Harvard Scholarship Awarded to Social Enterprise Leader

The Executive Director of a Queensland social enterprise that supports adults in the community who have experienced mental health issues has been awarded a scholarship to attend Harvard University.

Luke Terry from Toowoomba Clubhouse received the award from Social Ventures Australia (SVA) to attend Harvard’s Strategic Perspectives in Non-profit Management course later this year.

Terry received the award in recognition of his leadership in social innovation through the range of social enterprise and community initiatives he has spearheaded across the Toowoomba and Darling Downs region.

SVA said as Executive Director of Toowoomba Clubhouse, Terry has led a variety of projects focused on social inclusion, housing, employment, education and healthy living, and grown a small community group into a centre for social innovation that works with more than 600 people each year.

He has also been involved in 10 social enterprise start-ups, including SVA investments Ability Enterprises and Bounce Coffee.

Terry said he was looking forward to the opportunity to study at one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to join social change leaders from across the world at Harvard, and to discover new approaches and opportunities for creating positive social impact,” Terry said.

“I look forward to coming back with a new set of tools to help build a more inclusive and prosperous community.”

SVA CEO Rob Koczkar praised Terry, saying his work was an inspiration to others.

“Luke is an outstanding example of the impact strong entrepreneurial leadership can have in creating better outcomes for people in need,” Koczkar said.

“We have been inspired by his ability to think outside the square and to partner with others such a wide range of initiatives. I look forward to hearing all about his experience when he returns from the US.”

Alongside his role at Toowoomba Clubhouse, Terry is a member of the Queensland Mental Health Commission Advisory Council, St Vincent's Hospital Toowoomba Advisory Board, and the Toowoomba Regional Council Disability Advisory Group.

The David Clarke Scholarship for Outstanding Leadership in Social Change was established to honour Social Ventures Australia Leadership Council founding Chair David Clarke.