Maggie El Beleidi (No.3, 2011-18) currently works for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK in the Houses of Parliament where she works with UK Members of the House of Commons and House of Lords as well as parliamentarians and officials from Commonwealth states.

She always knew that she wanted to enter the world of politics, diplomacy and international development, and is now on a career path where she aims to make a positive impact on people and communities around the world.

1. What is your favourite memory of Roedean?

I enjoyed playing sports and spending time with friends. As a full boarder, I was grateful for the opportunity to build strong bonds with both fellow boarders, day girls and staff. Of course, I couldn’t forget the amazing sea view!

2. What was the best piece of advice you were given whilst at School?

The best piece of advice I received at school was to always step outside my comfort zone and to be more self-confident. Whether it was taking on leadership roles, believing in my own abilities, or learning to trust my instincts, I learned that growth comes from challenges and mistakes. That mindset has stayed with me ever since.

3. When you were at Roedean, what did you want to be when you ‘grew-up’?

I never had a specific expectation of what I wanted to be, but I always knew I wanted to enter the world of politics, diplomacy and international development. I love meeting new people, immersing myself into new cultures and listening to different perspectives. I am driven by a desire to contribute to meaningful change, whether through policy, diplomacy, or development work. I am passionate about fostering collaboration and finding solutions to complex domestic and international challenges. A big shout-out to Mr. Marchant who strengthened my desire to pursue a career in this field.

4. What are you now you’ve grown up?

I work for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK (CPA UK), located in the Houses of Parliament. I work with UK Members of the House of Commons and House of Lords as well as parliamentarians and officials from Commonwealth states to foster peer-to-peer learning and collaboration on shared interests.

5. What does your job involve?

I help organise and deliver both inward delegation visits to Westminster and outward parliamentary delegation visits to Commonwealth parliaments. I recently managed a visiting delegation from the Parliament of Barbados which was extremely insightful and provided the opportunity to learn more about challenges that Barbados is facing, particularly around climate change and the use of Artificial Intelligence in their parliament. I have also had the opportunity to travel and visit the Parliament of Lesotho and the National Assembly of Nigeria to learn and share similarities and differences with UK parliamentary procedures.

My office also conducts Election Observation Missions, where I was lucky enough to observe the democratic processes in the July UK General Election 2024. I traveled to my assigned constituency with Commonwealth parliamentarians, where we observed the opening and closing of polling stations, spoke with returning and presiding officers, and witnessed the vote counting process. Staying awake for over 24 hours required a lot of coffee but it was a fantastic experience especially as I love elections!

Pictured above with The Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, and Co-President of CPA UK

6. What have you done that you are most proud of?

I am proud to have earned a Master of Science with distinction and to be on a career path where I aim to make a positive impact on people and communities around the world.

7. What are the three objects you would take with you to a desert island?

My running shoes to stay fit, a solar-powered radio to keep up with the news (and football results), and my Kindle with an unlimited selection of books to read.

8. What books have had a significant influence on you and why?

There are too many to choose from!

My office has a book-club where we read books written by Commonwealth authors or on Commonwealth countries. Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, and Empireland by Sathnam Sanghera have all had a profound impact on me. In particular, Sanghera explores the lasting legacy of the British Empire on modern British society, offering a thought-provoking challenge to how history is remembered and taught.

On a personal level, 1984 by George Orwell is one of my all-time favourite books. It offers a thought-provoking exploration of societal structures, particularly on power and truth.

9. What is on your bucket list?

Travel and personal growth are at the core of what drives me. I am constantly seeking opportunities to develop new skills and explore the world with purpose. I consider myself fortunate to have a role that allows me to engage with diverse people and cultures, and I am eager to embrace even more adventures and challenges in the future to continue expanding my horizons.

10. If you had one year and unlimited funds, what would you do?

I would invest broadly in humanitarian projects led by NGOs and CSOS around the world to support the incredible and varied work that these organisations are doing. This feels especially crucial given the current political climate we are witnessing…