In an increasingly complex world, success depends on considering problems from multiple perspectives and engaging across disciplines. Join a community that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship. At the IDEA Institute, students learn to recognize a need, consider opportunities, link them to innovative solutions, and bring people together to make change happen. The Institute is home to the IDEA Changemaker Fellows, leaders from majors across campus driven by a commitment to their communities and to solving societal problems.
Maria José Palacios Figueroa
Gwen Larned
Marketing
Spanish and Linguistics
Business and Sustainability
Developed solutions for valuing and compensating students of color for executing cultural events
Reimagined language education to connect Spanish Heritage Speakers across the Bellingham community
Using workshops and digital tools to inspire individuals and organizations to reduce their trash production
Hugo Sanchez Garcia
“Most Changemaker Fellows don’t self-identify as entrepreneurs and innovators, and that’s important. It speaks to the limits of words. Entrepreneurial and innovative people exist in all disciplines, sectors and communities. IDEA exists to help them build their dreams.”
Danica Kilander Associate Director, IDEA Institute
Phil Swisher
Victoria Matey Mendoza
Electrical Engineering
Business Administration
Exploring ideas for decreasing greenhouse gas emissions from rental housing and commercial spaces
Challenging inhumane narratives about undocumented immigrants through public speaking
Stephanie Arroyo Kinesiology Created a welcoming, culturallyrelevant fitness program for womxn of color