Our Journey
BeChangeMaker 2025
In 2025, Emel and I were selected out of over 1,000 applicants to participate in BeChangeMaker, a global social entrepreneurship acceleration program, hosted by WorldSkillls International, HP Foundation, UNESCO-UNEVOC, and partners.
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BeChangeMaker brings together young founders from around the world who are building solutions to pressing social challenges -- from climate innovation to education equity and workforce tranformation.
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For us, it was an opportunity to strengthen The Belonging Studio as both a community-rooted initiative and a scalable social venture.
What is BeChangeMaker?
BeChangeMaker is a structured online accelerator designed to help early-stage social ventures:
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Refine their impact model
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Strengthen their business strategy
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Build financial sustainability
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Develop global partnerships
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Pitch to an international audience
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The program combines weekly learning modules through HP LIFE, access to international mentorship, peer collaboration, two online pitches, and a final in-person global pitch.
We Made It — Top 5 🌟
Out of more than 1,000 global applicants, we advanced to the Top 5 finalist teams worldwide, and got to present to an international audience at the WorldSkills Conference in Dubrovnik, Croatia, in October 2025.
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Through the program, we refined our financial model, clarified our global scaling pathway, and strengthened how we measure and communicate impact. These insights are now directly shaping our programs, partnerships, and long-term strategy for belonging.
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If you’re building a social venture, the next iteration of BeChangeMaker is now open.
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Applications close March 27.
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Apply here.
