Young CEO at helm for Inspire 2 Ignite event at The Bradfield Centre
Inspire 2 Ignite is hosting an event at The Bradfield Centre which will showcase the brightest emerging talent in Cambridge - hosted by Sam Squire, the organisation’s 23 year old CEO.
Sam is a former professional footballer who has just taken the reins as CEO of Inspire 2 Ignite, the St Neots-based not-for-profit “engaging, inspiring and activating the next generation of young talent through life-changing experiences”.
Sam’s journey from NEET former pro-footballer to inspirational leader after working for the community interest company (CIC) for 18 months is one he wants to share as “a beacon of hope and possibility” at The Bradfield Centre tomorrow (November 21).
Alex Hughes, founder of Inspire 2 Ignite CIC, expressed his confidence in passing the baton to Sam.
“Sam embodies the spirit of our mission,” he said. “His ascent to CEO is a powerful message to all young people that their potential is limitless.”
Over the past year, Inspire 2 Ignite CIC has made significant strides in addressing the NEET crisis, impacting over 3,000 young lives. With a goal to uplift 5,000 more by the end of 2024, the organisation is turning potential economic liabilities into activated national assets.
Over the past year, Inspire 2 Ignite CIC has made significant strides in addressing the NEET crisis, impacting over 3,000 young lives. With a goal to uplift 5,000 more by the end of 2024, the organisation is turning potential economic liabilities into activated national assets.
“Our approach is about understanding, supporting, and empowering young people. We’re filling gaps and honing our programs to create real change,” Alex said.
“Leading this incredible organisation is an honour,” Sam said. “We’re here to show that with the right support and community, every young person can achieve greatness and this event is our way of making more roads into this happening locally, working with incredible local employers alongside our amazing young people.”
The Tuesday (November 21) event at The Bradfield Centre on Cambridge Science Park is titled ‘Curious about Cambridge: Unleashing The Future’ and starts at 5.30pm.
The Inspire 2 Ignite team are hosting the event as an opportunity for Cambridge’s decision-makers “to witness the power of potential by meeting some of the young people the team work with”. They are inviting leaders to bring along the emerging talents from their organisations, “so that everyone to be part of a community that is shaping the future”.
Ultimately the goal is to get some of the young people who are out of work, into work, through local businesses, so they can contribute to the local economy and be an asset to local enterprises.
The event will celebrate the remarkable journey of Lewis Newark, who transformed from a ‘Curious Entrepreneur’ (a young person not in education, curious about his career path and determined to make his own way in the world) to an Ignite Champion (where he works to now support others on the programme) within just 12 months.
“Inspire 2 Ignite CIC has been a catalyst in my life,” said Lewis. “Now, it’s my turn to inspire and invest in the next generation.” Lewis will be sharing his experience as a business owner with the young people on the next cohort, helping them “to aspire to be the best version of themselves”.
Also on the bill is Victor, who found his path through the ‘Curious About Ice Cream’ project, which saw a group of young people pitch and then create a pop-up business selling to the local community. From being expelled from schools to speaking at two exclusive events, Victor’s transformation highlights the power of second chances , and exemplifies the impact of Inspire 2 Ignite CIC’s engagement.
Full details about ‘Curious about Cambridge: Unleashing The Future’ here.
