Katerina, who graduated with a BSc Business Studies degree in 2009, was presented with the award by HM Queen Elizabeth during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London, on 23rd June.

The Queen’s Young Leader Award recognises and celebrates exceptional people aged 18-29 from across the Commonwealth, who are taking the lead in their communities and using their skills to transform lives. Winners of this prestigious Award receive a unique package of training, mentoring and networking. With this support, Award winners are expected to continue and develop the amazing work they are already doing in their communities.

Read more about the award ceremony in a press release by Cypriot newspaper Parikiaki.

The search for the 2017 Queen’s Young Leaders Award Winners opened on Friday 24 June. If you or someone you know is doing exceptional work in their community apply or nominate them at www.queensyoungleaders.com.

Katerina Gavrielidou biography

Katerina was educated in the United Kingdom with a BSc Hons in Business Studies from Lancaster University, and an MSc in Politics and Government in the EU from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

She completed an internship at the European Parliament in Brussels and the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus, and subsequently read politics, philosophy and history courses at Oxford University. She has worked in the field of Finance in London, and was selected as Learner by the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE)

Between 2012-2015 she participated voluntarily at the Cyprus Youth Council, where she promoted opportunities for youth empowerment and participation, and took part in youth summits worldwide

Katerina is an elected Member of the UN Habitat Youth Advisory Board, and has been named a Global Shaper by the World Economic Forum, and a Commonwealth Young Achiever by the Commonwealth Youth Council.