sophie has achieved and we are confident she will continue to make a significant contribution to global debates."
Dr Mary O'Shaughnessy, Head, Department of Food Business and Development offered her congratulations to Sophie:
"Warmest congratulation to Sophie for this global recognition of her tireless efforts to tackle global, societal challenges. Sophie is the epitome of responsible leadership and global citizenship, both of which are central to the mission of University College Cork and Cork University Business School."