Leathersellers’ Alumni
Aro Aziz
A Q&A with Aro Aziz, recipient of a Leathersellers’ Student Grant and alumnus of The Leathersellers’ Foundation.
Photography by Paul Read.
Can you tell us what you currently do?
I am currently studying Computer Science at the University of St Andrews, now in my third year of a four-year programme, and on track to achieve a First-Class degree. I was the winner of both the J.P. Morgan hackathon and the University of St Andrews hackathon (hack the bubble). I am currently serving as Head of Engineering for the St Andrews Blockchain society, one of two students selected as an ambassador for the competitive William & Mary programme in the USA, and was named on the St Andrews Dean’s List for academic excellence.
Any other highlights?
Alongside my studies, I take part in various activities to support students and the wider community. I also volunteered as part of a research project with the University of California, San Diego, tasked with finding the causes of disease and what affects energy, food and mainly the health of refugees in Jordan. I worked remotely alongside an international team focusing on supporting researchers understand data and make better decisions by visualising data, finding patterns and using AI agents.
How has The Leathersellers’ Foundation supported you on your educational or professional journey?
The Leathersellers’ Foundation has opened doors to new connections and opportunities. It has allowed me to dedicate more of my time and potential towards learning, developing my skills, and preparing to make a meaningful impact on society. It has also enriched my student experience at St Andrews.
What did the grant enable you to do?
The grant enabled me to invest my time in valuable work and projects, as well as meet inspiring and interesting people. For example, during the Leathersellers’ alumni event I had the pleasure of meeting Maureen Ngoma who is working at Amazon Web Services and Nicholas Muirhead who is CEO at Scottish Leather Group. I also spoke with Leathersellers’ Court Assistants (Board members) Caspar Williams and Richard Chard as well as other members of the Leathersellers, learning more about the work of The Leathersellers’ Foundation.
Would you have been able to achieve your ambitions without this support?
The journey would have been more difficult and challenging. My ambition is to have a positive impact on society and to support others in need. Now I have more time to focus on myself and the ideas that can make this possible. Hopefully this will see a future return and allow me to support the wider community.
Do you think the grant has affected your chances of social mobility?
It has enabled me to dedicate more time to my education and networking, which will positively influence my future opportunities. Again, being part of the Leathersellers’ alumni network is helpful as events are a great opportunity to meet new people, learn from them, and continue to cultivate a meaningful network of likeminded individuals.
What do you like about being part of the Leathersellers’ alumni network?
I enjoy meeting inspiring people and learning from their experiences. I also look forward to giving back after graduation by supporting new alumni who have been supported by The Leathersellers’ Foundation.
What does being a Leathersellers’ alumni mean to you?
It means being part of a supportive community that uplifts one another and strengthens the work of the Foundation itself.
What are your ambitions for the future?
My ambition is to have a positive impact on society and to support others in need, both professionally and personally.
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