Stone and Nelson Present at International Social Innovation Conferences
September 19, 2024
By Jessica Firpi ’11
Anne Stone and Melissa Nelson, co-directors of the Social Impact Hub, presented their work at both the 2024 International Social Innovation Research Conference (ISIRC) and the Ashoka Changemaker Summit.
At the 16th annual meeting of ISIRC at the Bern University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland, communication professor and Social Impact Hub faculty director Anne Stone and Social Impact Hub staff director Melissa Nelson gave a presentation titled “Classroom to Countryside: Problem-Based Learning Exercise Prepares Students to Explore Global Challenges.” The presentation highlighted the value of problem-based learning activities as part of courses with embedded field studies during which students learn the value of trans-disciplinary problem solving and demonstrate information literacy and critical-thinking skills to address some of the world’s most complex global challenges.
The main goal of the conference is to join together academics from a variety of fields with an interest in the topics of social innovation and social entrepreneurship, providing a forum of debate for researchers and practitioners, supporting the sharing of experiences, and promoting cross-knowledge.
At the Ashoka Changemaker Summit in Hamburg, Germany, Stone and Nelson also developed a workshop titled “Learning from Each Other: The Changemaker Campus Network as a Local and Global Ecosystem Activator of Social Impact” alongside educators from Canada, Mexico, Nigeria, and the U.S. As part of the workshop, Nelson and Stone shared about the importance of collaboration with local community leaders as co-educators in supporting the development of the next generation of responsible leaders through programs like the Impact Incubator.
The summit brought together Ashoka fellows, AshokaU change leaders, young changemakers, and community leaders from across the world to discuss the value of true participation. Rollins has been a designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus since 2012 when it became the first college in Florida to receive the honor.
Related News
April 10, 2025
Smaw Selected as ACE Fellow
Philosophy professor Eric Smaw, special assistant to the provost, has been selected as an ACE Fellow for the 2025-26 academic year by the American Council on Education (ACE).
April 10, 2025
Rollins Named a Top 10 School for Study Abroad
Rollins has once again landed in the top 10 master’s-granting institutions nationwide for the highest percentage of students who study abroad.
April 09, 2025
Fox Day 2025 in Photos
Fox Day was once again everyone’s favorite day of the year. Relive the magic of Fox Day 2025—the sun-soaked memories, the spontaneous joy, and the spirited traditions that made this year’s celebration unforgettable.