Celebrating a Transformative Journey: The 10th cohort of the Visionary Program comes to a close

After nine months of learning, collaboration, and deep exploration, the Ashoka Visionary Program 2023-24 has come to an inspiring close. This past weekend, we gathered in Vienna for the final module and closing ceremony, marking the culmination of an incredible journey with 24 leaders of change from across sectors and countries.

Together, they embarked on a practice-based learning experience—developing strategies for systems change, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and shared leadership, while building a strong network of changemakers committed to driving real impact. Over the course of seven modules, they engaged in hands-on workshops, expert-led sessions, and peer learning, challenging their perspectives and strengthening their leadership.

What We Explored Together

Throughout the program, participants tackled key questions that define effective changemaking:

• What does it take to be a changemaker? Identifying the resources, mindsets, and support systems needed for long-term impact.
• How can we change systems for the better? Understanding the roots of systemic problems, tracing mental models, and shaping new narratives.
• How do we engage key stakeholders? Learning how to work with governments, corporations, and replicators to scale solutions.
• What does funding systems change look like? Exploring hybrid funding models and strategies for sustainable impact.
• What kind of leadership is needed for systems change? Moving from rigid hierarchies to shared leadership and effective multi-stakeholder collaboration.
• How do we tell our changemaker story? Crafting compelling narratives to inspire and mobilize others.

Beyond the structured curriculum, the program fostered a strong sense of community—a space where ideas were tested, experiences were shared, and deep connections were formed. Each participant brought their unique expertise and passion, contributing to a dynamic and diverse learning environment that will extend far beyond the program itself.

A Special Thank You

This journey would not have been possible without the incredible experts, facilitators, and social entrepreneurs who shared their expertise, experiences, and insights with the cohort. From Ashoka Fellows to sector leaders, their contributions enriched our shared learning space, offering participants practical tools and real-world perspectives on navigating complex social challenges.

A huge thank you to the outstanding social entrepreneurs who contributed their expertise: Riccarda Zezza, Ole Kassow, Walburga Froehlich, Sonja Betschart, Andreas Heinecke, Kerstin Humberg, Regina Honu, Carmen Gheorghe, Sascha Haselmayer, Maria Deskur, Ioana Bauer, and Joana Breidenbach.

We also extend our deep gratitude to our Ashoka colleagues & partners who supported and guided this journey: Rado Pittner, Marie Ringler, Georg Schoen, Alexander Kesselring, Loic van Cutsem, Claire Debucquoy, Banan Sakbani, Felix Oldenburg, Maggie Lemere, Michael Hagelmüller, and Marketa Pechouckova.

Most importantly, we want to celebrate our inspiring participants, who embraced this journey with curiosity, courage, and dedication:

Abebaw Abebe, Agnieszka Franeczek, Anastasia Noskova, Benjamin Dracolj, Birgit Straka, Cornelia Sima, David Hudelist, Mani, Katharina Jeschke, Klara Rundova, Kristina Kroyer, Lesley Pennington, Marsha Forbes, Monika Ségur-Cabanac, Nadja Hahn, Nicole Stolz, Oleg Belezenkho, Ricardo Parger, Simon Rutar, Stella Parris, Tamara Höfer, Urska Starc Peceny, Ursula Miller, and Weirong Li.

Your commitment, diverse perspectives, and bold ideas have made this year’s program an inspiring and impactful experience.

As this cohort moves forward, we know that the impact of their work will continue to grow, shaping the ecosystems they engage with and inspiring others to take action.