A STUDENT from Gwent has been awarded a top prize at one of the world’s leading universities.

Alison Goldsworthy from Llangybi in Monmouthshire is currently attending Stanford Graduate School of Business in California on a one-year Master of Science degree program.

She was one of two students awarded a $20,000 prize for their contributions to social innovation.

The Frances and Arjay Miller Prize in Social Innovation rewards students from the Stanford Graduate School of Business who demonstrate an 'exceptional commitment to public good' and is awarded to graduating students who plan to focus on social or environmental impact in the next phase of their careers.

Miss Goldsworthy and fellow student Benjamin Fernandes were awarded the prize, and each received $20,000 to help them after graduation.

She said: “I’m absolutely blown away. I was chosen by my peers, both for the impact I have had and the impact they expect me to have in the future. It’s a sign of faith and expectation that I’ll be able to make change happen, and I won’t let them down.

“$20,000 is a lot of money, so I’ve thought carefully about how to use it. My dad was the manager of the Alliance and Leicester in Newport for a decade and he taught me well, so I’ll be using it to pay off my debts.”

Previously she founded a public affairs company in Wales, worked as a consultant and attended the University of Bath.

She added: “I’ve adored my time here. It’s really made me step up, improve and raise my sights.

“I miss the fresh air of home, my family and friends and sometimes the rain. Only sometimes though.

“I have been home a couple of times to help plan my wedding celebration at Usk Castle in August.”

After graduating Miss Goldsworthy plans to develop work she did creating a highly successful speaker series.

She also hopes to establish her own consultancy, initially in California, to support the work of non-profit companies.