"Social Entrepreneurship Herald"

Social Entrepreneurship Herald

June 2025 Newsletter

Youth for Change: Spotlight on Young Social Entrepreneurs.

Dear Social Entrepreneurship Enthusiasts,

welcome to the June 2025 edition of The Social Entrepreneurship Herald! This month’s theme, Youth for Change: Spotlight on Young Social Entrepreneurs, celebrates the bold, brilliant energy of a generation that’s not waiting to make a difference—they’re doing it now. Around the globe, young innovators are tackling complex social and environmental challenges with creativity, urgency, and an unshakable belief in a better future.

In a featured article, “Under 30, Overachieving - Meet the Young Changemakers Shaping Tomorrow,’’ we highlight a diverse group of under-30 social entrepreneurs who are rewriting the rules of impact. From reimagining mental health support with AI to democratizing access to education, from sustainable fashion to blockchain-powered civic reform—these young leaders are creating lasting change, right where they are.

Their stories are not just inspiring—they’re instructive. They show us what it means to lead with vision, resilience, and community at heart. Whether you’re looking to support, collaborate, or launch your own venture, we hope this edition fuels your passion and reminds you that change has no age limit.

Let’s celebrate the future as it is already here, and it’s being built by youth.

Under 30, Overachieving - Meet the Young Changemakers Shaping Tomorrow🚀 🌟 🙌

In an era marked by unprecedented challenges—from the climate emergency and widening social inequalities to rapid technological shifts and global health crises—the world’s youth are no longer content to wait on the sidelines. The young leaders of today are bold, imaginative, and relentless, transforming their visions into action and building better futures in real time. They are proving that age is no barrier to impact, and their stories offer a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.

Here, we spotlight ten extraordinary under-30 changemakers across continents and causes—each uniquely driven by purpose and armed with innovative ideas. These individuals are not just “leaders of tomorrow,” but architects of a new era, using their voices, creativity, and grit to reshape society.

Alyssa Carson (USA) — Aspiring Astronaut & Girls in STEM Advocate.

Alyssa Carson’s dreams have always reached beyond the stars—literally. At just 24 years old, she is already a recognized figure in the world of space exploration and STEM advocacy. As an aspiring astronaut who aims to be among the first humans on Mars, Alyssa embodies the spirit of curiosity and determination. From her early childhood fascination with space to rigorous training at NASA’s space camps, she has prepared herself with unwavering commitment.

Alyssa’s mission, however, goes beyond her personal ambitions. She is a passionate advocate for girls in STEM, working to shatter gender stereotypes and inspire young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Through speaking engagements, mentorship, and social media outreach, Alyssa amplifies the message that space—and STEM fields broadly—belong to everyone. In doing so, she is planting seeds for a future where diversity fuels discovery and innovation in space exploration.

Richa Gupta (India) — Education Innovator & Social Entrepreneur.

In India, where education access and quality remain deeply uneven, Richa Gupta stands out as a beacon of innovation. As co-founder of the Labhya Foundation, she champions educational initiatives tailored to marginalized communities. Through Labhya, Richa has spearheaded programs that equip children and young adults with practical skills, digital literacy, and vocational training—tools essential for navigating a rapidly changing economy.

Her approach is holistic and community-centric. She collaborates closely with local leaders and leverages technology to bridge gaps in learning. Richa’s social entrepreneurship not only opens doors for individual learners but also strengthens entire communities by fostering economic empowerment. At 29, her vision is clear: education must be inclusive and adaptable, serving as a catalyst for social mobility and equity.

Karimot Odebode (Nigeria) — Poet, Gender Equality Activist & Founder of Black Girl’s Dream.

Through the power of words and art, Karimot Odebode is forging a path towards gender equality in Nigeria. As a poet and activist, she channels her creativity into raising awareness about women’s rights, challenging harmful cultural norms, and amplifying the voices of marginalized Black girls and women.

Her organization, Black Girl’s Dream, creates safe spaces where young women can express themselves freely and build networks of solidarity. Karimot’s poetry events, workshops, and campaigns emphasize empowerment and healing, inspiring a generation to reclaim their narratives and demand justice. At 28, her fusion of artistry and activism embodies the transformative potential of culture in social change.

Heela Yoon (Afghan refugee in UK) — Peace Advocate & Founder of Afghan Youth Ambassadors for Peace.

Heela Yoon’s journey from Afghanistan to the UK has deeply shaped her commitment to peace and youth leadership. As a refugee who has witnessed conflict firsthand, Heela founded the Afghan Youth Ambassadors for Peace, an organization that empowers young Afghans to advocate for reconciliation and stability.

Her work centers on dialogue, education, and community building, fostering connections across divides and encouraging youth participation in peacebuilding processes. Heela’s advocacy highlights the resilience of displaced communities and the vital role of young voices in shaping political futures. Through her leadership, she challenges narratives of victimhood and showcases the agency of Afghan youth in envisioning a peaceful future.

Eddy Frank Vasquez (Dominican Republic) — Climate Activist & Founder of Jeventud Sostenible.

At 29, Eddy Frank Vasquez is a leading voice in the Caribbean’s fight against climate change. As founder of Jeventud Sostenible, Eddy mobilizes youth engagement in sustainability initiatives, advocating for policies that protect vulnerable ecosystems and communities.

His activism includes organizing clean-up campaigns, promoting renewable energy education, and partnering with regional organizations to elevate climate justice on the political agenda. Eddy’s vision is rooted in the intersection of environmental sustainability and social equity, recognizing that vulnerable populations often bear the brunt of climate impacts. Through his work, he fosters grassroots action and global awareness, making him a vital figure in the region’s climate movement.

Okan Dursun (Turkey) — Education and Social Entrepreneur & Co-Founder of Twin Science & Robotics.

Okan Dursun stands at the intersection of technology and education innovation. As co-founder of Twin Science & Robotics, he develops programs that integrate robotics and STEM education for young learners in Turkey and beyond.

His work emphasizes hands-on learning, creativity, and problem-solving skills, preparing students for future careers in tech-driven industries. Okan’s entrepreneurial approach tackles educational disparities by making advanced learning accessible and engaging for diverse communities. Through his initiatives, he cultivates a generation equipped to thrive in the digital age.

Paul Ndhlovu (Zimbabwe) — HIV/AIDS Advocate & Radio Champion at Zvandiri.

At just 26, Paul Ndhlovu is a courageous voice in Zimbabwe’s fight against HIV/AIDS. As a radio champion at Zvandiri, an organization supporting young people living with HIV, Paul uses media to educate, destigmatize, and empower affected communities.

His outreach efforts combine storytelling, peer counseling, and health education, making complex information accessible and relatable. Paul’s work challenges discrimination and promotes holistic care, recognizing the social and emotional dimensions of health. His leadership inspires youth to take charge of their wellbeing and advocate for inclusive health policies.

Emmanuel Ganse (Benin) — Civic and Digital Rights Campaigner & President of Tonafa Institute.

Emmanuel Ganse is at the forefront of protecting civic space and amplifying youth voices in Benin and across Africa. At 27, Emmanuel leads the Tonafa Institute, a youth-led think tank focused on civic education, good governance, and digital rights. Through training programs, policy advocacy, and grassroots mobilization, he equips young people with the tools to engage meaningfully in democratic processes—both online and offline.

Under Emmanuel’s leadership, the Tonafa Institute has become a critical platform for empowering the next generation of changemakers. From combating misinformation to promoting open government, his efforts reflect a deep commitment to inclusive civic engagement in a digital age. Emmanuel’s activism is bold and timely, challenging repressive norms while opening new avenues for youth-led policy influence and innovation.

The Young Architects of Change.

These changemakers represent only a fraction of the dynamic youth-led movements shaping our world today. Their stories reveal a shared commitment to justice, equity, and sustainability, fueled by creativity and courage. They teach us that real change is possible when we listen to and support the visions of young people.

As we face global crises with growing urgency, their bold leadership offers a roadmap for collective action. Their diverse paths—whether through science, art, activism, or entrepreneurship—demonstrate that the future belongs to those who dare to build it.

Change doesn’t wait. And neither do the ones who lead it.

Upcoming Events📅:    

• 11-13 June

      3rd Africa Impact Summit

      - ​​Accra, Ghana   

• 15-16 June

      Social Finance Forum 2025

      - Toronto, Canada

• 25 June

      Empowering WISEs for a Sustainable Future: 

      GreenBoost4WISEs Final Conference

      - Brussels, Belgium

• 21-29 June 

       London Climate Action Week

      - London, UK and Online

• 27-28 June

      Social Business Day 2025

      - Samajik Convention Centre, Zirabo, 

         Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh

• 30-31 May

      4th International Conference on Financing 

      for Development

      - Seville, Spain

News Briefs📰:

• On 2–5 June, the Philea Forum, the annual gathering organized by the Philanthropy Europe Association (Philea), took place in Lisbon, Portugal, hosted by Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian. The event brought together philanthropy professionals, foundation representatives, and stakeholders from across the European philanthropic sector to explore the timely theme, “Power and Equality: A Balancing Act.”

• On 3-4 June, in San Francisco, US, the Social Innovation Summit 2025: Navigating the New Era convened the world’s most dynamic leaders, thinkers, and doers around the audacious goal of sparking partnerships that redefine what’s possible in social impact. This year’s theme, Navigating the New Era, addressed the challenges and opportunities of our times—from economic and political uncertainty to breakthroughs in AI, climate solutions, and equity. The summit provided a vital space for leaders to exchange ideas, build trust, and explore ways to move forward with clarity, purpose, and collective action.

• On 3–4 June, the Annual Conference on Legal Issues in Social Entrepreneurship and Impact Investing took place in New York City, hosted by New York University’s Grunin Center. The event brought together lawyers, policymakers, and impact investors to discuss key legal challenges and recent developments in the fields of social entrepreneurship and impact investing.

• On 4–5 June, the Latin American Impact Investment Summit (CLIIQ) took place in Quito, Ecuador. The conference brought together impact investors, social entrepreneurs, policymakers, and other members of the impact community to address key social and environmental issues in Latin America. This year’s discussions focused on the intersection of climate and gender, the role of technology in sustainable development, and building impact ecosystems through collective action.

• On 4–7 June, the 45th Babson College Entrepreneurship Research Conference (BCERC) was held in person at Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts. The academic event brought together scholars and researchers from the field of entrepreneurship to share insights and advancements in entrepreneurial research.

• On 11 June 2025, a webinar under the EU GPP Helpdesk explored the use of reserved contracts in advancing sustainable public procurement. The session focused on how public buyers can integrate social objectives through provisions in the EU Public Procurement Directive 2014/24/EU, particularly Articles 20 and 77. Speakers shared practical examples and strategies for implementing Sustainable and Responsible Public Procurement (SRPP). The event underscored the power of procurement as a lever for social inclusion and impact.

• On 11–12 June 2025, Australia’s first Social Enterprise Jobs Summit took place in Melbourne. The two-day conference brought together jobs-focused social enterprises alongside representatives from government, philanthropy, and corporate sectors to collaborate towards creating “a future where all have access to decent work.”

• On 11–13 June 2025, the ICA CCR Europe 2025 Conference took place in Helsinki, Finland, bringing together cooperative researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from across Europe. The event served as a vital platform for discussing the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities within the cooperative movement, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange across sectors.

*OurBook Club📚:

This month, The Social Entrepreneurship Herald recommends ‘’Be a Changemaker: How to Start Something That Matters’’ by Laurie Ann Thompson—a dynamic and empowering guide for young people ready to turn their passion into purpose. This book offers practical steps, real-world examples, and inspiring stories that show how anyone, regardless of age or experience, can launch a meaningful social venture. With accessible tools for idea development, team building, and impact planning, Be a Changemaker is both a motivational read and a hands-on resource—ideal for youth, educators, and anyone committed to supporting the next generation of change leaders.

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The voices in this piece remind us that hope is not naive—it’s radical. It’s a strategy. It’s the engine of progress. These young changemakers are proof. Let their stories not just move you—but mobilize you.

With unwavering hope,

Dr. Agatha K. Rokicki, D.B.A., B.S.

© Social Entrepreneurship Research Institute.