Coming Up...
Changemaker Conversations : Tuesdays in term, 17:15-18:30 @Griffin Bar
A chance to meet new people, other students, activists, artists, scientists, politicians and entrepreneurs. Changemaker Conversations are not lectures or seminars - but an informal chance to network. No booking needed - simply drop by. You're invited!
Special guests including authors, medics, journalists, artists, CEOs, academics, activists - will be joining us throughout the year (details here).
The Homerton Changemaker Prize. APPLY HERE by 11 October at 17:00
The Changemaker Prize recognises Homerton students who have made a significant difference for social good during their time at College - whether through volunteering, enabling others, starting initiatives, or advocating for change in the systems in which they work. This year two prizes worth £250 each will be awarded to any current Homerton students for activity during their time at Cambridge. Thank you to our alumnus and Associate Fellow, Pooya Kamvari for generously donating to this prize!
Building a Diverse and Equitable Workplace : 22 October 15:00-17:30
There is a pressing need to build a diverse and equitable workplace. Consequently, and in spite of a considerable backlash, there is a need, now more than ever, for meaningful EDI initiatives. While there is undoubted scepticism among many Black and Asian workers about existing EDI initiatives, this scepticism concerns the superficial nature of programmes, not the underlying need for a more equitable workplace. Indeed, with an increasing focus on corporate social responsibility, investors and customers are putting growing pressure on companies to embrace meaningful and effective approaches to diversity, equality and inclusion. As part of the Black History Month Celebration, join our distinguished panel for a discussion of these issues, and to gain practical insights into the EDI options available to business leaders who are committed to creating a better workplace. Register here This event is free to attend and open to all!
Founders' Office Hours : 10 Oct, 5 Nov & 5 Dec 16:00-18:00 (in college or via Zoom)
Founders’ Office Hours offer an informal discussion space on the challenges founders (or about-to-be founders) face: setting up a team, business & sustainable growth, branding, marketing, advisory board recruitment, governance, technology USP, customer profile, ethics, or whatever other issues emerge. All Homerton students are welcome, even if you are at a very early stage of entrepreneurship.
The office hours are held once per month during term time, facilitated by Dr Soraya Jones. You can book a 30 min slot for a face-to-face meeting or a Zoom call! Only three meeting slots available for each month. Please email sj594@cam.ac.uk to book a slot.
Dinner with a Leader with Abhi Naha Digital Accelerator Director, PwC & Ambassador for the United Nations Global Sustainability Index Institute : 14 November 18:30-21:30
For the latest event in our ‘Dinner with a Leader’ series, we're thrilled to host Abhi Naha, the dynamic Director of PwC's Digital Accelerator and Ambassador for The United Nations Global Sustainability Index Institute. Abhi's impressive resume includes his former role as the Chief Commercial Officer of Cambridge Wireless and founder of Zone V (now renamed as Easology), a Cambridge startup backed by Qualcomm and ARM, which focuses on empowering individuals with aging eyes and visual impairments through innovative smartphone software. Abhi has a background in Electronics and Electrical Engineering, an MBA in International Marketing, and he co-authored a book on mobile handset design, for Cambridge University Press.
Join us for an inspiring evening where Abhi will be sharing his insights from Easology, his highly successful start-up company, as well as exploring the concept of micro-to-macro philanthropy, the driving force behind his leadership. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear about Abhi’s career journey, driven by his commitment to making a positive difference in the world. As a true Changemaker, his insights are sure to inspire. These events always fill up quickly, so Register Now to secure your place.
Change in the Community: Do Good by Volunteering 18 Nov 16:00-20:00 @Fellows' Dining Room
Cambridge is the most unequal city in the UK. The poorest 20% of people in our city take home just 2% of the wealth and the difference between rich and poor is one of the greatest. Many local charities are supporting families and children living in poverty; working with the growing number of people who are homeless and living on the streets; and helping those grappling with deprivation and disadvantage.
Join Homerton Changemakers, in collaboration with HUS and MCR, for a workshop with pizza and beer to find out what local charities are doing, deepen your understanding of the issues at stake, and explore how you can help. There will also be a workshop on skillful service and volunteering with Changemaker's Academic Director, Dr Alison Wood. This event is free to attend and is open to all students from other colleges. Booking is required – register here.
Black Manifesto : 29 November 17:30-19:00
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Black People's Manifesto. Formulated by a group of Black and Asian counsellors, the Manifesto set out the demands of minority ethnic voters ahead of the 1979 general election. The Manifesto also became central to Black Sections, a movement which aimed to win representation for Black and Asian people in the Labour Party, in local government, and in Parliament.Black Manifesto is a panel discussion looking back at the recent history of Black radical politics in Britain, and considering the possibilities of a new Parliament – the most diverse in British history.
The panel comprises: Rt Hon Diane Abbott MP, former Shadow Home Secretary and Member of Parliament for Hackney North and Stoke Newington. Abbott was the first Black woman elected to the House of Commons and has been Mother of the House since 5 July 2024; Lord Simon Woolley, founder and director of Operation Black Vote, former chair of the Race Disparity Unit Advisory Group, and Principal of Homerton College, Cambridge; Bell Ribeiro-Addy, former Shadow Minister for Immigration, Member of Parliament for Clapham and Brixton Hill, and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Afrikan Reparations and Russell Profitt, was a Labour Councilor in Lewisham. He was one of the authors of the Black People's Manifesto and a founder of Black Sections. Profitt is former Interim Chief Executive Officer at Greenwich Inclusion Project.
Black Manifesto is organised by Homerton Changemakers and the Homerton Politics Society - Register Here
Summer Internship Programme – Building Change Makers for Black Talent in STEM: Applications open now for our summer 2025 cohort.
We’re looking for the next generation of black talent to take part in a 10-week paid internship programme with one of our business partners, including Arm, Amazon, Cisco, Google, PWC amongst others.
Explore paid summer work placements if you are of Black heritage and an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate with a STEM related degree. Benefit from Changemaker-style leadership training, group coaching, and mentor support throughout the placement. Plus, continue to develop your professional skills with a 12-month membership to www.cambridgewireless, where you can access deep tech events and networking opportunities. Apply HERE (select "Individual" Account and then complete your profile by going to 'Building Changemakers for Black Talent in STEM').
Working with Charities Fund: APPLICATIONS will open again on Nov 2024.
The Changemakers Working With Charities Fund supports students wishing to volunteer with established charities or projects aimed at achieving public good. You can apply for funds to support a specific project, to cover travel expenses, subsistence, materials or any related direct costs (subject to approval). The fund is annual and will be offered again in the 2024-25 academic year. Thank you to Rupert Baines, Serial Entrepreneur and Investor/Associate Fellow of Homerton College for supporting this initiative.
Return to Changemakers home page
Previously...
Changemakers Annual Residential : September 29-October 4.
Welcome to this deep-dive into Changemaking!
This residential is an intensive, immersive & multidisciplinary experience, helping you build a toolkit for making positive change: with purpose, courage, knowledge and ambition. During the week you’ll be invited to focus on:
- yourself, your values and drivers, and how you (can) show up in the world
- developing gritty skills for getting things done
- contextualising all of this in geo-political realities of world systems: power, tech, finance, climate change, politics…
The programme includes plenaries, workshops, ‘building the toolkit’ parallel sessions, peer-coaching groups, 1:1 mentoring, discussions, a field trip, access to a co-working/quiet space, and plenty of good food and drink in the mix. There’ll be sessions with leading changemakers, and the chance to network with them, and access all week to Changemakers’ ‘Artist in Residence ’. And at every step of the way you’ll be invited to reflect on the skills you’re building and the insights you’re developing, layering up the learning as you go. You’ll also be supported by a fulsome set of ‘Prompts for Thinking’ & an extensive reading list.
'Convened by Homerton Changemakers' Academic Director, Dr Alison Wood, and the Changemakers Team'
Homerton Changemakers Catalyst Fund Showcase : 3 October 17:15-21:15 - Registrations now CLOSED
Join the Catalyst Fund Showcase Event on 3rd October from 17:15 to hear from the six winning student teams leading projects they hope will transform the world we live in and create a more just, sustainable future. Meet with academic, industry and philanthropic communities who want to make an impact.
Launched in 2021 the Changemakers Catalyst Fund is an annual scheme accelerating the development of student-led initiatives with capacity for making change in society, business, or policy.
Mentoring Scheme : July-December 2024
Don’t miss out on a chance to talk with an experienced, skilled mentor about careers, job-finding, direction-setting and the practicalities of working out what you're going to do next, and how you might do it. The programme matches you with an experienced mentor - Cambridge alumni, members of the Changemakers network - focusing on your career, aspirations, life. Register Here.
GameChangers: Regenerative Leadership Programme Feb-Jun 2024
This annual bespoke programme is for Homertonians ready to influence and usher in better futures, in any field: from business & tech to politics, science and arts. Applications are now closed.
Through a residential, dinner seminars, and a 4-day field trip to The Eden Project, Cornwall, you'll explore your selfhood & leadership; develop tools for getting things done in complex environments; and build a global regenerative view. It's ambitious, intensive, and built on the belief that transformation of systems, whether large or small, is possible.
Black Manifesto : 20 June 17:30-19:00 @MAB Auditorium - THIS EVENT WAS POSTPONED
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Black People's Manifesto. Formulated by a group of Black and Asian counsellors, the Manifesto set out the demands of minority ethnic voters ahead of the 1979 general election. The Manifesto also became central to Black Sections, a movement which aimed to win representation for Black and Asian people in the Labour Party, in local government, and in Parliament. Black Manifesto is a panel discussion looking back at the recent history of black radical politics in Britain, and looking forward to a new government. Book your place now.
Founders' Office Hours : 13 Jun 16:00-18:00 (in college or via Zoom)
Founders’ Office Hours offer an informal discussion space on the challenges founders (or about-to-be founders) face: setting up a team, business & sustainable growth, branding, marketing, advisory board recruitment, governance, technology USP, customer profile, ethics, or whatever other issues emerge. All Homerton students are welcome, even if you are at a very early stage of entrepreneurship.
The office hours are held once per month during term time, facilitated by Dr Soraya Jones. You can book a 30 min slot for a face-to-face meeting or a Zoom call! Only three meeting slots available for each month. Please email changemakers@homerton.cam.ac.uk to book a slot.
Changemakers Catalyst Fund 2024 : Applications now closed!
Do you want to make a positive change in the world? Are you building - or planning to build - an enterprise, product, campaign, or creative project that will help us move to a more just, sustainable and regenerative future? If yes, the Changemakers Catalyst Fund will provide grants of up to £2K for student-led initiatives that aim to create significant change.
The fund is explicitly to support ventures at the start up stage, where catalyst funding of this kind will make a substantive difference to the likely success of your project or initiative. Winning groups will be supported by intensive mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs and leaders via our industry partner Cambridge Wireless and alumni community. Winners will also be invited to showcase their project to a select group of Cambridge business leaders, investors and influencers at Changemaker's Annual Residential, 3 October 2024. Deadline: 29 Apr 2024
Dinner with a Leader : A roundtable with Ed Klinger, CEO of Flock - 22 May 18:30-20.30 @Drawing Room. This is now fully booked (please email changemakers@homerton.cam.ac.uk) if you'd like to go on the waiting list
For our latest instalment of ‘Dinner with a Leader’, we are thrilled to announce our esteemed guest, Ed Klinger, CEO of Flock, who has pioneered digital insurance company for commercial motor fleets. Flock is on a mission to make the world quantifiably safer.
Join us for a discussion of ‘Entrepreneurship post-Cambridge: 5 things I wish I had known’, Ed's account of his entrepreneurial journey from student to founder. Prepare to be inspired! Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of our very own Homerton alumni who has achieved remarkable success in the startup world.
Armando Iannucci: Comedy, Satire and Power : 26 April 17:30-19:00 @ MAB Auditorium
Writer, comedian and director, Armando Iannucci is joining Homerton, Changemakers and Homerton Politics Society for an evening discussing comedy, satire and power.
Iannucci, is well known for radio and television shows such as On the Hour, The Thick of It and Veep, as well as feature films including Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa, The Death of Stalin and The Personal History of David Copperfield. He has also collaborated with the New Statesman on a podcast exploring constitutional reform.
Join 'the hardman of political satire' at 5:30pm on the 26th of April at Homerton College for a discussion of comedy, satire and power. Book your place here
Homerton Changemakers Workshops : 22 April - Changemakers Workshops: World (online) - THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED
The Workshops programme allows you to engage with key themes of SELF, SOCIETY and WORLD, over the course of a year. Changemakers Workshops are modular, you can sign up to as much or as little of the programme as you want.
The Changemakers Workshop on the world situates the self and society in the context of the world – macro systems, systems change and planetary-level considerations. Register here by 18 April.
Not your regular hackathon - how to use AI for achieving good (Catalyst Fund Development Day Two)
11 Mar 15.30-20.00 @ Fellows Dining Room
Artificial intelligence (AI) has witnessed explosive development in the last decade alone. Due to rapid advancements, Artificial general intelligence (AGI) is a matter of “when” and not “if”. How do we create a future alongside AGI? What does AGI mean for human purpose and creativity?
Join us for an engaging interdisciplinary hackathon to brainstorm ideas that can create a world enhanced by AGI, a world where humans can thrive and not just survive and where AGI can be harnessed for the good of the humanity and the planet. This event is led by industry mentors from TTP and is jointly organised and supported by Homerton Changemakers and the Homerton Science Society. Open to all students/alumni and postdocs from other colleges/universities in the region. No coding required!
Note: Applications for Catalyst Fund 2024 open on 11 March
Changemakers Catalyst Fund Development Day One 6 Mar 15:30-20:00 @Fellows Dining Room
Are you building - or planning to build - an enterprise, product, initiative, campaign, or creative project that will help move us to a more just, sustainable and regenerative future? Do you want to do this collaboratively? And with the support of able, committed mentors?
The Changemakers Catalyst Fund will be awarding five to six grants of up to 2K each for initiatives in any field - from tech to politics, arts and business. Ahead of submitting an application you’re invited to join leading innovators, entrepreneurs and academics to hone your project ideas and techniques for proposing it. Network with others to find your team! Learn how to make a strong pitch – understand emerging trends – meet industry leaders, entrepreneurs and innovation specialists – and network over dinner. This pre-launch event is open to all Cambridge students/alumni/postdocs, and students from other Universities in the region. Note: Applications for Catalyst Fund 2024 open on 11 March
A visit to the Bio-Innovation Centre in Cambridge Science Park 14 Feb 13:00-17:00 @Cambridge Science Park
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur? Are you already running a startup? Do you want to experience a thriving innovation hub that actively supports new ventures in Cambridge? Join Homerton Changemakers for a guided tour of the Bio-Innovation Centre located in Cambridge Science Park on February 14, 2023
Hosted by Jerry Wu, Head of Investment, Tus Park, the trip gives you the opportunity to visit leading edge life science and technology companies, to network with well-known entrepreneurs, and learn about the risks and rewards of business innovation. You’ll also gain valuable insights from investors on how to attract funding and the crucial topic of 'impact.' Speakers include : Jerry Wu, Head of Investments, TusPark; John Gourd, CEO, Cambridge Network; Dr Jason Mellad, Managing Partner & Co-Founder, Start Codon; Dr Michael Anstey, Partner, Cambridge Innovation Capital; Lucy Jung, Founder & CEO, Charco.
Future Economy 9 Feb 17.30-19.00 @Homerton College
Future Economy is a panel discussion of radical alternatives to prevailing economic models. Hosted by Homerton Changemakers, Future Economy considers the distinctive economic, social and environmental challenges of the Anthropocene, as well as visions of a transformed economy which serves people and the planet. We are joined by a panel from the worlds of politics, economics, activism and the arts.
Change in the Community: Do Good by Volunteering 29 Jan 15:30-19:30 @Fellows' Dining Room
We all want to see change, change in ourselves, our society and our world. Change can start locally.
Join Homerton Changemakers, in collaboration with the HUS, MCR and Changemaker ambassadors, at an event where you can meet representatives from local charities, find out what they do and how you can help. You will have the opportunity to meet people, ask questions and sign up to initiatives which make a real difference. There will be ample networking opportunities with these charities over pizza and beers/drinks after the presentations. Open to all students/alumni/postdocs from other colleges and universities!
Walter Rodney: 'What They Don't Want you to Know' 28 Nov 17:15-19.15 @Fellows' Auditorium
Join Homerton Changemakers for a special showing of the new film Walter Rodney: 'What They Don't Want you to Know'. The documentary explores the life, work and state sponsored assassination of the influential Caribbean intellectual and black radical Dr Walter Rodney. The film will be followed by a panel discussion.
Wine & Cheese Social 20 November 18:00-20:00 @Combination room
Come and join us for a Wine and Cheese social on 20 Nov 6pm! We are delighted to be co-hosting this event with the JCR and MCR! This will be the opportunity to meet fellow Changemakers students, chat to Changemakers Ambassadors, and meet some of the Changemakers community. Wine, cheese and a great atmosphere will all be provided!
All Homerton students are welcome, especially first years.
Mentoring Scheme Jan-June 2024 Applications are now closed.
Don’t miss out on a chance to talk with an experienced, skilled mentor about careers, job-finding, direction-setting and the practicalities of working out what you're going to do next, and how you might do it. The programme matches you with an experienced mentor - Cambridge alumni, members of the Changemakers network - focusing on your career, aspirations, life.
Dinner with a Leader: A roundtable with Harriet Fear, Chair of Cambridge Ahead and CEO of Cambridge& 8 November 18:30-20.30 @Drawing Room
We're proud to be hosting Harriet Fear, well-known Chair of the Board for the prestigious Cambridge Ahead and CEO of the dynamic network Cambridge&, which celebrates Cambridge as a city of pioneering spirit! Harriet is an experienced leader with a strong track record in the diplomatic service, government, life science sector, and networking/membership organisations.
Come and hear about her impressive career journey and how she’s tackled challenges and very difficult circumstances in hostile situations, particularly during her time in the diplomatic service. Harriet will also share insights on how to build a network, and how to make the most of the many kinds of networking opportunities that exist.
Race Today at 50 18 October 15:00-16:00pm @Fellows Auditorium, Homerton College
Join Changemakers for a panel discussion with former members of the Race Today Collective: the centre of Black Liberation and grass roots campaigns for racial justice in Britain during the 70s and 80s
The Homerton Changemaker Prize. Applications are now closed
The Changemaker Prize recognises Homerton students who have made a significant difference for social good during their time at College - whether through volunteering, enabling others, starting initiatives, or advocating for change in the systems in which they work. This year two prizes worth £500 each will be awarded to any current Homerton students for activity during their time at Cambridge.
Early Career Ambassadorship with Form the Future 12 October 16:00-18:30 @Homerton College
Develop your skills as an interviewer AND support disadvantaged young people in East Anglia. Hosted by Changemakers partner Form the Future. This short course will prepare you to become a more skilled interviewer, and prepare you to help young people develop their interview skills. During the session you'll develop an understanding of 'interviewing' techniques; become aware of implicit and explicit bias; learn key skills for working with young people (15-17 yrs) and learn how to run a mock interview. There’s no better way to become competent at being interviewed than interviewing someone else. Following the session Form the Future will arrange for you to practice your interviewing skills with local young people.
Great Group Work (part of Homerton Grads Start of Year Programme) Oct 2, 13:00-14:30 @ Drawing Room
This session - for graduate students only- offers you a chance to learn strategies for more effective ways to be in groups - whether social, for study, or volunteering. We've taught this material dozens of times and students tell us it works - there are proven ways to increase your confidence & ability to understand others, and to achieve things effectively in groups without resorting to quick wins or unhelpful compromise.
Changemakers Annual Residential September 24-29
Come and spend a week building transformational leadership, skills and networks crucial for shifting the dial on what matters to you. Changemakers Annual Residential is an intensive, immersive & multidisciplinary programme, offering space to help develop your self, to practise tools for influence in society, and to deepen your knowledge of world systems. It helps you combine your passions with gritty skills and a sophisticated understanding of reality. And it offers an invitation to be part of a community committed to making a difference
Led by expert faculty from academia, industry, policy, activism, innovation and the arts, the residential focusses on your sense of purpose and motivation; ethical, justice-focused practical tools; and on power, levers for change, and how these intersect.
Lent 2022/23
GameChangers: Regenerative Leadership Programme Jan-June 2023 (in person) Applications are now closed
A new bespoke programme for Homertonians ready to influence, in any field - from business & tech to politics, science and arts.
Through 2 short residentials, 3 dinner seminars, and a field trip to The Eden Project, Cornwall, you'll explore your intrinsic motivation; develop high-level tools to get things done; and understand regenerative principles and design to help usher in better futures. It's ambitious, intensive, and built on the belief that transformation or systems, whether large or small, is possible.
Mentoring Scheme July-Dec 2023
Don’t miss out on a chance to talk with an experienced, skilled mentor about careers, job-finding, direction-setting and the practicalities of working out what you're going to do next, and how you might do it. The programme matches you with an experienced mentor - Cambridge alumni, members of the Changemakers network - focusing on your career, aspirations, life.
Life beyond Death 18 May 17:00-20:30 @ Fellows' Dining Room (in person)
Do you want to know more about the process of organ donation and how it has dramatically affected the lives of people who have received a transplant or on the waiting list, as well as donor families? Join us for a discussion with people involved in the process and whose lives have been transformed through donation. No registration needed, just drop by the Fellows' Dining Room
[This event is led by Homerton Changemakers ambassador Subhankar Paul.]
Dinner with a Leader: Rupert Baines, Serial Entrepreneur 17 May 18:30-21:00 @ Drawing Room (in person)
We are excited to host serial entrepreneur Rupert Baines for our Dinner with a Leader roundtable discussion.
Full of energy and ideas, Rupert will share his understanding of the context of start-ups, how start-ups drive change & innovation, the challenges of forming and growing a start-up and then the transition to scale up and growth stage.
Changemakers Catalyst Fund Applications now closed
Do you want to make a positive change in the world? Are you building - or planning to build - an enterprise, product, campaign, or creative project that will help us move to a more just, sustainable and regenerative future? If yes, the Changemakers Catalyst Fund will provide grants of up to £2K for student-led initiatives that aim to create significant change. Projects from any sector and discipline are welcome.
The fund is explicitly to support ventures at the start up stage, where catalyst funding of this kind will make a substantive difference to the likely success of your project or initiative. Winning groups will be supported by intensive mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs and leaders via our industry partner Cambridge Wireless. Winners will also be invited to showcase their project to a select group of Cambridge business leaders, investors and influencers at Changemaker's Annual Autumn Residential, September 2023.
Presenting with Impact 21 April 13:45-17:00 @Alison Shrubsole (in person) This event is now fully booked
If you want to know about presenting with confidence and achieving a great impact, join us for this practical workshop with award-winning author, coach and speaker Tara Fennessy, Managing Director of the bespoke leadership development consultancy Leadership Skills Training.
In this interactive, real, and energetic training session, Tara will share with you tips, tools, and techniques to get you into the top 5% of presenters and speakers. She'll draw on her internationally recognised WOW methodology - what's your impact, orbiting influence, and what is crucial - to help you hone your presentation techniques and confidence.
[This event is led by Homerton Changemakers ambassador Jesimiel Akinsuyi.]
Society & Tools for Change: a Changemakers Workshop 21 March 10:00am-17:30 (online)
Changemaking requires tools. This workshop offers you a deep-dive into:
- tools for getting things done that help you see the limiting assumptions of systems around you (deep listening, interpreting language)
- tools for collaborating in ways that empower you and others (collaboration styles)
- and tools for creating, inventing and envisaging (experimentation, inventing, play)
The experience includes plenaries, small group discussion, self-reflection time, creative exercises, and discussions with Jessica Tayenjam, consultant and social innovator and a workshop with Dr Mark Bloomfield, engineer, media expert and CEO of Turbulence
Open to all Homertonians and recent alumni. Limited places available for non Homerton students
Changemakers Catalyst Fund Development Day 16 Mar 15:30-20:00 @Fellows Dining Room (in person). Register by 12 March 5pm!
Do you want to make a positive change in the world? Are you building - or planning to build - an enterprise, product, initiative, campaign, or creative project that will help move us to a more just, sustainable and regenerative future? The Changemakers Catalyst Fund will be awarding 5 grants of up to 2K each for initiatives in any field - from tech to politics, arts and business - led by Homerton students . Applications open 20 Mar 2023 and close on 27 April 5pm.
Ahead of submitting an application you’re invited to join leading innovators, entrepreneurs and academics to hone your project ideas and techniques for proposing it. Network with others to find your team! Learn how to make a strong pitch – understand emerging trends – meet industry leaders, entrepreneurs and innovation specialists – & network over dinner.
#SpeakUpHomerton 2 Mar 19:00-21:.00 @Drawing Room (in person )
Led by Homerton Changemakers Ambassadors Eyal Cohen, Anushka Bhaskar and Najib Sharifi in collaboration with MCR. #SpeakUpHomerton is an event to talk about what matters most to you based on your experiences or based on what is happening in the world! Speak up now, and bring forward the future you want to see. Just drop by the Drawing Room on 2 March 2023 at 7pm. No registration needed!
Dinner with a Leader: Kirsty Gill, Chief People Officer, ARM 1 Mar 18:30-21:00 @Drawing Room (in person)
We're proud to be hosting a dinner with Kirsty Gill, Chief People Officer at ARM LTD, one of the largest tech companies in the world. Kirsty will speak about her own career journey and shares her success and war stories to illustrate how she got to be where she is today. She will also talk about her vision and passion for the future of work and how it might look like. Along the way, she will share information and tips about what large multinational corporates look for when recruiting. At the end of her talk there will be an opportunity to ask questions.
A Growth Mindset 24 February, 19:00 - 20:30 @ Drawing Room
Led by Homerton Changemaker Ambassadors, Reyhannisa Haji, Deborah Esan, and Jesimiel Akinsuyi, in collaboration with Homerton Black & Minority Ethnic society.
Join us for an uplifting event to meet recently graduated BME almuni talk about how they overcame any difficulties they faced during their time at Cambridge as an undergraduate.
Accessing Changemaking 25 Jan 19:00-20:30 @Drawing Room (in person)
Led by our Changemaker Ambassador Vita Pearl, this is a workshop to explore how we can accommodate a range of access needs when running events and sharing information on social media. This would be ideal for anybody who organises events, or is involved with student societies and committees. No registration required, just drop by the Drawing Room shortly before 7pm!
Change in the Community 30 Jan 16:00-20:00 @Fellows Dining Room (This event is now fully booked)
Cambridge is the most unequal city in the UK! - the poorest 20% of our city take home just 2% of the wealth, while 19% is held by the richest 6% of residents. Local charities are doing their best to help communities who are helping families and children from disadvantaged and deprived backgrounds as well as those who are homeless.
Join Homerton Changemakers, in collaboration with HUS , MCR and our Changemaker Ambassadors for an enlightening late afternoon event on 30 Jan (4 – 8pm) where we have invited a few local Cambridge-based charities to come and give a short presentation about what their activities are and how and what type of help they need from you! There will be ample networking opportunities with these charities over pizza and beers after the presentations. Open to all students from all colleges
Self: A Changemakers mini virtual residential 6 Dec (online)
The ‘SELF’ mini-residential offers you a deep-dive into: understanding your strengths, behaviours and tendencies; honing your self-leadership skills particularly in terms of influence and power; and connecting that power your daily work so you can be less anxious and more effective. The experience includes plenaries, small group discussion, self-reflection time, creative exercises, a workshop with the Tavistock Institute (one of the UK’s leading consultancies on self and group understanding), and a panel conversation.
Changemaker Conversations Every Tuesday in term 5.15pm-6.30pm @Griffin Bar
Drinks, snacks & roundtable conversation with fellow Changemakers - learn, inspire, meet, and build a community of Changemaking practice. No booking needed - simply drop by.
Special guests - authors, medics, journalists, artists, CEOs, academics, activists - will be joining us throughout the year (details here). It's a chance to meet experienced Changemakers & have an actual conversation away from the formalities of a lecture or seminar.
Wine and Cheese evening with the JCR & MCR 23 Nov 7-9pm @Combination Room (in person) Deadline to register: 19 Nov pm
Come and join us for Wine and Cheese with the JCR & MCR! This will be the opportunity to meet fellow Changemaker students, chat to Changemaker Ambassadors & meet some of the Changemaker community. Wine, cheese and a great atmosphere all be provided. All Homerton students are welcome
An Open Mic Meeting with the MCR: Talking about what troubles us and what needs to be changed 16 Nov 7.30-8.30pm @Drawing Room (in person)
Led by Changemakers Ambassadors Eyal Cohen, Anushka Bhaskar and Najib Sharifi in collaboration with MCR. Have a drink, some food, and come and talk about what matters to you! This is an open mic meeting for everyone to address the issues and speak up! (No booking needed - simply drop by)
Get Started with your Social Enterprise 16 Nov (online)
We are sponsoring 10 places for our Changemakers students to attend a half-day online practical workshop on how to start your own social enterprise – a new business with social impact at its core. In the application form, please don't forget to mention 'Homerton Changemakers' to be eligible for the free place!
Great Group Work 3 Oct 14:00-15:30 @Fellows Dining Room
This session with Homerton Changemakers offers you a chance to learn strategies for more effective ways to be in groups - whether social, for study, or volunteering. We've taught this material dozens of times and students tell us it works - there are proven ways to increase your confidence & ability to understand others, and to achieve things effectively in groups without resorting to quick wins or unhelpful compromise.
Dinner with a Leader: a roundtable with Glenn Collinson, serial entrepreneur and non-executive director 12 Oct 6.30-9pm @Drawing Room (in person)
We're proud to be hosting Glenn Collinson, a distinguished serial entrepreneur and non-executive director of several public and private companies in the UK and France. Don’t miss out on hearing about his journey as a founder of a company that provided the world with the Bluetooth technology! He will be sharing the wins, the failures, the challenges and the obstacles. This is a small roundtable session, so numbers are limited.
Climate campaign leaders Cindy Forde & Craig Bennett in conversation 29 Sep 19:30-21:00 @North Wing Auditorium
Come and join this year's Changemaker Annual Residential students to hear two visionary activists, campaigners and leaders in conversation, Cindy Forde (Founder and CEO Planetari) and Craig Bennett (CEO, The Wildlife Trusts). Hosted by Dr Alison Wood, Director of Changemakers. Bring your questions!
A Conversation with Lord Simon Woolley 27 Sep 19:30-21:00 @North Wing Auditorium
Come and join this year's Changemaker Annual Residential students to hear Homerton's dynamic and visionary new Principal Lord Simon Woolley. In conversation with Dr Alison Wood, Director of Homerton Changemakers. Bring your questions!
Changemakers Annual Autumn Residential 25-30 Sep
Come and spend a week building transformational leadership, skills, and networks crucial for shifting the dial in our world. The Autumn residential is an intensive, immersive & multidisciplinary programme, focused on helping you develop a toolkit for life - your purpose and motivation; understanding power and how it works; an ethical, justice-focused core; and the ability to get things done and be truly impactful.
Cambridge Wireless CWTechsters programme, supported by Homerton Changemakers
Homerton Changemakers is a supporting partner for the CWTechsters programme which is designed to help boost your digital skills ( for 16-22 years old). For more information and to apply for a place for free , please visit here . Deadline is 7 Nov 2022
Changemaker Conversations. Every Tuesday in term 5.15pm-6.30pm @Griffin Bar
Drinks, snacks and conversation with fellow Changemakers. (No booking needed - simply drop by)
Changemakers Seed Fund Applications are now closed
Are you building - or planning to build - an enterprise, product, initiative, campaign, or creative project that will help move us to a more just, sustainable and regenerative future? The fund is explicitly to support ventures at the start up stage, where seed funding of this kind will make a substantive difference to the likely success of your project/product. Winning groups will be supported by intensive mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs and industry leaders from our industry partner Cambridge Wireless.
Modern Charisma Course 10-15 June @Skillicorn Room (in person)*
How you present & speak can be a game-changer for your changemaking ability and leadership. This sequence of 4 workshops focuses on building an authentic, persuasive public persona. Through understanding the history of rhetoric, practice in building arguments, & practical sessions on speech, breath and body, you'll learn the 'rules' of contemporary charisma so you can see through, challenge, and deploy it wisely. Led by Professor Michael Burke
*If you'd like to attend but can't because of exams etc please let us know & we can look at running the programme again in a non-exam term
Get Started with your Social Enterprise 14 June 9.30-1pm (online)
We are sponsoring 10 places for our Changemakers students to attend a half-day online practical workshop on how to start your own social enterprise – a new business with social impact at its core. In the application form, please don't forget to mention 'Homerton Changemakers' to be eligible for the free place!
Dinner with a Leader: a roundtable with Peter Cowley 26 May 7-9pm @Drawing Room (in person)
We're proud to be hosting Peter Cowley a distinguished, award-winning, serial entrepreneur and investor. Until recently Peter was the Chair of Cambridge Angels and President Emeritus of the European Business Angels Network. He'll be sharing his experiences as an entrepreneur and investor - the wins, the failures, the challenges, & obstacles - and stories of some of the start-ups he's invested in. Come to this intimate dinner to converse, learn and meet Peter and others interested in clever entrepreneurialism.
Changemakers Mentoring Scheme July-Sep 2022
An opportunity to work closely with an experienced mentor - Cambridge alumni, members of the Changemakers network - focusing on your career, aspirations, life.
An Open Mic Meeting: Celebrating Life in Words 27 April 7.30-8.30pm @Fellows Dining Room (in person)
Led by Changemakers Ambassadors Hardika Kukreja & Najib Sharifi and supported by Homerton Changemakers. Let's talk about what is troubling us and what needs to be changed. This is an open mic meeting for everyone to address the issues and speak up! (No booking needed - simply drop by)
Changemaker Conversations. Every Tuesday in term 5.15pm-6.30pm @Griffin Bar
Drinks, snacks and conversation with fellow Changemakers. (No booking needed - simply drop by)
Mind Management: Creating Change from Within, a Virtual Residential 23-24 Mar 2022 (online)
Many of us have busy, stressful lives and we also face huge planetary challenges in the form of climate emergency and pandemic disease. A major part of succeeding in this world -and making positive, profound change- is how you manage your perspectives & emotions, your thought-processes & internal narratives.
Compassionate Mind Training : Self-criticism: Does it help, or get in the way? 22 Mar 2022 10am-1pm (online)
Self-criticism can be incredibly common in high achievers and perfectionists. In this workshop you'll explore how self-criticism can feel necessary but might not be as helpful as we think.
'Disability, Activism, Allyship' A Roundtable Conversation with Elizabeth Wright 17 Feb 2022 5-6pm
Elizabeth is paralympic medalist, disability allyship consultant, editor and writer. Hear Elizabeth's story and join a compelling conversation on disability activism, allyship, & inclusion. Part of Homerton Inclusion Week (online)
Mentoring Scheme: Jan - June 2022
An opportunity to work closely with an experienced mentor - Cambridge alumni, members of the Changemakers network - focusing on your career, aspirations, life.
Compassionate Mind Training: an experiential approach, with Hilary McLellan & Dr Ashleigh McLellan 6 Dec 2021 10am-1pm
Communicate: Disrupt: Transform. A Virtual Residential 2-3 Dec 2021
A deep-dive into communications for a diffuse, disrupted era. What do you say and why? How do you say it? How do you build a campaign? What tools are the best to use, and in what context? How do you build a compelling story? Why is that important? How do you communicate well with others? Are the assumptions you hold about how and why you communicate the best sort? (Spoiler: they might not be).
Lateral Thinking: with novelist, travel writer and journalist Sarah Tucker 3 Nov 2021 4-5pm (online)
Motivation Reset: How to Sustain Motivation During Challenging Times with Sharath Jeevan 22 Oct 2021 4-6pm (Fellows Dining Room)
'Not your Usual Leadership Programme' Virtual Residential 30 Jun-1 Jul 2021
An intensive exploration of contemporary leadership, modern power & influence in the context of current systems.
Changemakers Roundtable Series 6 May & 13 May 2021 6pm
A chance to meet with Rupert Baines, serial entrepreneur and investor, to explore the how and why of a start-up journey. We're keeping this one small so you'll have scope for real conversation: but book early to secure a spot.
Project University 3 May 2021 6-7.30pm
Changemaker ambassadors Zoe Swanick and Kenji Misawa are inviting you to a roundtable to discuss The Future of University. If you could create your own University from scratch, what would it look like?
Poetry and Unknowability Workshop 28 April 2021 7-8.30pm
With Dr Mariah Whelan, Jacqueline Bardsley Poet-in-Residence, Homerton College. This workshop explores methods for incorporating poetic thinking into your study and research practice.
Entrepreneurialism, Innovation & Intrapreneurialism: A Virtual Residential 23-24 March 2021
An immersive virtual residential focused on honing your skills in building 'something from nothing', drawing on various models of innovation; exploring tools essential for leadership, and meeting standout entrepreneurs, guest faculty and coaches.
Homerton PAUSE Fortnightly Wednesdays 7-8.30pm
A discussion group with senior members of the Homerton Community on topics made more pressing by COVID-19.
Self Leadership: Exploring yourself and your relationship to leadership 17 Feb 2021 12-3pm
(in partnership with the Tavistock Institute, London)
This workshop explores the qualities that makes us unique: the skills, knowledge and experiences that each of us bring to the roles we have amongst friends and family, & when we study & work. Seeing the overlaps between those roles, and the values that define them, can be a powerful way to understand leadership in its most intersectional and diverse forms.
Visual Voices: Using arts and creativity to make change 23 & 30 Jan 2021
An experiential workshop introducing the unique approach of ‘visual voices’, a powerful research tool for illuminating challenges and creating dynamic change. Led by Dr Maja Spanu and Tim Archer.
Homerton PAUSE Fortnightly, Nov-Dec 2020
An opportunity for the Homerton Community to take time out, pause, & discuss big ideas with friends. Regular Wednesdays 7.30 - 8.30pm (online)
Lego Serious Play 10 Nov 2020
On problem solving and communicating, using real Lego! With Dr Geraint Wyn Story
Changemaker 101: A Virtual Residential 28-29 Sep 2020
A 2-day programme for Homerton students who want to make sustainable, profound change. The world needs people able to facilitate wise thinking and action at every level - personal, societal, global. Changemakers is built around the powerful yet simple idea that this is possible given the right conditions. It’s also built on the idea that there is more to be done: that we’re not usually taught how to see complexity with clarity, how to make decisions under duress, how to really connect with others. This workshop will help you develop better questions, challenge limiting assumptions, improve listening, and understand the qualities of changemaking (tools, attributes, mindsets), from making a pitch to getting to deep collaboration quickly.
Changemakers Workshop 101: 15 Jan 2020
This workshop introduces you to the principles of Homerton Changemakers covering four core areas: Changemaker Principles, Leadership, Systems Thinking and Self-Understanding.
Homerton Changemakers Lecture: 25 Feb 2020
Featuring Sue Wilkinson OBE (former CEO of The Reading Agency) who will be talking about 'Embracing Change.'
Changemakers and the Reading Agency - Think Lab Project: 23 Jan-19 Mar 2020
An eight-week programme in which multidisciplinary student teams worked on real, unsolved issues given to them by the charity The Reading Agency, run in partnership with the University's ThinkLab Project
Wine and Cheese Evening celebrating International Women's Day: 9 Mar 2020
A panel discussion organised & chaired by Changemaker Student ambassador Harriet Clark, with Professor Mary Dixon-Woods, Amika George and Dr Maja Spanu
Annual Autumn School (formerly referred to as the Residential) September 2019
A 6-day intensive focused on principles of changemaking & the tools needed for building change initiatives. 10 tutors, 15 guest teachers, 60 students, 1 pitch evening and serious fun
Testimonials
Changemakers has introduced me to a community of wonderful and inspiring people. Each Changemaker event I have attended has left me feeling energised and excited to tackle the big challenges our world is facing today. Having the right values, tools, attitude and people on my side has emboldened me to champion radical positive change.
"Homerton Changemakers is a brilliant and necessary invitation for us to raise our game as humans. To explore how to draw new maps for a world with a future.”
"Homerton Changemakers helped me realise how much push for change there currently is - the programme creates a supportive environment to channel it into proper changemaking."
"Making change by dissenting from old orthodoxies is Homerton’s DNA. At Homerton I learned how to be an agent of change rather than a passive bystander. That’s why I support Changemakers."
“Above all, I feel empowered by the opportunity that Changemakers have given me to deeply connect and exchange ideas with like-minded people of all ages and backgrounds - and a powerful reminder that it is up to our generation, each and every one of us, to make this world a better place to live in.”
