Emma Wright
A woman fwho has spent her career helping organisations put people, nature and social value at the heart of decision-making has been recognised at the inaugural University of Worcester Alumni Awards, winning the National Sustainability Changemaker Award.
Emma Wright who studied a degree in Environmental Science and Biology at the University of Worcester between 1994 and 1997, received the award in recognition of her contribution to sustainability and environmental leadership across the private, public and charity sectors.
Throughout her career, Emma has led sustainability programmes for global businesses, charities and public sector organisations. She is particularly proud of creating networks and engagement programmes that have empowered hundreds of thousands of people to take action within their organisations and communities.
Her work has taken her to countries including Costa Rica, Mexico, Hong Kong and the United States, experiences that have shaped her understanding of the environmental and social challenges facing the world today.
“I feel incredibly honoured and genuinely humbled to receive this award,” she said. “Growing up in the South Wales Valleys, I would never have imagined that one day I would be recognised for a global career dedicated to sustainability and protecting the environment.”
She added: “Nature and the environment have always been a huge part of who I am. Growing up in such a beautiful part of Wales helped shape my love of nature, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have built a career helping organisations, leaders and individuals create positive change for people and the planet.”
Emma credits the University of Worcester with helping to shape her career and giving her the confidence to embrace new opportunities.
She believes that people are at the heart of meaningful change. “My greatest successes have come from bringing people together around a shared purpose, building community and empowering others to take action,” she said. “Coming from the South Wales Valleys, people and community have always mattered to me.”
Today, Emma lives in Oxford and works with leaders, communities and organisations to help tackle climate, nature and environmental challenges while improving outcomes for people. She says her greatest source of pride is helping others realise their potential as changemakers and creating positive change that benefits both people and the planet.
The inaugural University of Worcester Alumni Awards were launched earlier this year to shine a spotlight on Worcester graduates who are making a difference locally, nationally and internationally across fields including healthcare, education, business, sport, sustainability and community leadership. They formed part the University’s 80th anniversary year celebrations.