SQUAD SPOTLIGHT: Millicent Wenlock
- Remi Olokun
- Feb 23
- 3 min read
Hey everybody, welcome to the first Squad Spotlight. I'm Eden, and today we are
catching up with fellow squad ambassador Millicent Wenlock:
Thank you so much, Millicent, for agreeing to be interviewed. Do you want to tell
everybody a bit about yourself and the work that you do?
I am a Squad Ambassador, working to strengthen democratic participation and
ensure lived experience shapes policy decision-making. My expertise is across
social mobility, disability inclusion, sustainability, and financial inclusion, collaborating
with organisations and policymakers to create fairer, more accessible systems.
Amazing, thank you, Millicent, it’s great to find out more about what you’re passionate
about! So how did you get involved in Squad?
I first got involved with Squad after attending the Next Gen Conference in 2024.
Inspired by the energy, ideas, and commitment to strengthening civic engagement, I
decided to apply for the Squad Leaders programme to deepen my impact and help
create spaces where more voices can be heard and included in decision-making.
I love that, and obviously, you’ve been a squad leader and are now a squad
ambassador probably a hard question, but what has been your favourite squad
moment so far?
My favourite Squad moment was Squad Leaders Day last August, where I had the
chance to meet fellow leaders from across the country. I especially valued the
opportunity to connect with others, learn about their social justice passions and
stories, and share ideas for creating meaningful change together.
Sounds like it was a really fun day! So what do you give an X about?
I give an X about fair access to opportunities and ensuring that people from
underrepresented backgrounds can shape the decisions that affect their lives. I am
passionate about strengthening inclusive democracy so that lived experience is
recognised as expertise and everyone has a genuine voice in society.
I so agree I think it’s so important that opportunities are accessible and inclusive for
young people to be able to feel comfortable sharing their voices and experiences.
Who would be your dream NextGen guest and why?
My dream NextGen guest would be David Attenborough. I admire his lifelong
commitment to protecting the planet and his ability to inspire people across
generations to care about the natural world, take responsibility, and push for
meaningful change.
I love that answer, I totally agree, I think David Attenborough is brilliant, and I love
watching his documentaries as I always learn something new. Do you have any
advice for anyone wanting to join the squad or get involved in campaigning?
Start where you are and speak about what genuinely matters to you. Also do not
underestimate the value of their lived experience, to stay curious, and to seek out
supportive communities like My Life My Say and opportunities through the Youth
Opportunities platform, where they can build confidence, find new opportunities,
connect with others, and turn their passion into real impact.
I totally agree, I think a lot of young people always question whether or not they have
the experience, but your lived experiences are so important and can bring so much to
the conversations that we have
Where can people find you/your work?
You can usually find me through my social media profiles, and I'm always happy for
others to reach out. I'm always open and encouraging anyone with questions about
campaigning, leadership, or getting involved to simply get in touch and start a
conversation!
Thank you so much, Millicent it has been great hearing more about your squad experience, and I am sure everyone else will have to!
--
Eden is a 22-year-old squad ambassador from Belfast, Northern Ireland. She is
passionate about physical and mental health and ensuring that young people are
given equal access to opportunities. She also hosts her own podcast Sports For All on
Be the change. media network. You can get connected with Eden on LinkedIn or
listen to the podcast here
