The Ballincollig native was recognised as an ‘influential figure’ by students
Samantha posing outside Hayfield Manor before receiving her award. (Instagram – Samantha Barry)(Image: Instagram/Samantha Barry)
Former Glamour editor-in-chief Samantha Barry was back on home turf over the weekend as she received a major award from the UCC Law Society, and she also made time to shine a light on a new student-led magazine while she was there.
The Ballincollig native was presented with the Mutatio Factorem Award, which recognises influential figures who have made a significant impact in their field. The award ceremony took place on Friday, where students gathered to hear from one of the biggest Irish names in fashion.
Samantha, who spent years at the helm of one of the world’s biggest fashion magazines, returned to her alma mater in Cork to speak about her career and the changing media landscape. The event was hosted by UCC Law Society, one of the university’s most active student organisations.
Alongside the formal proceedings, Samantha also met with students involved in creative projects across campus. In an Instagram story, she highlighted a group that recently launched ‘Stíl’, a student magazine focused on fashion, culture, and contemporary Irish creativity.
“These students launched a magazine,” she wrote, sharing a photo with the team behind the publication.
Samantha recognised a student-led magazine ‘Stíl.’
The visit showcased both the university’s tradition of recognising global achievers and its continued support for emerging student talent.
Samantha, who grew up in Bantry and Ballincollig, left for the star-studded streets of New York and quickly climbed the ranks of fashion journalism before landing her major role as Glamour magazine US editor-in-chief in 2018. She was appointed Glamour’s first global editorial director in 2024, working alongside some major stars. However, she recently announced her stepping down from the role.
During her tenure, she led the title through a major digital transformation and expanded its global reach, becoming one of the most prominent Irish figures in international media.
She has worked alongside the big leagues, including Anna Wintour, whom she thanked in an Instagram post announcing her decision, for ‘championing’ her throughout her career: “As the title’s business model evolved, I made clear to Anna and leadership at Conde that this was the right moment to leave and pursue new projects.
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“It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while, and with changes to our global operations, now is the time. I’m enormously proud of what we built together and the amazing people that make up the Glamour teams around the world.”
In addition to her professional achievements, Samantha is known for her advocacy work promoting inclusivity, philanthropy, and women’s empowerment. Her involvement in initiatives such as the Women of the Year Awards and collaborations with organisations like Eli Lilly has further cemented her reputation as a role model.