Emergent Thinkers™

As November 2024 drew to a close this weekend, I was filled with gratitude and joy reflecting on a month of extraordinary milestones. The month began with the recognition of our Enterprise Education research paper at ISBE 2024 and then brought even more reasons to celebrate: the Harmonious Entrepreneurship Society (HES) marking its fourth anniversary, being named runner-up for the UK National Enterprise Network Award, and joining the Rotary Club family.

HES Turns 4

Since David’s and my founding of HES during Global Entrepreneurship Week in 2020, we have remained steadfast in our mission to reimagine entrepreneurship as a force for positive change. Over the past four years, we have collectively achieved so much: publishing seven refereed journal articles, four book chapters, two bilingual booklets, and over 180 case studies and vignettes. Our reach extends from local Welsh classrooms to international partnerships, supported by bilingual resources, dynamic competitions, and a successful internship program. Each initiative proves that entrepreneurship can effectively balance profit, people, and planet while tackling global challenges. These contributions highlight that entrepreneurship can balance profit, people, and the planet, addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Recognition at the UK National Enterprise Network Awards
Adding to the celebrations, HES is delighted to share that we were honoured to be shortlisted for the UK National Enterprise Network Award for Innovation in Education, an award presented in association with Barclays and supported by WE ARE UMi. While the top prize was deservedly awarded to Buckinghamshire Business First, we take immense pride in being recognised as the runner-up in this prestigious category.

This recognition underscores the impact and importance of our innovative approach to entrepreneurship education, which integrates sustainability, inclusivity, and practical learning. Being shortlisted for this award I hope is testament to our unwavering commitment to equip future change agents with the skills, entrepreneurial mindset, and ethical foundations needed to drive positive, sustainable change

Joining the Rotary family

In a perfect alignment with my own mission of community impact, I’m thrilled to have become officially a member of the Rotary Club. Their powerful mission statement – “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves” – perfectly resonates. This new chapter offers exciting opportunities to contribute to Rotary’s intergenerational initiatives. My experience in education and community development has shown how cross-generational collaboration creates powerful learning opportunities. I look forward to supporting Youth Speaks, Young Chef, and RYLA while connecting these with entrepreneurial education and sustainable development – creating meaningful impact across generations.

Rotary’s “Service Above Self” principle mirrors my commitment to fostering sustainable change through education and entrepreneurship. As part of this global network, I aim to bridge educational innovation with community development, empowering young leaders to address real-world challenges. I’m especially grateful to my sponsor and President Cerith Owens, whose guidance and support have made this journey possible.

As I take joy in all that December offers, I look forward to the new milestones ahead! In education, entrepreneurship, and community-building.

Felicity