Our 2023 Impact Report is now out, and we are delighted to share a few of the transformational stories of the young women – or catalysts – we have worked with over the past twelve months.
We worked directly with over 150 catalysts and delivered three sustainability leadership & empowerment programmes.
Green career online course
Online training and upskilling course to prepare young women for careers in sustainability. Delivered in April 2022 with 32 catalysts.
Catalyst Summit & Mentoring
Our flagship three-day Catalyst Summit focuses on developing skills around; Green Careers, Sustainability Skills & Knowledge, Personal Development & well-being. Delivered in July 2023 with 39 catalysts, 36 of them went on to be mentored by a woman working in sustainability between August 2022 – February 2023.
Green Internships & work placement pilot
We delivered our first pilot helping to provide a ‘formal pathway’ to a sustainability career and increased work experience, through partnership working with corporate & third-sector partners.
Meet-ups & Masterclasses
Monthly opportunities for networking and developing sustainability knowledge and skills. Delivered eight masterclasses with 132 catalysts.
Who are we?
- Catalyse Change CIC is a dynamic social enterprise delivering sustainability leadership and empowerment programmes for young women or catalysts.
- Our mission is to provide them with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and connections they need to pursue careers as sustainability leaders and changemakers.
- We provide gender equality, female empowerment, and sustainability solutions for catalysts working with innovative UK businesses and organisations. We upskill and connect a generation of young women and non-binary people – to be connected, inspired, and supported – from anywhere in the world.
MEET OUR CATALYSTS
Dela: I would love to run my own charity that focuses on raising awareness around period poverty among houseless and low-income women. This ambition is inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which encourage me to look at sustainability from a human-centered approach.
Georgina: I found out about Catalyse Change through Instagram as a young woman interested in a career in sustainability. Thought joining this initial summit for three weeks would enhance my understanding of climate change and the nuances surrounding it, such as climate anxiety.
Yasmeen: I am 22 years old, and currently studying Ecology and Conservation Biology at the University of Sheffield. Frogs are my favourite animals, particularly the Vietnamese Mossy Frog and the Surinam Toad. I aim to become a field ecologist, working with endangered species and threatened ecosystems. One of my biggest dreams is to discover a new species of frog. I also want to be an author, as I love to write stories.
What was their overall experience?
Our catalysts identified these as the top 3 benefits they gained from taking part:
- Understanding my strengths
- Confidence
- Understanding my career/education choices.
“It is perfectly named and really does catalyse change. By connecting you with people and giving you foundational knowledge and mentor support to build your ideas, you really come out with a greater sense of agency.”
“I had a wonderful time, meeting new people with similar interests and ambitions and uniting under the shared goal of ending the climate crisis.”
“Catalyse Change has been such a good experience. I am so glad I was able to participate. I have learned so much about the environment and experience in mindfulness, public speaking, and presenting.”
“Encouraging, hopeful and inspiring programme which offers connectedness in uncertain times, inspiration and invaluable knowledge and understanding through learning. Mentoring also provides great guidance.”
Mentoring Impacts
We have some amazing mentors – professional women working across all fields of sustainability – and this year we trained and paired 34 with catalysts who completed the Catalyst Summit. For many this is the best part of the programme and we have had some fantastic feedback about the benefits, here is a selection:
“Working with my mentor was honestly the best part of the process. The conversations were really helpful and fun, which was a lovely bonus. I could discuss what was on my mind and my mentor would help me work through and set goals to tackle the problems.”
“The mentoring I particularly enjoyed as my mentor was kind, and encouraging while also challenging me and made the mentoring sessions fun while also providing me with plenty to take away from the sessions and overall experience. Things I will be taking forward with me.”
“My mentor has boosted my confidence, encouraged me throughout and has given me practical and personalised advice. They have supported me incredibly well and I’m hoping we’ll stay in touch after the programme has ended as I feel they are truly invested in me and genuinely care about me.”
“It was great! I have got lots of confidence, I believe in myself more, and I know that I am capable of more than I thought. My mentor helped me with tailoring my CV and motivation letter, which helped me get a position at an NGO working on human rights and democratic election.”
“I also had a goal of getting some internships or placements. My mentor helped me with my CV and I now have 2 placements planned for the summer. It took a lot of breaking down my own perceptions of the work I have done and appreciate my own value more.”
Thank You For All Your Support
We thank all our staff, volunteers, mentors, sponsors, facilitators, and catalysts who have made these past twelve months so enjoyable and transformative. We look forward to working with many of you again – and hopefully many more too – over the coming year.
Partner With Us This Year?!
Would you like to help us inspire, empower and skill even more young women as sustainability leaders and changemakers?
“I and Burges Salmon are a Catalyse Change sponsor and supporter because it aligns with our values and our commitments to equality, diversity and inclusion and sustainable development. Catalyse change is a respected partner because we’ve seen the quality of the work and it is important to shine a light on the sustainability challenge but also enable those who will lead us through. Women need raising up as there is still disparity particularly in leadership positions. Working with Catalyse Change is very much a partnership with involvement way above a mere financial donation although of course funding is important!” Kirsty Green-Mann, Burges Salmon
Contact Traci Lewis traci@catalysechange.com to discuss the options to partner with our sustainability leadership and empowerment programmes. Let me know if you would like a full copy of our 2023 Impact Report.
