Mariana is an Analyst at Hawthorn, having joined the team in December 2024.
Prior to joining Hawthorn, Mariana worked at London-based business intelligence and human rights consultancy Wallbrook, where she focused on integrity and compliance due diligence investigations globally. Prior to this, she worked for business intelligence boutiques Alaco and Fulcrum Diligence.
Mariana holds a MSc in global Crime, Justice and Security from the University of Edinburgh and an undergraduate degree in International Studies at Leiden University, where she took a minor in Intelligence Studies.
She grew up in Lisbon and speaks Portuguese and German. Outside of work, Mariana is a keen reader, cook and avid rugby fan.
Sophie joined Hawthorn as a Digital Analyst following a successful internship in October 2024. She supports a wide range of clients by providing research, analysis and communications across digital channels.
Before Hawthorn, Sophie oversaw digital communications for a Labour Party candidate, aiding his winning campaign during the recent General Election. She holds a BA (Hons) in English Literature from Durham University, spending a year studying European literature at Charles University in Prague.
Sophie grew up in Singapore and loves cold water swimming, live music and trying out new recipes.
Nicolas joined Hawthorn as an Analyst following a successful Summer Internship in 2024.
Nicolas graduated with first-class honours in Politics, Sociology and Eastern European Studies from UCL’s School of Slavonic Studies. He specialised in Czech politics and spent a year studying Czech populist communication at Charles University in Prague.
Before joining Hawthorn, Nicolas worked in the press office at Prague’s GLOBSEC Forum, one of Europe’s premier security conferences. He also gained experience working for an NGO focused on the Arab-Israeli conflict, as well as a university thinktank specialising in contemporary US Politics.
Outside of work, Nicolas is a passionate but untalented photographer, watchmaker and five-a-side footballer.
Bella joined Hawthorn as an Analyst in October 2024. She holds a First-Class degree in History and Spanish from Durham University, during which she spent seven months working in a public affairs agency in Barcelona as part of her year abroad.
Prior to Hawthorn, Bella interned at Headland, supporting clients across corporate, financial and public affairs sectors. Her experience in Barcelona and her proficiency in Spanish have furthered her interest in cross-border communication strategies.
A passionate Lacrosse player, Bella was thrilled to captain Durham Women’s
1st Team to a national university title. Having represented England in the U19 Lacrosse World Championships, she hopes to continue her lacrosse journey in the future.
Outside of work, Bella enjoys travelling, spending time with friends and family, cooking, and Lacrosse training.
Lily joined Hawthorn as an Analyst in October 2024.
Before joining Hawthorn, Lily worked as Policy Assistant to the Labour Shadow Minister for Technology and the Digital Economy. Her policy work included digital markets, online safety and electronic trade.
Lily holds a degree in Philosophy and Theology from the University of Oxford, where she also gained experience working on digitisation projects for several heritage organisations.
In her spare time, Lily enjoys walks with her Schnauzer, Buddy, playing tennis, and cooking for family and friends.
Anna recently joined Hawthorn as an Analyst.
She holds a BA and an MPhil in History from the University of Oxford. Her MPhil dissertation analysed the changing face of political imprisonment in Ireland across the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While at Oxford, she served as President and Women’s Captain of her college Boat Club and competed in the 2023 Women’s Reserve Boat Race.
Prior to Hawthorn, Anna completed an internship at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners and gained further experience as part of her college’s Communications team.
Outside of work, Anna can usually be found running, cycling or on a weekend hiking trip.
Patrick is an analyst who graduated from Cardiff University in 2023 with a 2:1 in Politics and International Relations. Patrick has completed an internship at a Scottish PR agency working with non-profit charities and sustainable energy clients. He also gained work experience at the British Council, the international cultural and educational opportunities NGO aiding with reports on refugee aid in Europe.
At Cardiff he helped run the Cardiff Boxing Society as Vice President, putting on three shows that raised money for Women’s Aid and Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. He also competed for the club on an amateur level.
Outside of work he is a keen writer and editor of poetry, running his own independent poetry publishing house during lockdown called The London Poetry Collective which published over 20 poets globally. He is also a keen fan of Arsenal football club, cooking and rugby.
Jack graduated from Durham University with a BA in History in 2023, specialising in 20th-century political history and completing a dissertation on the role of the media in the First Gulf War.
During university, Jack gained work experience in the education, politics and legal sectors. Prior to joining Hawthorn, he spent time at an international executive search and advisory boutique, headhunting executives for a wide range of clients including FTSE 100 companies and public sector organisations.
Outside of work, Jack enjoys history, long walks (often with his family dog, Onslow), films and going to the gym.
Catherine joined Hawthorn as an Analyst in 2023, after a great summer internship in 2022. She supports a diverse selection of clients by providing research, analysis, monitoring, and media outreach.
Catherine holds a BA (Hons) in History and Politics (First class) and an MA in Political Science and International Relations (Distinction) both from the University of Liverpool. Her master’s thesis investigated the impact of ETA’s legacy on EH Bildu’s contemporary reach in the Basque Country.
Off duty, Catherine is a paddlesports instructor, windsurfing coach and keen sailor. She stays active in the winter months by bouldering and sport climbing.
Ralph is an analyst at Hawthorn. He works with a wide range of clients, helping provide political and media advice.
Prior to Hawthorn, Ralph was an intern at the Tony Blair Institute For Global Change and Cote d’Ivoire’s London embassy. He has experience in policy analysis and international affairs and is a keen historian having recently obtained a Master’s from University College London. Outside of work, Ralph is a keen runner and footballer. He also enjoys reading and 90s Hip-Hop. In addition, Ralph is a member of the Leathersellers company.
Jack is an analyst, who joined Hawthorn in 2024 from a PR agency in Jersey, where he worked largely with financial clients.
Specialising mainly in data, technology and financial services, he supports his clients with research, monitoring, press releases, and analysis.
He holds a BA in Political Science and Russian Culture from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Outside of work, he is a keen sportsman, and also has a great interest in movies and history.
Alex Weatherstone is an Analyst who joined Hawthorn after successfully completing our Summer Internship Programme in 2023.
Alex graduated from Loughborough University with First Class honours, where he studied Politics, Philosophy, and Economics and wrote a dissertation on the history of the British Empire and post-colonial pedagogy. Prior to joining Hawthorn, he gained experience in architecture, EMEA financial services, and with a national non-profit.
Alex leverages his multidisciplinary background with a critical and creative approach to work across his diverse client teams. He is responsible for supporting client communication objectives, political outreach, reputational management, and media relations.
Outside of work, Alex has interests in American history, film, travel, and running.
