New Elevate programme supports bright, ambitious young women

Elevate brings together a community of bright, ambitious young women and invites them to see themselves as future leaders, scholars, and changemakers. Rooted in the College’s long-standing commitment to women’s education, the programme encourages participants to be bold in imagining their futures and resilient in pursuing them.

Delivered in partnership with the Haberdashers’ family of schools, Elevate introduces students to inspiring role models, offers clear guidance on academic pathways, and opens a window into life at Cambridge. Through workshops, college visits, and online sessions, the programme nurtures confidence, raises aspirations, and builds a network of young women who support one another in striving for academic excellence.

Dr Victoria Harvey, Senior Tutor, Murray Edwards College, said:

We’re delighted to have launched the Elevate Programme in partnership with Haberdashers’ schools. It recognises and nurtures the potential of young people identified by their teachers as having the curiosity and ambition to go further. Through Elevate, participants engage with the Murray Edwards College community and Cambridge University, hear from current students, and gain the confidence to pursue their goals. This initiative reflects our commitment to helping the next generation aim high and explore the possibilities ahead.

The programme launched on 10 November at Haberdashers’ Hall, where 50 Year 12 and 35 Year 10 students took part in a day designed to spark ambition and build resilience. Opening remarks from Arabella Gonzalez, Director for Schools and Estates, set the tone with a reflection on the many forms leadership can take.

Today is about leadership — but not just one kind of leadership.

We often think of leaders as loud, confident, always in charge. Some are visionary — full of ideas and courage to ask “what if?”, some are steady and calm — the quiet anchors others rely on, some lead by doing — practical, sleeves rolled up, making things happen. And many women naturally lead in ways that are considered, collaborative, considerate and co-constructive — bringing people together, building trust, fixing problems thoughtfully.

Dr Harvey reminded students that a university course is not a life sentence, but a beginning. She shared stories of Cambridge alumnae—including Claudia Winkleman—who pursued unexpected paths by following subjects they loved. Her message to students was clear: pursue your passion, aim high, and meet challenges with tenacity.

Senior Tutor, Dr Victoria Harvey, and JCR Vice President Amelia, joined Charlotte Hume, HHJ Anuja Dhir KC and Jane Burton for a panel discussion to open the event. The panel shared details from their own journeys and how they approach deciding what path to follow when they left school. For some, this included times they had faced open discrimination, or difficulties due to ill health. Despite varied paths, a common theme across the panel was to be tenacious in the face of difficulties, have confidence in yourself and follow your passion.

Students deeply valued the panel’s candour:

“The panel of speakers were extremely helpful—I found their perspectives reassuring and inspiring.”

“I loved speaking to the students and hope to achieve great things one day.”

Another powerful message emerged throughout the day: success is not solitary. Surrounding yourself with supportive, ambitious peers is transformative. Elevate is designed not only to empower individuals, but to cultivate a lasting network of young women who champion one another’s growth. Year 12 participants will stay connected through the Habs Elevate Forum on the Habs Aspire platform and will meet Murray Edwards students again during their July College visit. They will also mentor younger cohorts, ensuring that Elevate’s impact continues to ripple outward.

Afternoon sessions spotlighted the diverse paths taken by alumnae and offered grounded advice:

“I was talked out of applying to Oxford or Cambridge—I’d tell my 17-year-old self to believe and go for it.”

“Support from others is vital—listen, accept it, and know your worth. Find your voice and use it.”

“You can’t predict who you’ll be in five, ten, or twenty years. Nurture your passions and work ethic now—you’ll thank yourself later.”

Students also developed key communication and presentation skills essential for university interviews and professional life. Murray Edwards delivered sessions on Cambridge courses, admissions, and the realities of student life from those living it first-hand.

Murray Edwards College extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of Elevate. Together, we are helping young women to aim higher, dream bigger, and support one another as they step confidently into their futures.