SAM VAGHAR,

Executive Director & Co-Founder

 
 

Sam Vaghar (he/him) is a social entrepreneur committed to helping young people own their voice and power to make a difference.  With over 15 years of impact co-founding and leading Millennium Campus Network (MCN), Sam has helped launch the Millennium Fellowship: a student movement for the UN Sustainable Development Goals at 260 campuses worldwide. Sam has given talks at over 100 institutions worldwide, including at Harvard University, MIT, the White House, the United Nations, the Vatican, and on speaking tours across four nations for the U.S. Department of State. In addition, Sam has served on multiple Boards, including serving as an Advisor to the Executive Director of UN Women.

Sam earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 2008 from Brandeis University and a Master in Public Administration (MPA) Degree from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in 2021. During his studies at Harvard, Sam was selected as a Gleitsman Fellow at the Center for Public Leadership. Sam has received two Honorary Degrees and also served as Commencement Speaker at Monmouth College in 2020. His work, writing, and contributions have been spotlighted by The Boston Globe, CNN, Fast Company, and more publications.

Invite Sam to Speak on your Campus

At nineteen, Sam Vaghar was a sophomore at Brandeis University searching for purpose.  His life changed when he read two books on extreme poverty and set out on a journey, connecting his peers to change the world.

Today, Sam heads the non-profit he co-founded in college dorm rooms, Millennium Campus Network (MCN).  MCN is building a generation of ethical, collaborative leaders.  In partnership with the United Nations Academic Impact, MCN has co-launched the Millennium Fellowship.  The network provides training, connections, and recognition to undergraduates advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals on university campuses in 38 nations.  To date, MCN has helped over 15,000 young leaders have deeper social impact, with 87% of Fellowship Alumni now employed reporting they work in social impact careers.  Along the way, Sam has learned by trial and error how to get out of his comfort zone, build an organization from scratch, and cultivate relationships with people who are marginalized and world leaders alike.

If you are looking to energize your community, consider Sam Vaghar for your next event.  Sam’s personal story has inspired tens of thousands of leaders at convenings from college campuses to the United Nations and White House.

 

In a customized talk, Sam will share practical advice to inspire community members, including on:

  • Learn how the courage of reaching out led a shy student to become a social entrepreneur, meeting with President Obama in the White House, traveling to four countries with the State Department, and building a student movement for the UN Sustainable Development Goals in 13 nations.

  • Sam can walk you through the early days at MCN – how with limited resources a small team built the network in their dorm rooms – and have to date convened and trained over 15,000 young leaders for social impact careers.

  • If you’ve ever wondered how to network and cultivate a new relationship – whether it is with a colleague or a world leader – Sam can walk you through a three-step process to break down barriers and build human connection.

Short Clips

Sam Vaghar interviewed in Rabat, Morocco (2017)

Sam Vaghar introduces the Millennium Fellowship (2019)

Full Remarks

Commencement Address at Lynn University (2013)

Sam Vaghar speaking at the United Nations (2019)

Invite Sam to speak

Sam has given talks at Commencements, conferences, and small workshops – with groups as small as 7 and as large as 7,000. He can also engage in 1:1/small group meetings with attendees who are looking for additional support on everything from planning an event to building a social impact career.

 

*Note: Please submit this form at least two months ahead of the event if you are requesting an in-person engagement.