Humans of YSI: Jennifer Chudley

Young Social Innovators Turns 25!

As Young Social Innovators celebrates 25 years of youth-led change, #HumansOfYSI continues to spotlight the people behind 190,000 changemakers.

This week, we hear from a former participant who turned personal experience into powerful national advocacy.

Fourth Feature: Jennifer Chudley

YSI Year: 2021-2022
School: Loreto Secondary School Letterkenny
Project: No Place Like Home

Briefly describe your YSI project. What issue were you trying to address?
It all started after my peers and I chose the issue of mica a defective mineral in concrete blocks that has been riddling the homes of thousands in Ireland, and my own community for decades.

No Place Like Home refused to let another day pass without doing our bit for our future.

Together with YSI, our community, local businesses, TDs, wider media and our international connections - as far as Pennsylvania - we discovered that action, even the smallest bit, can make the biggest difference.

We created a vibrant and supportive social media presence that generated over a quarter of a million views on TikTok alone. If affected students or families were having a bad day, they could turn to us - a place where they felt acknowledged and considered.

We further gave our youth a voice in the matter by holding a mica student stance, with our Donegal TDs and the Mica Action Group, who used our content to keep their social media alive. Students from across the North West then reached out expressing their motivation to hold their own stance.

“YSI Made Me…”
Passionate, confident, empowered

What are you doing now?
Studying PPE @ QUB. National Youth Assembly of Ireland, Queen’s assistant in Careers Department.

Do you see any connection between your YSI experience and where you are today?
Yes!! thanks to the skills nurtured and the passion elevated by YSI, I have recently begun a degree in politics, philosophy and economics at Queens Uni - largely motivated by my exposure to these disciplines during my project. I therefore believe that the resources, remarkable staff and opportunities provided by YSI have played a decisive role in shaping the change maker I one day hope to be.

Impact participating in YSI had personally:
I discovered that I can be the change I wanted to see with my newfound passion for social innovation. My experience truly allowed me to become the young woman I am today.

Skills or values from YSI that stay with you today:
Public speaking, leading initiatives, media training, networking skills & leadership!

Advice to young people starting their YSI journey now:
Find what you are passionate about and chose the issue that resonates with you, one that is close to the hearts of you and your peers! Avail of every opportunity.

At Young Social Innovators, we’ve always believed in the power of young people to lead change and Jennifer’s journey shows just how lasting that impact can be.

What began as speaking up on an issue affecting her community has grown into a continued commitment to advocacy, leadership, and youth voice. Today, as a board member of YSI, she represents young people at the highest level of the organisation ensuring their perspectives are not just heard, but valued in shaping the future.

Her story is a powerful reminder that when young people are given the opportunity to lead, they don’t just create change in the moment they carry it forward, influencing the systems and spaces around them.

And it’s exactly why we do what we do.