From Poplar Union to Global Leadership

Shubham Vashisht was one of the two Queen Mary University interns working for two months mid-2024 with Chiu, the marketing and communications manager in Poplar Union. I invited him to write about his experience.

From Poplar Union to Global Leadership: My Journey in Community Engagement and Sustainable Development

When I first stepped through the doors of Poplar Union as a Marketing and Communications Intern, I had no idea how much that little corner of East London would shift the trajectory of my life.

I still remember the feeling—equal parts excitement and nerves. I wasn’t sure what to expect. But what I found was a community: open, creative, full of soul. And they trusted me. They gave me the space to experiment, to lead, and to grow.

During my time there, I had the opportunity to craft marketing strategies that didn’t just promote events—they told stories. They celebrated local talent. They brought people together. I managed our social media, designed content that resonated, and created a community network through WhatsApp groups and broadcast lists that helped turn digital connections into real-life impact.

It wasn’t just about numbers or metrics. It was about belonging. And it taught me something I’ve carried with me ever since: real communication isn’t about speaking louder—it’s about listening better.

That experience lit a spark in me. A belief that when people come together—whether through art, activism, or conversation—change is possible.

Now, I find myself on a very different stage as the UK Country Director at the Alternative Development Model (ADM)—but the core values are the same.

At ADM, we work across borders to create sustainable, people-first development. My role involves everything from building partnerships with global organisations to training young leaders in climate action. Together, we’ve raised over $2 million for education and renewable energy initiatives, launched 10+ global campaigns, and trained 500+ youth leaders in sustainability.

We’ve also hosted international conferences, built out seven flagship programs across different sectors, and contributed to policy frameworks now shaping national agendas.

But behind every statistic is a story. A story of a student in a rural school getting access to solar-powered classrooms. A young woman finding her voice through a community project. A grassroots leader who finally has the tools and support they need to make change happen.

I share all this not to list achievements—but to show what’s possible when someone believes in you. Poplar Union gave me that first belief. That first platform. And I carry it with me into every project, every campaign, every moment.

So here’s to community, to creativity, and to the incredible ripple effects that begin when someone simply says: “Yes, we trust you. Go for it.”

Building Bridges, Empowering Communities

Thank you, Poplar Union—for the beginning of it all.