Loreto Coleraine student Aya 'takes flight' with Belfast City Airport's Ignite Youth Leadership scheme

A young Coleraine woman has graduated from Belfast City Airport’s IGNITE youth leadership programme, successfully completing Year Seven of the innovative scheme.

Aya Alissa, who attends Loreto College Coleraine, was one of 31 graduates from the scheme.

Coleraine Future leaders take flight with Belfast City Airport’s IGNITE Youth Leadership Programme (pictured with Kieran Devlin, Operations and Facilities Director of Northern Ireland Civil Service Sports Association, Aya Alissa, and Michelle Hatfield Chief People and Marketing Officer at Belfast City Airport).

placeholder image — Coleraine Future leaders take flight with Belfast City Airport’s IGNITE Youth Leadership Programme (pictured with Kieran Devlin, Operations and Facilities Director of Northern Ireland Civil Service Sports Association, Aya Alissa, and Michelle Hatfield Chief People and Marketing Officer at Belfast City Airport).

Designed to support young people from all backgrounds, the programme helps participants build confidence, develop leadership skills, and gain valuable experience that will support their future personal and professional development.

Michelle Hatfield, Chief People and Marketing Officer at Belfast City Airport, commented: “IGNITE was created to help young people realise their potential, and each year, we see that potential come to life in incredible ways.

“Since 2019, the programme has supported students to build confidence and develop essential life and leadership skills. This year’s cohort has been no exception, bringing energy, curiosity and determination to every opportunity.

“At Belfast City Airport, we are committed to investing in our community and the next generation. Programmes like IGNITE play a key role in that commitment, helping to inspire ambition, nurture talent, and provide young people with the opportunities they need to succeed.

“We are incredibly proud of everything this year’s graduates have achieved and extend our congratulations to each and every one of them as they take their next steps.”

During the year-long programme, participants have the opportunity to learn alongside youth organisations, charities, businesses, and industry professionals while working towards an NLP Diploma in Personal and Career Development.

Through a series of workshops, mentoring opportunities, and interactive experiences, students are encouraged to step outside of their comfort zones, develop leadership capabilities, and build lasting connections with both peers and industry professionals.