Real Results
The Social Impact Hub provides hands-on opportunities for students to tackle the world’s biggest social and environmental challenges.
December 16, 2024
At the center of campus in Kathleen W. Rollins Hall is a space designed for ideation and collaboration, where the next generation of changemakers, innovators, and entrepreneurs use human-centered design thinking to identify problems, devise solutions, and access the tools and resources they need to take action on everything from sustainability issues to human rights.
“We teach our students to act on these important issues,” says Melissa Nelson, staff director of the Social Impact Hub, “because while education is crucial, we want all of our campus community to feel empowered to actually do something to make the world better.”
Just ask students like social entrepreneurship major Nikki Hall- Elser ’18, who spearheaded the development of a portable upcycled battery as a source of renewable energy. Or environmental studies major Aida Rico-Arango ’22, who founded BYOC Refillery to make it easier for people to reduce the amount of plastic they’re using. Or communication major Karie Yanez ’26, who has marketed the hub and its range of programs since her first year at Rollins.
“The hands-on learning approach at the Social Impact Hub gives students the skills and experiences necessary to tackle real-world issues effectively,” says Yanez, who helped organize the most recent Rethinking Fashion show.
By producing projects like Rethinking Fashion, Earth Day, and Changemaker Day, students don’t just learn about theory—they actively participate in developing and implementing solutions.
“Being in such a collaborative environment has pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me become an active advocate for the causes I’m passionate about,” says Yanez. “The hub helped me find my voice and gave me the power to use it. I know that post-graduation I’ll be an effective changemaker in my own unique way.”
Design Lab
The Design Lab serves as the Social Impact Hub’s epicenter, a physical space where students, staff, faculty, and community leaders unite to engage in innovation and active changemaking. The latest endeavor? A cutting-edge hydroponic tower to grow produce indoors, which will help supply our campus food pantry.
Changemaker Day
Every January, Changemaker Day transforms campus into a hive of action, where students and community partners collaborate to tackle global issues. Nonprofits like Active Minds promote mental wellness and share resources while organizations like the Central Florida Zoo bring animals to campus to raise awareness about conservation and environmental responsibility.
Bee Campus USA/Pollinator Garden
Rollins is now a part of Bee Campus USA, a program that recognizes, supports, and encourages pollinator conservation on college campuses. Located behind Elizabeth Hall near the urban farm, the pollinator garden is a thriving habitat of native plants that bloom throughout the year and provide continual food sources and shelter for pollinators like butterflies, bees, and bats. The garden serves as a living lab for students, faculty, and community members to engage in research and learning opportunities related to ecology, botany, and environmental sciences.
Rethinking Fashion
Each spring, the Rethinking Fashion show brings together local and national brands in the beauty, fashion, and home-goods spaces to showcase ethical and sustainable designs. Hundreds of attendees view the pieces modeled by 50 to 75 faculty, staff, and students, creating awareness about eco-friendly materials, Fair Trade practices, and ethical production.
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