25Under25 Awards: Celebrating youthful innovation and excellence

Tess Hayton, a Plant Sciences student at the University of Manchester, is the co-founder of MFP – C2C, which aims to combat food insecurity through education and empowerment and local, regional, and international levels. Tess is one of this year’s award recipients for Common Purpose‘s global 25Under25 Awards.

Common Purpose is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1989 that develops leaders who can cross boundaries. This enables them to solve complex problems both in organizations and in cities.

The 25Under25 Awards are designed to celebrate and spotlight the remarkable achievements of young professionals, students, and entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 25, across various industries globally, all of whom have participated in a Common Purpose Legacy programme. This aims to provide a platform for these young visionaries, offering them the recognition they deserve, and connecting them with the networks and opportunities to further their endeavours.

Tess aims to combine her background in science, data, policy and community to build more sustainable food systems at local, regional and international levels. At 21, she has co-founded a local community food project, co-authored the Manchester Food Strategy, delivered advanced data science projects at the University of Cambridge and the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, and has represented the World Food Forum’s Youth Policy Board at numerous international events. Tess’s interdisciplinary approach showcases her as a dynamic, dedicated leader committed to using community-led evidence-based approaches to deliver change.

Common Purpose has delivered two legacy programmes in Greater Manchester in partnership with the city region’s leading public and private sector organisations, including the University of Manchester. Tess did the Greater Manchester Legacy programme, part of Legacy, a global campaign by Common Purpose, designed to empower young people and give them the skills, confidence, and voice to be leaders of the future.

Marie Mohan, UK Managing Director at Common Purpose said: “We need a new generation of young leaders to come through who have the commitment and ability to bridge divides. We all need to hear and support our young people with their big ideas and long-term thinking. We are delighted to champion and celebrate the winners of our 2024 Awards.”

For more information: