Leeds alumna selected as finalist in prestigious awards

Leeds alumna Costantia Manoli has been selected as a finalist in the upcoming British Council Alumni Awards. 

The international awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of UK alumni around the world, recognising those who have used their experience of studying at a UK university to make a positive contribution to their communities, industries and countries. 

Costantia – now an English teacher, lecturer and successful children’s author – began her studies in the US, before transferring to the UK and graduating from the University of Leeds in 2001 with a BA in English Language and Literature. 

Nominated in the British Council Alumni Awards in the category of Culture & Creativity, Costantia said it was gratifying to have her creative work acknowledged. 

“There’s something special about being recognised on home ground – especially for someone like me who tends to fall between the gaps and cracks of eligibility criteria.  

“Having a mixed background and never being quite sure where exactly I fit in has always been at the forefront of my creative practice, so being selected as a National Finalist for the Culture and Creativity Study UK Alumni Award is an entirely new space for me to occupy. And it feels good!  

“As multitasking women with very full plates it can be difficult to live a creative life that feels valid and meaningful. It can feel like creating at the ‘edges of life’ will never amount to anything impactful; it is frivolous and selfish and takes time away from all the important real-life stuff there is to do. But do it anyway.  

“Creativity is a lifeline. It is non-negotiable as it is grounding and freeing and fulfilling. It is always a bridge back to myself and who I truly am, and I know that I am a better person in all areas of my life when I honour my creative self.” 

She also said Leeds was an outstanding choice for higher education, noting the vibrancy and diversity of the campus and city. 

“The School of English, aside from boasting some hugely impressive faculty members, is also wonderfully quirky and human – I loved walking up the pathways to the front doors of the houses on Cavendish Road where the School of English resides. I am so privileged that for a period of time, this was my everyday life.”  

Costantia’s debut book, Tomatoes in My Lunchbox, garnered critical acclaim, and her new book, The Fig Tree: A Story About Building Friendship in Peace in Cyprus, is due for release in summer 2025. For more information, visit www.costantiamanoli.com.