Emmanuel Ewere has been awarded the York St John Students’ Union Social Impact Champion Award 2025. In this blog post he reflects on his work.

This past academic year at York St John University has been one of the most transformative in my journey. In my role as International Student Officer with the Students’ Union and as a staff member of YSJActive, I found myself not only advocating for others but also growing alongside them. The positions placed me at the heart of a community of students, many of whom, like me, were navigating life far from home, trying to feel seen and heard in a new environment.

Much of my work focused on creating that sense of belonging in practice. Whether it was through our International Celebration in October 2024, casual monthly drop-ins, or quiet one-on-one chats, I tried to build spaces where students could show up fully as themselves. It wasn’t about organising perfect events. It was about offering consistency, warmth, and a listening ear. What mattered most was helping people feel that their stories and identities mattered.

My approach is grounded in the belief that equity must take precedence over equality. Influenced by the work of Dr. Meredith (2024) and others writing about epistemic justice, I began to understand how institutional systems often overlook those they weren’t built to serve. So, I leaned into co-creation, not just listening to student feedback, but inviting students to shape the structures themselves. One student once said to me, “This is the first time I’ve felt like the university sees me.” I carry those words with me every day.

The barriers I witnessed weren’t always loud they were often silent and systemic: cultural disconnects, fear of asking for help, or just the feeling of not being represented. I tried to meet those moments with presence, mentorship, and honest advocacy. The Social Impact Champion Award I received was never the goal, but it felt like a sign that the quiet, consistent work does make a difference.

My final MBA ‘capstone’ project at York St John University was another opportunity to extend that impact. I carried out a study titled “Assessing Data Subject Awareness: A Comparative Study of Students at York St John University”, exploring how well students understood their data rights under UK GDPR and how the university communicates its data practices. Through focus groups and surveys, I connected with students directly, opening space for real conversations about digital rights, transparency, and trust.

The project was later nominated for presentation at the Student Sustainability Research Conference 2025 (SSRC25), hosted by the University of Leeds. Being selected was a huge moment not just for me personally, but for YSJ. It affirmed the value of student-led research and our growing voice in shaping institutional accountability. For me, it confirmed that data protection isn’t just a compliance issue; it’s about dignity, empowerment, and building a community of informed individuals.

I’ve learned that social impact rarely announces itself with fanfare. Most of the time, it shows up in quiet interactions, in listening deeply, in standing beside someone, or in holding a space long enough for someone else to feel safe stepping in. That’s the work I’m committed to. And that’s the kind of community I will continue striving to build.