Two Edinburgh Global staff have received the 2022-23 Changemaker award. Inga Ackerman and Izi Robe have been recognised for the positive impact they have made within the University through their socially responsible projects, and their commitment to encouraging others to act in a more socially responsible or sustainable way. Inga Ackerman Online Learning and Leadership Coordinator, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme Inga has been supporting students and staff affected by the crisis in Ukraine, both professionally and personally, from the very beginning. When not working in Edinburgh Global to coordinate the University’s global emergency response, Inga helps the Ukrainian refugees that have moved into her neighbourhood in Leith. Inga’s community focus is one her many strengths, and it drives her commitment to building communities, connecting people with opportunities, and advocating for those in need. Ukraine The University of Edinburgh is a community of changemakers. It is an honour to be in a place where you can affect someone’s life meaningfully through research, teaching, volunteering, and looking after communities locally and globally. I often learned about the amazing projects people do outside of their core work at a tea break or after a meeting is over. Recognizing individuals and groups committed to positive change is a sign of appreciation and encouragement. Changing the world for better is what defines us. Inga Ackerman Izi Robe Administrator, Edinburgh Earth Initiative Izi relentlessly pursues every opportunity to act on the climate crisis whilst supporting and inspiring others to do the same. This exceptional effort expands far beyond her working hours and contracted role. Outside work, Izi leads sustainable practice and climate action. She is an active member of 2050 Climate Group’s Young Leaders Development Programme, having recently delivered a workshop at a local gallery to engage people in political climate activism by creating postcards depicting their vision for a climate-friendly future for Edinburgh to send to their local Councillor or MSP. She also volunteers on an outdoor education programme for young girls in Edinburgh and is a mentor for students interested in careers in social change. Edinburgh Earth Initiative Having moved to Scotland just before the pandemic, volunteering has provided me with an amazing way to get to know my new home and positively benefit my community and it’s wonderful to be recognised for this by the University. Pouring my energy into taking climate action[KG1] [GC2] has always felt like the right thing to do and I love getting involved with so many inspiring projects in Edinburgh and nationally that are creating the future we need for people and the planet. Izi Robe How to nominate a changemaker Each year, University of Edinburgh staff and students can nominate a colleague or themselves to be considered for the award. Nominees must have recently worked beyond their normal role or programme of study to benefit fellow students and staff. This work can be in our local community (within Edinburgh and the Lothians) or in other communities worldwide. Examples could be: Going above and beyond the expectations of a task to incorporate sustainability into a project or assignment Organising a team sustainability challenge that improved the environment and brought people together Volunteering in the local community to tackle social inequality or improve wellbeing Embedding climate awareness into teaching Organising a successful online event to raise awareness of a particular Sustainable Development Goal or related issue Supporting a community elsewhere in the world to become more sustainable Successfully encouraging friends, classmates, or colleagues to make sustainable changes to their daily lives Applications are closed, but more information on the Changemaker award, and other sustainability awards, is available online. Changemaker award University of Edinburgh sustainability awards This article was published on 2024-06-24
