We are the ancestors of our future: a generation that will either be celebrated for its activism or blamed for its apathy. It is for us to choose optimism, to make changes and to create the future we want.

Lily Cole

Aug 05, 2024

Princess Agina

Community and Project Management Executive, Laidlaw Foundation

We are the ancestors of our future: a generation that will either be celebrated for its activism or blamed for its apathy. It is for us to choose optimism, to make changes and to create the future we want.

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Reflecting on last week’s Scholar Spotlight with @Lucia Laffan from the @University of Cambridge, we are reminded of the inspiring words of Lily Cole, a leader Lucia greatly admires. Lucia shared, “She may not be an obvious leader, but she is my most inspiring leader. I appreciate her quiet activism and deep passion.” This admiration beautifully aligns with the wisdom of Lily Cole, whose words teach us about the power of optimism and activism.

Lily Cole: "We are the ancestors of our future: a generation that will either be celebrated for its activism or blamed for its apathy. It is for us to choose optimism, to make changes and to create the future we want."

Photo credit: David Shankbone, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Journey of a "Quiet Activist"

Lily Cole, born on December 27, 1987, in Torquay, England, is not just a model and actress, but a passionate activist. After earning a double first in History of Art from the University of Cambridge, she leveraged her success in fashion and film to advocate for environmental sustainability, social justice, and ethical consumerism.

Activism and Impact

Cole co-founded Impossible, a social network that fosters a culture of giving and receiving help. She actively supports environmental campaigns and serves as an ambassador for the Environmental Justice Foundation. Beyond her many documentaries, Lily has penned insightful books that further her advocacy. “Who Cares Wins: Reasons for Optimism in Our Changing World” (recommended by Lucia!) is a compelling read that addresses global challenges while highlighting the positive steps being taken to tackle them. It’s a call to action, encouraging readers to adopt a proactive and optimistic approach towards creating a sustainable future. Another notable work, “Impossible Utopias,” is her graduate thesis that blends photography and essays to delve into the concept of utopia and the potential for a better world, offering a unique perspective on societal improvement.

Through her documentaries and books, Lily Cole embodies the Laidlaw values of being #Curious, #Good, and #Determined. Her dedication to raising awareness and inspiring change through education and creativity is commendable, making her an inspiring leader and advocate for a brighter, more sustainable future.

Leadership Through Optimism and Change

Lily Cole’s quote reminds us that we hold the power to shape the future through our actions today. Her words highlight the importance of optimism and proactive change, encouraging us to leave a legacy of activism rather than apathy.

Poster image credit: OFFICIAL LEWEB PHOTOS, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Princess Agina (She/Her)

Community and Project Management Executive, Laidlaw Foundation

Embracing the vibrant world of the Laidlaw Foundation, first as a Laidlaw Scholar at Oxford University's Saïd Business School and now as the Community and Project Management Executive, has been an exciting journey. Nurturing our vast online community, working closely with partners, and supporting internal projects are just a few highlights of my role at the Foundation. Working at the Foundation and on my startup ConnectU is something that I cherish.

Off-duty, I'm often found at the piano🎹, mesmerized in a theatre🎭, or painting away the night with friends🎨. If our paths align in interests or work, why not connect? Ping me, and let's connect on LinkedIn.