From Graduation Gown to the Galaxy Crown: Progress With Purpose
Graduating from Loughborough University with a Distinction in her MBA and receiving the Top Student Prize, Aishwarya Ashvinikumar (popularly known as Ash) is set to make her debut in the pageant industry as a finalist in the UK Galaxy Pageant 2025/26.
Building on the insights from her dissertation, which sparked her passion for advocating gender equality in the workplace, Ash is now focused on using the UK Galaxy platform to raise awareness of ongoing gender-based discrimination in professional environments.
Under the guidance of Professor Ian R. Hodgkinson, Ash achieved a Distinction (84/100) for her research dissertation, in which she developed a practical framework to help organisations close gender-based gaps, empower women to overcome workplace barriers, and foster inclusive, productive cultures.
Ash feels immensely grateful and privileged to have collaborated with Professor Ian R. Hodgkinson from Loughborough University, a multidisciplinary scholar at the forefront of strategy research, known for addressing issues that matter to individuals, organisations, and society. She believes she has found an ally in Professor Hodgkinson, who shared her passion for the project’s focus.
Ash also expresses her heartfelt gratitude to Holly Pirrie, Director of Pageant Girl UK, for providing her with a platform to advocate for her cause and amplify the message of workplace equality. The UK Galaxy Pageant celebrates confidence, diversity, and authenticity, providing a platform for ambitious women to showcase their achievements, values, and community impact. Aishwarya’s participation reflects her passion for gender equality within workplaces. Moreover, Ash has also been offered a place in the Miss Pageant Girl UK 2026 grand finals.
Aishwarya says, “I wanted to take my dissertation further and find a way to put the project into action. I believe the UK Galaxy Pageant is, by far, the best platform to begin advocating for my cause.” She further adds, “I’m honoured to represent Loughborough at this year’s UK Galaxy Pageant. For me, this journey isn’t just about the crown – it’s about inspiring other women to take risks, follow their hearts, and pursue what feels right. Even if I can inspire just one woman, that would be equivalent to winning the crown for me.”
Ash has also played an integral role as a volunteer participant with UN Women UK, contributing to initiatives that advance the rights, equality, and empowerment of women and girls. Beyond academia, she served as an International Student Ambassador at Loughborough University, assisting with numerous campus events and engagement activities.
In addition, Ash volunteered with the British Red Cross, supporting fundraising efforts for the Kindness in Action Initiative during her time at university. Her dedication and active involvement earned her a Bronze Award in recognition of her contributions.
During her academic journey, Ash also co-facilitated HashTag me sessions supporting her peers in personal development and mental health awareness. Additionally, she has been featured on BBC’s Rip-off Britain, where she shared her experience as a website user. Ash has also appeared in Loughborough Business School’s promotional video and lamp post for the open days.
As part of her pageant appearances, Ash supported the LSU Charity Pop-Up Sale during Sustainability Week. She later volunteered at the Loughborough University Nursery, where she conducted Zumba and storytelling sessions for the children. In addition, Ash visited her undergraduate university in Bengaluru to deliver an alumni session for first-year engineering students, sharing insights from her academic and
professional journey.
Ash is also excited about her collaboration with MBA colleague Faith, who is building a brand known as Grandeur Circle, a platform focused on supporting international students and minority groups. Grandeur Circle has partially sponsored Ash’s participation in the pageant, highlighting the strong bond they share beyond the MBA classroom.
Embodying Loughborough’s spirit of Progress with Purpose, Ash strives to translate knowledge into action and passion into positive impact. Having earned the regional title of Ms. Loughborough Galaxy 2025/26, Ash is now ready to make her mark on the national stage and compete for the UK national crown in March 2026, alongside contestants from across the United Kingdom.
The Galaxy UK finals will be held at The Park Hall Hotel, Chorley, with winners going on to represent the United Kingdom at the International Galaxy Pageant in the USA.
For media inquiries, interviews, sponsorships or volunteering opportunities, you may contact:
Aishwarya Ashvinikumar
Email: ms.lborogalaxyuk.2026@gmail.com
