Within HZ, there is a growing group of changemakers: students, alumni and colleagues who contribute in an exceptionally entrepreneurial way to HZ’s mission: 'Contributing to a better world'.

These changemakers make a difference by initiating positive actions driven by their passion and sharing them with others. They propose creative and sustainable solutions for broad prosperity - both today and in the future, in Zeeland and beyond. However, they often remain too little recognized. The Changemaker Award, introduced by the New Business Models research group, aims to change that.

Positive Impact

HZ Changemakers are students, alumni and staff of HZ University of Applied Sciences. They share one common goal: the drive to make a positive impact in Zeeland and the world.

The Changemaker Project consists of two components: the Changemaker Award and the Changemaker Community.

Gaining Inspiration

The community is the place where changemakers come together to find inspiration, share ideas, and strengthen each other. Here, you can discover who the changemakers are, what they do, and how they shape social change- through innovative projects and personal stories.

"Whether you're a student taking your first steps, an alumnus with a passion for impact, a dedicated staff member, or an investor with a vision—everyone is welcome to be part of this movement. Together, we build a better future and develop the skills needed to truly make a difference," says New Business Models lector Ageeth van Maldegem.

Join and become part of the HZ Changemaking Community on LinkedIn – your platform for inspiration, growth, and collaboration!

Mission

'Contributing to a better world' is HZ’s mission. The institutional plan outlines how this will be achieved:

  • By educating applied sciences professionals as a personal university of applied sciences
  • By collaborating with partners as a University of Applied Sciences to find solutions for challenges in water, energy, and vitality
  • By supporting regional developments as a partner for the Zeeland delta

For teachers and staff

HZ offers various tools to help shape lessons around the theme 'Become a Changemaker.' Lecturers can download the toolbox here.

Logo Changemaker

Research group

HZ Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

View research group

'We are looking for changemakers'

Ageeth van Maldegem, lector New Business Models

'We make sure they inspire others'

Barbara Oomen, chairwoman Executive Board

'There are so many great examples in Zeeland'

Elina Boogaard, alumni programme staff member

'We have so many talents'

Kevin van Gorkom, lecturer Social Work

'We need to spotlight students above all'

Irsan Widarto, lecturer Entrepreneurship

'These people make a difference'

Joeri Versluis

'There are a lot of talented people at HZ'

Giusy

'I'm very curious to hear all the stories'

Sarah de Bakker

'We need to put the spotlight on these individuals'

Uday Laiker

'Making a change in complex'

Tanja Moerdijk

'Your time at HZ is a formative one'

Femke IJsseldijk

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