From Bradford to the world: Graduates transform global dialogue

Katja Riikonen, Rafael Tyszblat, and Cameron Chisholm are senior executives at Soliya, a non-profit organisation that uses online dialogue programmes to help young people and professionals from diverse cultures and background to connect, learn and communicate.

Their work now spans continents, with Soliya offices in Tunisia, New York, Paris, Oslo, and Washington DC, but beyond their shared passion for peace, they have one thing in common: they built the foundation of their careers at the University of Bradford.

From Bradford to Soliya: A shared journey

Katja Riikonen, who completed her PhD in Peace Studies at Bradford in 2014, recalls meeting Mr Tyszblat, who completed his MA in Conflict Resolution in 2005, during her first visit to the city.

Dr Riikonen said: "Rafael was the first person I met when I came to Bradford to explore the city. We toured together after having co-facilitated online through Soliya. He was just as warm and interesting in person."

Reflecting on her time as a student, Katja shared: "Bradford is one of the leading universities for peace and conflict studies.

"I was drawn to the department's interdisciplinary approach and the fact that many faculty members were also practitioners, an essential combination in this field."

Rafael added: "Katja and I connected early on through our shared passion for conflict resolution and dialogue.

"We've worked together ever since, first as volunteer facilitators, and now as senior staff shaping Soliya's approach to dialogue across difference."

He also reflected on his own student experience: "Bradford created an atmosphere of non-judgement and support that liberated me from my fears around leadership. It gave me a sense of possibility that I never experienced before."

Cameron Chisholm, now CEO of Soliya, studied at Bradford as a Rotary Peace Fellow, completing an MA in International Politics and Security Studies in 2008. Although he did not meet Katja or Rafael at the time, he fondly remembers discovering their shared academic background.

We were playing the 'name game' and realised how closely our time at Bradford overlapped. It was a great moment of connection

Reflecting on his experience, Cameron added: "Bradford gave me the foundation to enter a world defined by difference as a peacemaker and bridge-builder.

More on Soliya

Globally-based Soliya works with universities and youth organisations to run virtual exchanges, where participants explore global issues, identity, and conflict in small, facilitated groups.

Programmes such as the Connect Program and Global Circles have engaged tens of thousands of participants across more than 60 countries, helping young people and professionals build empathy, strengthen communication skills, and develop the ability to lead across cultural differences.

Leadership roots

All three alumni credit Bradford with shaping how they approach leadership. Katja describes leadership as 'a vision sustained by dialogue', highlighting how the University's diverse community gave her the chance to practise constructive disagreement in a safe environment.

Rafael said: "Bradford created an atmosphere of non-judgement and support that gave me a sense of possibility I'd never experienced before."

Cameron, whose leadership style is rooted in servant leadership and embracing difference, adds: "Bradford exposed me to a uniquely diverse set of perspectives, from realists to postmodernists.

"I had to choose between retreating into my own beliefs or engaging respectfully. That decision to engage was formative."

Impact through innovation

At Soliya, the team leads efforts to help people 'disagree better'. The organisation designs and delivers pioneering virtual exchange programmes that connect students and professionals across cultures, encouraging understanding through facilitated dialogue.

Soliya works with universities, governments, and international organisations to develop inclusive communication skills and reduce polarisation.

Katja highlights the impact of Soliya's UN-endorsed Advanced Facilitation Training: "It's empowering people, from diplomats to postal workers, to engage constructively across differences. That's at the heart of what we do."

Rafael added: "Even bringing opposing groups to the table is a win.

In today's polarised world, promoting dialogue itself is a powerful act, and Soliya gives us the space to do that creatively and effectively

A CEO's perspective and advice for students

On the leadership of Bradford alumni at Soliya, Cameron added: "Bradford consistently produces leaders in peacebuilding. Katja and Rafael are exceptional, and I feel fortunate to learn from them every day."

He advises students: "Approach the world with curiosity and humility. Seek out others who can fill gaps in your knowledge.

"Be entrepreneurial, embrace failure, and remember that leadership is about removing barriers for your team, not being in control."