Cambridge Judge Business School and community interest company Inspire 2 Ignite partnered together for a networking and mentoring event last week, connecting EMBA students and young people from across Cambridgeshire with the aim to open doors between communities that rarely meet. Inspire 2 Ignite work specifically with people aged 12-24 who aren’t in education, employment or training – here working alongside the Business School to create opportunities for real-world conversation and mentorship for its youth groups. Designed to bridge communities that rarely meet, the event served as a living demonstration of what happens when academic institutions and grassroots organisations align in purpose. What began as a networking event quickly evolved into a dynamic exchange of social capital, sparking mentorships, new ideas, and lasting connections.
“Cambridge is often cited as one of the most unequal cities in the UK,” said Lee Cortez, EDI Class Representative for the Cambridge EMBA 2023 cohort. “Inviting young people into spaces like Cambridge Judge Business School is not just about inspiration – it’s about inclusion, opportunity, and making sure those spaces are built with them in mind.”
Inviting young people into spaces like Cambridge Judge Business School is not just about inspiration – it's about inclusion, opportunity, and making sure those spaces are built with them in mind
The evening featured a series of keynote talks from Cambridge Judge EMBA students, covering topics such as entrepreneurial growth, personal brand development, and leadership in global intelligence. Speakers included Prudence Chow, Jonathan Johnson, and Jennifer Swimley, who offered insight into YouTube monetisation, strategic careers, and relationship-building for long-term success.
The experience was co-created by Lee Cortez (Cambridge Judge) and Sam Squire (Inspire 2 Ignite) to resounding success, with over 100 connections made between international EMBA students, local professionals, and young people at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) this collaboration marks another step in these institutions’ joint mission to create real-world opportunities for young people through entrepreneurship, industry experiences, and personal development.
As Inspire 2 Ignite continues to grow its impact across entrepreneurship, industry experiences, and youth empowerment, both organisations are exploring ways to build on the success of Unlock Your Future. The event now stands as a blueprint for collaboration between elite education and community-driven change – and a reminder of what’s possible when we unlock potential together.
Many thanks to Lee Cortez and Sam Squire (pictured both below), and all of the Inspire 2 Ignite and EMBA student speakers for such an impactful evening!
The event was supported by the Executive MBA programmes team at the Business School, including Dr Jennifer Waller Martin, Jeeva Bostic-Bradley, and Alistair Westwood , and aligns with Cambridge Judge Business School’s wider commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
Executive MBA programmes
The Cambridge Executive MBA and Global Executive MBA are 20-month programmes for senior executives who want to apply their knowledge and skills as they learn.
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