Jesimiel Akinsuyi is a Changemakers Ambassador, currently in her third year studying
Natural Sciences. Her primary passion lies in sustainability systems and how scientific knowledge can be applied to improve the world across a multitude of areas. Her unrestrained commitment and dedication to College life recently won her the College’s award ‘Outstanding contribution to College life, above and beyond’. In this heart-warming interview Jesi shares her experience of Changemakers, describing the life-changing and real-world benefits of the programme.
An inspiring introduction Jesi remembers her first year at Cambridge as being pretty tough and because of that she was looking for an experience that could shift her perspective and help make her journey at Cambridge more positive and fulfilling. The Changemakers Programme was just what she was looking for. So, in 2022, she signed up for the Annual Residential and remembers vividly a workshop that was able to spark the imaginations of her group.
Jesi says:
“The workshop was an event focused on imagining alternative futures. My group and I let our imaginations run wild, embedding AI into nature so we could speak to trees, envisioning space wars, and, of course, we included flying vehicles. It was so much fun.
By the end of the workshop, the overall message was that nothing in the future is set in stone. We have the power and influence in our current selves to construct and shape the future we wish to see. This powerful message, delivered in such an innovative way, was truly paradigm-shifting. After that workshop, I was completely sold on the idea of Changemakers. I thought it was brilliant.”
Becoming an Ambassador
Following her initial involvement with Changemakers, Jesi then took steps to become an ambassador for the programme. There are certain requirements to become an ambassador, including participation in at least 6 hours of Changemakers events, which the residential had already helped her fulfill. However, Jesi admits to being the sort of person who typically takes on too much so was rightfully hesitant at first, seeking the advice of Dr Soraya Jones, Director of Engagement and Operations for Changemakers. After talking through some ideas about useful projects within college and for the students that she could bring to life as an ambassador, Jesi made the application, and the rest is history!
Jesimiel Akinsuyi (in the middle) at the Changemakers Catalyst Fund Awards 2023)
Jesi firmly believes that the Changemakers programme is exactly what is needed in a place like Cambridge and says that many of the students who participate echo this sentiment.
She says:
“The way Cambridge carries out education seems archaic to me. Simply earning a degree here does not equip you with the tools to achieve your dreams or make a difference in the world. Cambridge often leaves students somewhat traumatised, armed with a vast amount of knowledge and a sprinkling of elitism.
This is where Changemakers comes in. Through workshops, conversations, and exposure to an incredible network of Changemakers in various industries and different parts of the world, we are better positioned to tackle the world from a different perspective. The programme connects intelligence, character, and society in a meaningful way. The entrepreneurial spirit it fosters, combined with the ability to engage in influential conversations, positions Homertonians to become world-class individuals.
At our end-of-year Changemakers Ambassadors dinner, we have the opportunity to sit and interact with our entire cohort of ambassadors. I always walk away feeling so inspired and honoured to sit with people I know are going to do incredible things.”
Jesi also says she would encourage fellow students to take part in the Changemakers programme. She continues:
“Just do it. There is truly an event for everyone. You get as much as you give when it comes to the Changemakers programme. I would advise all students to follow the social media pages, look at the emails that get sent and attend at least one event every term. You will always learn something new and meet someone cool. Some of the closest friends and some of the best opportunities I have all came from being part of the Changemakers programmes.”
Benefits and skills
Jesi has now been involved with Changemakers for almost two years, and in that time, she says she has learned ‘so much’, citing the ‘phenomenal interpersonal skills’ such as public speaking and networking. Importantly, she feels confident of being able to attend any event and leave with at least five new connections because of this. Following her initial involvement with Changemakers, Jesi then took steps to become an ambassador for the programme. There are certain
Jesi says:
“The program also provides valuable intrapersonal skills. Changemakers is structured around the themes of self, society, and the world. For me, it was always easy to think about society and the world, but focusing on the self was challenging. In academic settings, you don’t even write your name on exams anymore; you're just a randomly generated number. How well you articulate yourself, how you make others feel, and how you generate new ways of thinking aren’t considered; it's just about the words you put down in a two-hour exam. This process can make it easy to lose sight of your worth beyond an academic lens.”
Through various workshops such as mindfulness, future-building, and meeting people with a strong sense of self, Jesi has developed a ‘sense of mastery’ in who she is as an individual. She has gained the tools to question, adapt, and allow herself to challenge and be challenged.
She concludes:
“Changemakers tailors its approach to the individual, asking everyone the same big questions but giving them the canvas to paint individual and unique answers.”
Changemakers Social Media Lead
Jesi also manages the Changemakers social media channels - showcasing the magic of the programme by promoting various events, messages, and workshops. In addition to this, she helps to plan and organise events, often making an appearance with a camera in one hand, capturing shots and videos for social media, and a phone in the other, answering emails and calls from the team to ensure every event runs smoothly. A lot of work and planning goes into a Changemakers event. It’s a small team running many large-scale events each term, and Jesi says she is always happy to assist in any way she can.
Jesi explains:
“When Soraya approached me with the job offer, I couldn’t say no. I love being creative and working to bring events to life. I make YouTube videos and TikToks for myself all the time and wanted an opportunity to see what I could learn in a professional environment. It has been amazing so far. The highlight for me is learning from these incredibly accomplished and smart people. As the resident Gen Z on the team, I absorb all their wisdom and advice like a sponge.
It’s interesting to see how I’ve adopted different traits from various team members, which show up in other projects I take part in. Both Alison Wood, Academic Director of Changemakers, and Soraya have an acute attention to detail that I’ve now acquired. Robin has instilled in me a love of typography, which I consider in my design work. Mel creates a safe and welcoming environment, inspiring everyone to put in 150% effort when working with her. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to learn from everyone.”
Winner - Outstanding contribution to College life, above and beyond
Jesi says winning the College award for her outstanding contribution to College life was a massive shock. But she does confess to being unable to sit still and finds herself being involved in many different societies and activities, on top of her studies, and as well as her continued involvement with Changemakers. Among other things, she runs the Homerton Science Society and frequently helps out with outreach events.
Jesi says:
“Receiving this award made me very emotional because I always give 100% to everything I do. To have that effort recognised and for people to think I have made an impact on Homerton life as a whole makes me incredibly grateful. When my Dad saw me receive the prize, he was not usually one to smile, but he grinned from ear to ear that entire day. He said, “Most people who enter Cambridge leave with a degree of some sort, but very few leave that kind of impression on their College. That award is my main source of pride today.” I got a bit teary-eyed after that! Needless to say, I am super happy!”
Internships and beyond
Jesi is currently on a summer internship with an amazing start-up company called Flock - an opportunity she secured through Changemakers by attending the ‘Dinner with a Leader’ event, where Ed Klinger, the CEO of Flock, was the host for the evening. Using the networking skills she’d learned from the programme; she convinced Ed to take her on as an intern.
She concludes:
“I'm having an incredible time; it's super challenging, but I love it. The thrill is exhilarating.
As for my plans after summer, they’re not set in stone. I am considering a few master's courses, research roles, and even some graduate roles outside of academia. Initially, I was nervous about the idea of the unknown, as this was the first time I didn't have a set plan. However, after some reflection and conversation with some fellow ambassadors, I realised that not knowing what your future holds shouldn’t be a point of fear, but rather a point of excitement. You get to forge the pathway you want. Your path might take longer, be more difficult, and you might face some obstacles along the way, but with hard work and a smile, it's going to be a fun ride.”
