Volunteering

Using entrepreneurship and innovation to drive social and environmental impact.

Seeds for Thought — Enactus Southampton

Project Leader  ·  University of Southampton  ·  April 2023 – June 2024

Background

I joined Enactus Southampton in September 2022 as a project member for Seeds for Thought, helping establish the project's business model and conducting a study on hydroponics that shaped its strategic direction. I was part of the presentation team that pitched the project in the final round of the Action for Impact competition.

In May 2023, I took on the role of project leader, facing the challenge of being the only continuing member. I embraced the challenge as an opportunity for a fresh start, rethinking the project's structure and culture. By the end of summer, I had grown the team from 8 active members to over 35.

Enactus background Enactus background Enactus background

Project Rebranding

I led a strategic pivot away from crop production towards an education-centric approach, informed by conversations with primary school teachers and local farmers. Seeds for Thought now combats food insecurity by empowering primary school children with knowledge of simple hydroponic farming techniques and consistent access to fresh vegetables.

Mini Hydroponic Kit Product Development

I established a product business focused on selling our self-built mini hydroponic kit, with the aim of generating revenue to support our social initiatives. For each product sold, we allocate 50% of our profit to grow more veggies on-site, contributing 100% of our yield to children in need.

I oversee the entire business operation, which includes tasks ranging from product design and market analysis to developing minimum viable products using SPRINT planning. In terms of production, I implemented relevant OKRs to keep our timeline on track.

Hydroponic kit Hydroponic kit build Hydroponic kit detail

Key Achievements

Enactus National Expo — 2nd Place
Competed at the Excel Centre against 60 universities across the UK and Ireland. Shortlisted as one of the top 5 universities alongside Aston, Durham, UEA, and King's College London. The presentation team pitched to over 130 judges across a 5-hour competition.
AIG Learn for Change — 3rd Place
Secured 3rd place in the national competition, earning $700 (USD) in funding. Attended the AIG Insider Session in London to engage with company leaders and gain insights into AIG's business model.
R&Co4Gen Project Dens — Top 10 Finalist
Selected as one of the top 10 finalists from over 30 competing projects, securing £200 in funding after pitching to business leaders at R&Co.
Enactus Leadership Summit
Attended the Summit at Unilever and BDO headquarters in London, gaining insights into Agile team management, leadership strategies, and how to convey Enactus's core values to new members.
Enactus National Expo Enactus National Expo AIG Learn for Change R&Co4Gen Project Dens Enactus Leadership Summit Enactus Workshop

Impact

82
Children impacted across 3 schools
55kg
Materials recycled
54kg
CO₂ saved
Workshop impact Children at workshop Community impact

Over 70% of children who attended workshops expressed great satisfaction with the sessions. The project delivered consistent access to sustainable, affordable fresh produce by equipping children with the knowledge and tools for vegetable cultivation.