Student Ambassadors 2024-25

Ellen Bridson, Alumna

Ellen is a Homerton alumna and Changemakers Ambassador who studied the MPhil in Health, Medicine and Society in 2022-23. She is passionate about health research, particularly illuminating the historical and contemporary experiences of women and their use of reproductive technologies. Ellen joined the Homerton Changemakers community through the autumn residential and was captivated by the programmes holistic approach to higher education and making a positive impact in the world around us. Since completing her studies, Ellen continues to be involved in the Changemakers alumni network in Cambridge and London, where she is based. 

Keyleigh Caffrey, 3rd Year Geography

I am Keyleigh, a 3rd year undergraduate student studying Geography. I was lucky enough to participate in the Homerton Changemakers residential earlier this year and feel honoured to be selected as an ambassador going forward. The programme helped reignite my passion for creating meaningful change, particularly in environmental sustainability and social justice. I am excited to continue on this journey alongside like minded peers, who have shown when we work together, not only can we create a positive impact within our local community but also the wider world. I truly believe with Changemakers we can all become effective agents of change and look forward to giving all I can to continue making this a reality.

Joseph Cameron, PhD in Computer Science

I am a postgraduate student here in the University of Cambridge at Magdalene College studying the PhD in Computer Science. My research interests focus on human-centred artificial intelligence technology and its impact on society. Outside of academia, I’m very passionate about sports, music, and travel. I’m deeply grateful to be a part of Changemakers as a student ambassador. My connection with Changemakers started when I was a master’s student studying the MPhil in Advanced Computer Science also here at the University of Cambridge as a member of Homerton College in 2023, just before starting my current PhD. The atmosphere of Changemakers is one of ideation, connection, and inspiration. I’ve had numerous vibrant conversations with many inspiring individuals through Changemakers, and as a result I’m excited to continue contributing to the Changemakers philosophy as a student ambassador.

Nadia Chu, 2nd Year PhD in Sociology

I am a dedicated young scholar from Hong Kong focused on revitalising intangible cultural heritage

through effective preservation strategies. My research aligns with the Changemakers' goals of fostering community engagement and driving positive social change.

With experience in multinational corporations and a leading educational institution, I have successfully initiated and implemented substantive changes, recognising their importance for business and society. Additionally, I volunteer as a tutor for underprivileged school students, reinforcing my belief that no contribution is too small; even minor changes can create lasting impacts.

I am eager to share my passion and expertise with Homerton students, upholding our shared values and committing to positive transformation.

Joshua Dargan, 2nd Year Human, Social and Political Science

I am a 2nd year Undergraduate Human, Social, and Political Science student focusing on Politics and Sociology. My passions lie with social mobility, education, and social policy. My goal is to expand the provision of information for education, which would allow more opportunities and access to students from lower socio-economic backgrounds to higher education and even universities. My desire to reduce the inequality seen with my socio-economic background and university placements stems from my background coming from a single-parent household and claiming Free School Meals, in which statistics show heavily disadvantaged students and their educational opportunities. Changemakers teaches intersectionality and the complex struggles certain individuals face, and what leadership is needed to foster more impactful change.

Katya Dharmananda, MPhil in Sociology

I am Katya (she/her) and I am studying an MPhil of Sociology specialising in marginality and exclusion. Through my professional and personal lived experiences, I have come to realise I have benefitted from what John Rawls termed the “lottery of birth.” I acknowledge that much of my personal success can be attributed to the fact I was born an Australian citizen, and that I am lucky enough to have a family who has the will and resources to support me. I am confident that the Changemakers Ambassadors programme will help me better leverage my privilege to forge a career where I can support peoples who are marginalised by national and global migration practices. I am currently volunteering with the Cambridge Women’s Resource Centre to help local migrant and refugee women develop their English language skills and as a mentor to support ambitious women living in Afghanistan.

Vincenzo Di Bartolo, PhD in Pure Mathematics

I am a great lover of music, mathematics and more generally of the harmonies around me, which here at Homerton I have the pleasure of perceiving deeply.  We are inclined to think that what we imagine or conjecture is "only" something of our own, destined to break on the insurmountable wall of reality, which others seem to pretend to know by heart as it is  objectively. Yes, our thoughts are powerful waves in our inner sea, stirred by our personal winds of imagination but there is no wall they cannot overcome. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of the Changemakers ambassadors and more generally of a project that has opened my eyes to how necessary it is for each of us to contribute to the blowing of our own wind, to also allow our own sea to shape the reality around us making it wonderful, for us and for others.

Azra Fazal, Master of Business Administration Student at The Judge Business School

Azra (she/her) is a current Master of Business Administration Student at Judge Business School. With a strong background in leadership and community engagement, Azra has worked in both the nonprofit and corporate sectors, where she developed skills in project management and strategic communication. She has consistently demonstrated an ability to inspire and lead initiatives that foster inclusivity and positive change. As a Homerton Changemaker, she intends to use her expertise and network to address social challenges. Her diverse interests include sustainability, inclusivity, circularity and social entrepreneurship. As part of the Changemaker program, Azra is eager to collaborate with students, faculty, and organisations to create innovative solutions for transformative action.

Sakura Fish, 1st Year Psychology

I am a 1st year Psychology undergraduate, taking mathematical biology as my optional module. Within psychology I am particularly interested in neuroscience, specifically in the neuroimmune system, due to its links with neurological disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders. Outside of academics, I am an avid musician, being the organ scholar at Homerton, as well as playing violin in the University Orchestra.

Being a first-generation University student and due to my experience working with many young musicians from underprivileged parts of the country whilst I was a member of the National Youth Orchestra, I am passionate about widening access to higher education, and in particular, access to musical education. Hearing about the amazing work that Changemakers, and the Ambassadors do for causes they are passionate about, inspired me to apply to be one, and I am honoured to be able to join a group of such creative and innovative people! 

Ximei Liu, MPhil in Education

I am currently studying for an Education MPhil. Prior to this, I have worked as a science teacher in a number of secondary schools for 3 years. Having worked closely with students from a range of backgrounds, I feel very strongly about educational equality. In particular, I endeavour to reduce inequality as the result of socio-economic factors or health conditions through changes in policy and teaching practices. Through Changemakers, I am hoping to further realise the goal and raise awareness for the cause. 

Andre Lo

I am Andre, a doctor passionate about improving health and combating inequality. Presently, I am undertaking an initiative called Health Heroes, which focuses on elevating health literacy and instilling healthy habits in children and families. The unwavering support from Homerton Changemakers has been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of Health Heroes. Academically, my interest lies in population health and enhancing medical research reliability. I'm excited about future opportunities and am eager to create positive change with Homerton Changemakers. 

Abiel Ma, Alumnus

I am Abiel, a recent Mst graduate at Homerton and the CEO and Co-founder of Vuala. Our company is working to make food waste recycling easy with our automatic waste sorting technology. Our solution automatically liquifies and separates food waste from other waste, turning them into raw material for biogas and animal feed production within hours on site. Homerton Changemaker has been a life-changing experience for me, it has provided me with a lot of opportunities and networks, which has been essential to develop my company. As an ambassador, I am looking forward to serving, and sharing my entrepreneurial experience to fellow students, as well as acting as a bridge to facilitate more opportunities and network for the wider Homerton community. 

Emelie Monye, MSt in Social Innovation at The Judge Business School

Emelie is pursuing an MSt in Social Innovation at the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge. She is a social innovator whose work is at the intersection of technology, social impact, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on creating equitable access to venture capital for underrepresented groups, particularly Black female founders. Emelie applies an intersectional lens to her research, she explores how artificial intelligence can be harnessed to drive social change and provide Black women better access to venture capital funding, ultimately empowering them to thrive in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

After earning a law degree and working in business development at Oracle, Emelie founded Anaya, an e-commerce brand addressing the haircare needs of Black women in the diaspora. She has recently completed a Master's in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management from the University of Exeter.

Tallie Nikitchyuk, MPhil in Children's Literature

Hello! I'm Tallie (they/them). I study at the education faculty in the Children's Literature MPhil program. My research interests are mainly in queer/trans representation, particularly for young adults. However, I am passionate about empowering young people from all backgrounds. I have my own constellation of identities and experiences, some incredibly difficult, some unbearably beautiful; I'm sure you do too. I believe we all should feel welcome in our world from a young age, and storytelling is a wonderful tool for this.  

I had the privilege of joining the Changemakers Residential this year and I'm excited to work with the program! The call to educate for an impact and connect with people across disciplines resonates deeply with me. I have already made such amazing connections from the Changemakers program, and I look forward to being an Ambassador with this team of movers and shakers

Damilola Ogunlana, 2nd Year Education

I am a 2nd Year Undergraduate doing Education with the now revised version of four core papers in Introduction to Education Systems and Disciplines, Learning and Human Development, Education, Creativity and Culture and Education and Social Justice. These core papers are all very much interlinked and highlight issues with our education system that have persisted for many years. I am very interested in enacting change in the education system where every child feels included and heard. Doing the Changemakers residential has enlightened me to accepting that change may not come quickly but with hard work and perseverance, even if that step up may not be much, it is still one step higher than before. Having worked with children for about 2 years from different walks of life, further proves how unjust the institution has been to certain children and how it needs to change its form to bear fruitful results. With Changemakers, I have met various people who also met challenges in their lives and have tried to impact this setback as positively as they can and I aspire to impact the lives of those around me positively whilst being true to my authentic self. 

Andre Pancholi, 2nd Year Geography

Hello - my name is Andre Pancholi, and I am a 2nd-year Geography Student at Homerton College. Academically, I am really interested in the intersection between the natural and social sciences - and how we can use radical and innovative interdisciplinary approaches to solve global challenges - particularly within the context of the climate and biodiversity crises. I am originally from West London, and outside of my studies, I enjoy music, singing, trying new food and travelling to new places. I am really honoured to have been selected to be a Changemakers Ambassador, as I really believe in the potential of this programme. I was lucky enough to have participated in the Changemakers Residential, as it opened my mind to some of the key issues of our generation, and how we can equip ourselves to tackle them. Changemakers is unique in its collaborative approach. On the residential, I felt myself having more meaningful conversations with like-minded individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds. At Homerton, we are incredibly lucky to have an initiative that provides education extending beyond the confines of a degree. Instead, it equips us with lifelong skills and inspires us to continually broaden our horizons, fostering a motivation for continuous learning and personal growth. Thus, I am excited for the year ahead and everything this role has to offer.

Subhankar Paul, MD in Transplantation and Vascular Access Surgery

The Homerton Changemakers is a novel and unparalleled platform to connect with like-minded people and to pause and reflect on what truly matters. The innovative and interactive Changemaker sessions have initiated and facilitated a deep dive into exploring our core values and provided a safe space to express, discuss and guide our thoughts towards a positive pathway of self-growth and clarity of purpose. To learn from the experience of professionals and academics who have excelled in their fields is a rare opportunity. I am very excited to be involved as a Changemakers Ambassador and work with an ever-growing network of motivated individuals who believe in the power of positive thought, leading to positive change.

Leonas Pausch, 3rd Year History and Politics

Hello, I'm Leonas Pausch, a 3rd year student reading History and Politics. Originally from Hamburg, Germany, my academic focus revolves around International law and European affairs. Having participated in this year's fantastic Changemakers residential, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power and sheer diversity of the Changemakers programme. It heightened my awareness of global interconnectedness, extending beyond my immediate horizon and made me consider as an Individuum and in relations to others. Driven by the aspiration to achieve impactful deeds and garner thoughtful perspectives, I see Changemakers as the ideal platform for nurturing both personal and collective growth, engaging in meaningful conversations that transcend the ordinary.  I firmly believe in the program's paradigm-shifting potential, providing personalized tools for individual growth and impactful change. I eagerly anticipate contributing to the community as a Changemakers ambassador.

Agnes Clarissa Purwoko, MPhil in Education (Critical Approaches to Children’s Literature)

Agnes is an MPhil in Education (Critical Approaches to Children’s Literature) student. She was a committee member of binational cooperation between Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and the Muenster University, Germany, on multicultural education for children called Teaching Diversity - Diversity in Teaching (TDDT) with the title “Higher Education Dialogue with the Muslim World” funded by DAAD, Germany. Her significant involvement in this project gave her enormous experience in being a part of the executive core team that fosters critical literacy awareness among children through multiple workshops, roundtable discussions, school observations, volunteering, and teaching practices in Yogyakarta and Muenster. As a Homerton Changemakers ambassador and representative from Indonesia, Agnes is open to creating collaboration and projects. She is especially interested in topics of education, environmental sustainability, and spreading awareness to be conscious of finding solutions to problems of the world. 

Manpreet Sagoo, MSt Genomic Medicine

As a doctor, my clinical experience has encouraged me develop a strong interest in innovation, entrepreneurship and digital transformation in healthcare. My academic interest lies in genomics and precision medicine – an exciting and novel area of medicine. The Changemaker’s community is an inspiring space for stimulating, dynamic and engaging conversations with like-minded individuals, committed to making a meaningful difference in society. I am excited to make active contributions to the Changemaker community as ambassador. Whilst balancing my Genomic Medicine Masters alongside my clinical work as a doctor, I hope to bring creativity, curiosity and alternative perspectives to the team. I love connecting with new people from diverse backgrounds/fields for inspiring conversations – so please do reach out and let’s grab a coffee!  

Mikha'el Seth, 5th Year Medicine

Hi there, my name is Mikha'el and I've just started my 5th year of medicine in Homerton! I'm super excited to be a changemakers ambassador this year and hope to use this opportunity to explore my interests and help make change in our local community. In addition to my degree I am deeply interested in the social sciences, especially psychology and philosophy, and their influence on both individuals and systems. I have been both a welfare and disabilities officer in College as well as a university LGBT parent, and so am passionate about making others feel safe and welcome whilst also campaigning for institutional change. This year I am also Vice President of Make a Smile, a charity aimed at bringing joy to children through dress up and play. I am also very friendly and love meeting new people, so please come say hi if you ever see me around.

Jason Zhanfeng Si

In my MBA application essay, I wrote "I am prepared to be changed by Cambridge, and I am also ready to bring change". This might sound superficial, but it is my sincere hope. In my previous job, I learned how to initiate and implement meaningful changes. The feedbacks from my colleagues and clients were the most rewarding part of that career. Meanwhile, I had voluntarily provided weekly online tutoring to three middle schoolers from underprivileged backgrounds for 18 months. It is my firm belief that there is no change too small, because through small changes we can build broad connections and make long-lasting impacts. I look forward to sharing my passion, experience and skills within Changemakers and beyond, to honour our shared values and to live up to my promise.

Sophie Tan, MEd in Primary Education

I am Sophie, a part-time postgraduate student studying Education. As a primary school teacher, I find many areas within education fascinating, but what I am most passionate about is reducing educational inequality caused by a lack of resources and access for disadvantaged pupils, particularly in learning English in underprivileged areas.

My connection with Homerton Changemakers began when I attended the Annual Residential, which was transformative for my thinking. It inspired me to reflect on what I could contribute by collaborating with like-minded individuals. I have already met many inspiring people through this experience and look forward to making meaningful changes.

I would like to end with a Kenning inspired by my experience with Homerton’s Changemakers:

Changemakers, Society Improvers, Norm Challengers, Warmth Generators, Boundary Pushers, Innovative Thinkers, Impact Creators, Visionary Leaders

Kogulan Vipulan, Recent Alumnus

In order to solve any global issue, we require well-rounded individuals who can see from all angles. Changemakers proudly delivers these personal development opportunities. I was drawn to the programmes willingness to explore critical themes and provide students with a more holistic approach to problem-solving. I believe these skills of compassion, building a compelling argument and empowering others are essential for achieving ambitious goals such as net-zero: innovation and people must progress side by side. Within the Ambassador role, I am looking to strengthen the engagement of scientists and engineers with Changemakers events. 

Qiyu Xia, MPhil in Psychology with Education

Hi, I’m Qiyu, an MPhil student in Psychology with Education. I am passionate about inclusive education and advocating for disability and children's rights. Since childhood, I have envisioned a society where everyone can thrive and realise their potential in an inclusive environment. My personal and professional experiences—as an education research blogger, a teaching assistant supporting children with SEND, and engaging with NGOs and INGOs—have deepened my commitment to this cause. Attending the Homerton Changemakers Annual Residential was truly empowering and transformative, allowing me to grow personally and connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a strong commitment to positive social change. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be a Changemakers Ambassador and to engage more deeply with Changemakers projects. I look forward to meeting everyone soon and contributing my skills and passion to foster a more inspiring and inclusive community!