Redefining Prosperity: How PIE Shaped My WHY

Sabrina Tamayo

Embarking on a Transformative Journey 

I’m Sam Tamayo, and from 2022 to 2023, I pursued an MSc in Prosperity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (PIE) at University College London (UCL) as a Chevening Scholar.

At first, I thought studying abroad was about doing better — enhancing my credentials and broadening my career prospects. But over time, I realized that what I truly sought was about being better: not just for myself, but to contribute meaningfully to the world around me. 

Being immersed in an international setting revealed aspects of myself I hadn’t yet discovered as PIE expanded my perspective in ways I never expected. Discussions often extended beyond the boundaries of our classrooms because our professors at the Institute for Global Prosperity (IGP) generously devoted their time and energy to explain theoretical concepts patiently and carefully. More than that, I got to connect and build friendships with people from different backgrounds and cultures, which ultimately challenged and influenced my beliefs and values.  

As a post-graduate student at the IGP, I was also given the privilege to attend a fully-funded workshop in Lebanon. Despite the country's struggles, I witnessed first hand its unbreakable spirit. With every interaction with citizen scientists of Mina to the children of Karantina, I became more informed and inspired by what it truly means to adopt a participatory approach to shaping the built environment. These moments, to me, embody what the IGP stands for — a commitment to catalyze positive change to achieve a shared vision of prosperity. 

Returning to my Roots 

Spending a year in London equipped me with the competence and confidence as a changemaker to take different types of challenges head-on. Now that I’m back in the Philippines, I’m focused on capacitating young people to discover their purpose and make a difference in their respective communities through my organization, Project SMILE. Some of our most recent initiatives include conducting internal leadership workshops, raising funds through an online auction, and distributing essentials to typhoon-afflicted regions, among others.  

Continuing my connection with the Bartlett, I’m honored to serve as a member of the advisory board of Co-Producing Digital Platforms for Youth Inclusive Urban Governance (YUP) - a three-year project that works with over 4,200 young people (aged 10–24) in four cities in Indonesia and Lebanon, tapping into their lived experiences, aspirations, and frustrations around urban issues like education, jobs, mental health, and the environment.  

Outside of that, I’m working directly with decision-makers through my involvement in UN Women’s 30 for 2030 Network. Through this regional platform, I’ve had the privilege of co-authoring the Beijing+30 Youth and Civil Society Engagement Toolkit, engaging with fellow advocates at the Young Feminist Forum, and sharing my story at the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development Forum to name a few.

Honoring the Climb 

It’s been almost two years since I graduated from UCL, but the lessons I learned through PIE remain deeply ingrained in me. I carry them into every decision I make and every step I take in all my endeavors, whether in digital transformation, social impact, or sustainable development. While the road ahead remains long, and wicked problems continue to demand collective and innovative solutions, I’ve also learned to pause and appreciate my progress.  

Since leaving the IGP, I’ve been humbled to receive various recognitions such as being named one of the 50 Leading Lights in Asia Pacific by Women of the Future as well as being included in Tatler Asia’s Front and Female Awards and the Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow list. In my opinion, these milestones are not just accolades. They are reminders of the responsibility that comes with voice and visibility and a testament to the power of community.  

As we like to say in Filipino, malayo pa, pero malayo na (Still a long way to go, but have already gone a long way). So in a few weeks, I’ll be speaking at eMpowering Youths across ASEAN and we’re already preparing for season two of To Prosperity and Beyond. In conclusion, PIE didn’t just shape my WHY. It anchored me to a mission much larger than myself. And for that, I am endlessly grateful—and ready to keep moving forward.