Social Impact Award winner: Ella Wang, environmental development director

Wang Weikang (Ella) did a Master’s in Politics of the World Economy at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

She went on to become a senior environmental campaigns manager for the global NGO Greenpeace and she now plays a key role in environmental protection as Low Carbon Development Director at Elion Resources Group in Beijing. Her impressive career led her to win the Education UK Alumni Award for Social Imapct (China).

We find out how Ella's UK education set her on the path to success.

Award winner: Ella at the ceremony in China

Ella’s remarkable career in environmental protection is going from strength to strength. Her goal was to embark on a career in economics and politics, so the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) was the obvious choice, owing to its recognised global brand and strong partnerships in China. 

‘Studying at LSE broadened my perspective to care about environmental political economics and it led me to a career in environmental protection,’ Ella says.

Ella made her first links with Greenpeace through a former classmate, who was an advocate for the prominent NGO. Ella
went on to spend six years with the organisation, rising to the position of Senior Campaigner on the Toxic Chemicals Campaign in China.

In 2011, Ella successfully worked with large rice brands including Jinjian and Longping, which resulted in the companies committing to producing non-genetically engineered rice. 

Ella is proud of her achievements. ‘Over the years we have worked to raise public awareness of environmental protection in China, shifted policies and pushed industries to do more,’ she says. 

Social impact: Ella (receiving her award here from Rebecca Hughes, Director of Education at the British Council) is blazing a trail in organisations that make a difference

Ella is now Low Carbon Director at Elion Resources Group in Beijing, a public platform committed to solving environmental problems by sustainable economic means. 

Her time in the UK wasn’t all work and study. As a student in London, Ella enjoyed going to the theatre (‘especially to see my favourite musical, Phantom of the Opera!’ she says) and travelling. 

‘London is a great base to visit other European cities,’ Ella says.
‘I went to Rome, Paris and Munich during my Master’s.’

Her professors and friends have also played a vital part in her journey to where she is today. One of her closest friends from her UK studies persuaded her to apply for the Education UK Alumni Awards – for which, Ella says, she will be ‘eternally grateful’. 

‘I’m so excited and feel very privileged to win the award,’ she says. ‘I didn’t think this dream would come true! 

‘I want to promote UK education to more students in China and motivate them to apply for the awards, using my case as an example.’ 

‘Today, if I have achieved any success and made some social impact, I'd like to attribute it to LSE,’ Ella continues.

‘With such an international community, the people I met from all over the world enhanced my global outlook and made my learning experience better.’

Focused, pragmatic and committed to positive change – Ella embodies an Education UK Alumni Awards finalist. As well as celebrating the achievements of excellent UK alumni, the awards are dedicated to building trust and creating long-lasting partnerships between the UK and countries worldwide.


Winning team: Ella with other finalists at the Education UK Alumni Awards ceremony

Find out more:

• Education UK Alumni Awards
• Alumni Award Winners: China, India, USA
• Open the doors to your dream career
• One in 10 global leaders studied in the UK