SOS Kinderdorf runs Making Impact Visible in Nepal. Scholars join a small media team to document programmes for children, young people and families. Over several weeks in summer, they plan and carry out field visits with SOS colleagues in locations such as Kathmandu, Itahari and Pokhara, capturing photos and short videos, gathering stories, and producing clear and ethical communications materials. Strong photography or video editing skills and fluent English are expected, and safeguarding standards apply. Discover the project details, timelines, tips and first-hand reflections in the LSN room.: https://laidlawscholars.network/rooms/sos-kinderdorf?

Sydney Animals for Everyone Rehoming (SAFE) is a volunteer-run organisation supporting unwanted and vulnerable cats through care, socialisation, and adoption, with a community that is compassionate and supportive. Responsibilities & Ideal Background Typical activities include cat socialisation and daily care, assisting with adoption enquiries and community outreach, and helping with simple digital materials for events and awareness. A good fit is someone passionate about animals, patient, and ready to work closely in a team. Skills in social media or community engagement are helpful for promoting adoption and events. LiA Champion Our LiA Champion is Rong Hua. Curious about this project but not sure where to start? They can share candid insights from their experience—what the work involved, skills that proved useful, and pointers for exploring a good fit. Please contact them via the Laidlaw Scholars Network: https://laidlawscholars.network/users/rong-hua Organisation Contact SAFE – Sydney Animals for Everyone Rehoming Email: sue@saferehoming.com.au

A global community that connects engaged citizens, entrepreneurs and organizations to build an inclusive and sustainable society together. Through the re_action for impact programme, scholars take part in a six-week full-time summer experience with local partners to mobilise communities and deliver concrete actions on social and environmental challenges. Explore toolkits, videos and past scholar reflections: https://laidlawscholars.network/rooms/make_sense-re_action? Country focus In Medellín, scholars engage with creative-industries innovation to strengthen social cohesion and inclusion. Working alongside social enterprises and cultural organisations, you’ll co-create projects that build opportunities for youth in vulnerable communities, foster neighbourhood ties, and contribute to long-term peace and social resilience through arts, culture, and design-led interventions.

Big Group Hug mobilises community support to meet the immediate needs of vulnerable children and their families in Melbourne. Responsibilities & Ideal Background A balance of responsibility and support, with exposure to different areas depending on interest. Scholars may work closely with leadership and contribute ideas across events and projects. A good fit is someone happy to rotate through varied tasks; the environment is supportive and welcoming. LiA Champion Our LiA Champion is Elena Law. Curious about this project but not sure where to start? They can share candid insights from their experience—what the work involved, skills that proved useful, and pointers for exploring a good fit. Please contact them via the Laidlaw Scholars Network: https://laidlawscholars.network/users/elena-law/content Organisation Contact Big Group Hug Email: bernadene@biggrouphug.org

INCAE’s social impact research division promotes ethical, sustainable leadership informed by current development challenges. The ALSALUS partnership aims to increase breast-cancer screening for rural women in Costa Rica. Responsibilities & Ideal Background Qualitative, research-oriented work tailored to interests, with strong supervisor support and an independent work environment. A good fit is social, outgoing, and hard-working—able to self-manage deadlines. Work is likely more qualitative than quantitative; communication, research, and language skills are valuable. LiA Champion Our LiA Champion is Katherine Ward. Curious about this project but not sure where to start? They can share candid insights from their experience—what the work involved, skills that proved useful, and pointers for exploring a good fit. Please contact them via the Laidlaw Scholars Network: https://laidlawscholars.network/users/katherine-ward Organisation Contact INCAE – Social Impact / ALSALUS Email: ignacio.sanchez@incae.edu

Serve the City Paris is part of a global Anglophone volunteer movement. In Paris, the chapter focuses on food distribution for people experiencing homelessness and language exchanges in English and French for asylum seekers. Learn more at https://www.servethecity.paris/ Responsibilities & Ideal Background Activities span daytime volunteering through a structured S.A.V.E internship with specialised workshops alongside regular charity work and CSR events. Experience with homeless or displaced populations is not required but helpful. A good fit is someone interested in food systems/repurposing waste food, language exchanges, corporate events, or fundraising for essential supplies and services. Although the organisation is Anglophone, improving French can enhance the experience. LiA Champion Our LiA Champion is Sali Adams. Curious about this project but not sure where to start? They can share candid insights from their experience—what the work involved, skills that proved useful, and pointers for exploring a good fit. Please contact them via the Laidlaw Scholars Network: https://laidlawscholars.network/users/sali-adams Organisation Contact Serve the City Paris Zuzanna Houjeiri, Program Coordinator Email: zuzanna.houjeiri@servethecity.paris

A global community that connects engaged citizens, entrepreneurs and organizations to build an inclusive and sustainable society together. Through the re_action for impact programme, scholars take part in a six-week full-time summer experience with local partners to mobilise communities and deliver concrete actions on social and environmental challenges. Explore toolkits, videos and past scholar reflections: https://laidlawscholars.network/rooms/make_sense-re_action? Country focus In Mexico City, scholars work at the intersection of climate change and its social impacts and gender violence. You’ll partner with grassroots organisations to enhance urban resilience (e.g., water management, equitable adaptation) and to support community-driven initiatives that empower women and advance gender equity. Expect deep field immersion, co-design with local partners, and leading volunteer teams to test concrete solutions.

TRACC works to protect sea turtles and restore coral reefs damaged by local fish bombing practices in Borneo. Learn more at https://tracc.org/ Responsibilities & Ideal Background Expect a busy schedule from day one, typically diving at least twice a day and assisting with other conservation tasks. A good fit is a collaborative team player in good physical health, ready to get hands-on with diving and connect with other volunteers. LiA Champion Our LiA Champion is Kaito Bremner. Curious about this project but not sure where to start? They can share candid insights from their experience—what the work involved, skills that proved useful, and pointers for exploring a good fit. You can contact them at kaito.bremner@chch.ox.ac.uk. You can also view their profile here: https://laidlawscholars.network/users/kaito-bremner Organisation Contact TRACC (Tropical Research and Conservation Centre) Email: Robin.Philippo@tracc.org

A global community that connects engaged citizens, entrepreneurs and organizations to build an inclusive and sustainable society together. Through the re_action for impact programme, scholars take part in a six-week full-time summer experience with local partners to mobilise communities and deliver concrete actions on social and environmental challenges. Explore toolkits, videos and past scholar reflections: https://laidlawscholars.network/rooms/make_sense-re_action? Country focus In Marseille, scholars can contribute to ageing well (mobility, accessibility, social bonds, co-living solutions with public institutions and field actors) and preserving sea biodiversity (supporting NGOs to reduce waste and plastics, mobilise volunteers, and drive behaviour change). You’ll co-design and pilot practical actions with local partners across city and coastal communities.

A graduate of Cambridge University, Susanna’s professional experience includes over 15 years in senior leadership roles in international B2B and learning businesses. Susanna began her career at the Institute for International Research (IIR) where she first worked with Lord Laidlaw, rising to Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). When IIR, which was the world’s largest organiser of commercial conferences, was acquired by Informa plc in 2005 Susanna was appointed CMO of the enlarged group and also led the public company’s investor relations programmes. She subsequently joined Emap Ltd as Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer and CEO of Emap Networks, that group’s conferences business. Later she became CEO of the fashion industry forecaster WGSN and was latterly Group Content and Marketing Partner of the leading strategy consultancy Brunswick Group. A German-American raised and educated in the UK and a committed internationalist, Susanna has been involved in globally trading businesses throughout her career, directing activity in the Americas, across continental Europe, and the Asia Pacific. Susanna has been extensively involved with education and professional development over many years. She was Head of Group Training and led the commercial acquisition and integration of a portfolio of corporate training businesses whilst at IIR; and created learning academies at both Informa and Emap. She believes experiencing and appreciating different cultures promotes better global understanding, creativity and leadership. She is passionate about the power of education to transform lives; and believes that we need to develop a new generation of diverse leaders who are curious, bold and devoted to decency, truthfulness, and innovation. Susanna is committed to diversity not only as a societal imperative but as a critical component of commercial success. As an advisor to the trustees of the Foundation, Susanna first learnt about its purpose and programmes before becoming its Chief Executive responsible for the Laidlaw Schools Trust, the Laidlaw Scholars and its other education programmes. Susanna read English and Philosophy at Newnham College, University of Cambridge. She has five half blues in swimming and water polo; and played netball and rowed for Newnham.