LSE Impact Talks

Episode 10: Sustainable and Scalable Business Models in Social Organisations with María Camila Chacón

✨ The Last Episode is Here! 🚀 In this final episode, we dive into an inspiring conversation with María Camila Chacón, a sustainability professional from Colombia, who is driving change through social impact initiatives across Latin America. She has worked with NGOs and social enterprises, where her expertise lies in developing sustainable models and capacity-building programs to help social organisations become more adaptable and financially stable. Maria is recipient of Chevening Awards and is currently pursuing MSc in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Her journey reflects a deep passion for driving long-term change by developing scalable frameworks that empower social organisations. Tune in to our latest episode to hear more about Maria’s inspiring journey, the lessons she’s learned from launching impactful programs, and her vision for how legislation and philanthropy can support social impact initiatives. She also shares valuable advice for aspiring Chevening scholars and offers insights from her experiences at LSE. As we wrap up, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our listeners for joining us on this journey. Your support has been crucial in exploring global issues and highlighting the changemakers who are making a real difference.

Episode 9: Empowering Farmers and Reducing Food Waste in Africa with Martin Lutherking Aduko

In our ninth episode, we’re joined by Martin Lutherking Aduko, co-founder of Brown Technology and a social entrepreneur tackling food waste in Ghana. Growing up witnessing post-harvest losses, Martin’s passion for change led him to design non-electricity-reliant cooling systems to reduce food waste for farmers in rural areas. This innovation laid the foundation for Brown Technology, a social enterprise committed to creating sustainable solutions for food security in Ghana. Currently pursuing his MSc in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the London School of Economics, Martin is also a Standard Bank Africa Chairman’s Scholar and a Global Student Entrepreneur Awards 2024 finalist. Follow Martin’s journey as he leads Brown Technology towards a more sustainable future for food security and empowers farmers to thrive!

Episode 8: Social Work and Refugee Support with Lucas Soto

We’re excited to have Lucas Soto with us on the LSE Impact Talks! Luke’s journey in the non-profit sector has been both diverse and impactful. Luke began his career with AmeriCorps, where he connected retirees with local non-profits and then worked as a mobile librarian in Pittsburgh. After his master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia University, specialising in in international social work and refugee services, he went on to serve as a caseworker for homeless young adults and unaccompanied minors seeking asylum in the U.S.    Luke has dedicated his career to driving social impact, and recently shaped Miami’s non-profit landscape through a county-wide capacity-building initiative. Now, he’s pursuing an MSc in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship at The London School of Economics.   And did we mention he’s also a gamer and pub crawl enthusiast? Tune in to hear Luke’s story and gain insights from his unique experiences. You won’t want to miss this one!

Episode 7: Impact Management and Sustainability with Macarena Martinez

In our latest episode of LSE Impact Talks, we’re joined by Macarena Martinez, a dedicated impact management and sustainability professional with experience in both the nonprofit and startup sectors. Macarena’s journey is one of passion and purpose. From spearheading initiatives that drive social and environmental change to providing strategic guidance as a member of the Board of Trustees for LAFF—a UK-based charity enhancing educational access in rural Peru. Currently, Macarena is deepening her knowledge at the London School of Economics, pursuing MSc in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Driven by her love for nature, she’s also leading a sustainable business initiative aimed at combating deforestation in the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest through regenerative agroforestry. Join us as we dive into Macarena's story, explore her approach to sustainability, and her vision for a more equitable future.

Episode 6: Transforming Lives Behind Bars with Mahefarivo Thierry

We're thrilled to have Mahefarivo Thierry join us on the podcast today!  Thierry, a Chevening Scholarship recipient, is pursuing MSc in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the London School of Economics and making an impact as a social entrepreneur from Madagascar. He's transforming the lives of prisoners by providing them with meaningful employment through his social enterprise, which specialises in customisable embroidered clothing. In this episode, we dive into: * His journey in Madagascar and the challenges he overcame * The impact of his work on prisoners  * His enriching experience at the London School of Economics  * Valuable advice for prospective Chevening scholars  * And much more! Tune in to hear how Thierry is weaving hope and changing lives, one stitch at a time.