Passion and progress: ASU students excel in Change the World 2025
Students in suits stand before their project proposals, confidently reciting the innovative ideas they’ve developed over the years. Bands fill the main stage with roaring music, and singers belt out songs that echo off the walls of Mountain America Stadium. Dance troupes stomp along to “Get Silly,” filling the crowd with energy. Local artists display their impressive collections, ranging from large-scale paintings to finely crafted jewelry.
This is what attendees can expect at Change the World, an annual on-campus event that encourages Sun Devils to consider how they can create lasting impacts. By offering a wide range of categories open for submissions, Change the World welcomes artists, entrepreneurs, innovators and musicians alike.
Students at Change the World 2025 submit proposals in four main categories: art displays, idea pitches, live performances and solution exhibits.
“ASU’s Change the World experience empowers students to showcase their ideas, talents and projects that address real-world challenges,” ASU’s Director of Strategic Initiatives Jen O’Brien said. “It offers a valuable platform to gain exposure, receive feedback, and connect with peers and professionals. By participating, students not only inspire others but also develop their leadership, creativity, and impact; making it an ideal opportunity for all ASU students and anyone passionate about creating positive change.”
Art equals impact
Kylee Wojak, a mathematics major at The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, attended Change the World with a full table of miniature crochet figures and cat stickers, all handmade. When it comes to creative expression, she sees no limits.
“I sell all different kinds of art supplies,” Wojak said. “I make crochet, amigurumi, fidgets, key chains and custom bags.”
Wojak emphasized the significance of events like Change the World, which provide ASU artists with a safe space to discuss their work.
“It’s important to support creatives on campus because a lot of times, we don’t get that support from our families or friends,” Wojak said.
Another student in the art display category was Abigail Quinones, whose “Crafting Your Improvement” table focused on the intention artists bring to refining their work and growing in their niches.
“I started during the COVID-19 pandemic when I needed something to keep me busy,” Quinones said.
Quinones discovered the transformative power of art and, through her display at Change the World 2025, showed students that anyone can be an artist.
“Creativity can help a lot, whether it be professionally or personally,” Quinones said. “I don’t have money for nice things. I’m a college student. But I do have money for a ten-pack of canvases and some cheap Walmart paint.”
Quinones broadened her stance, clarifying that creativity does not simply apply to Sun Devils engaged in the art display category.
“I encourage everyone to unlock their creative side, which isn’t always accomplished through art,” Quinones said. “We have creative people doing their pitches, their exhibits, and their performances. All that creativity can change the world.”
Innovators of all ages
This year, high school students across the Valley were invited to submit their impactful ideas through the Rising Innovator Challenge.
Nageesh, Jonathan, Jasper and Caden — high school students at the Barça Residency Academy in Casa Grande — were some of this year’s Rising Innovator participants. Their project proposal originated as a solution to incorporate sustainable energy at their own school.
“We want to make pressure plates so that, when you step on them, the magnetic insulation produces energy through a copper wire,” Jonathan said. “We want to not only implement that here at ASU, but also in our own city, where we could power the stadium lights or even the school.”
Taking their idea a step further, the students developed a plan to maximize their energy output by using the soccer fields near their campus.
“We thought, ‘What if we use new technology, generating energy from walking, and implemented it in a field?’” Jasper said.
When asked about the chance to present their idea at Arizona State University as high school students, Jonathan talked about the unique nature of the experience.
“It allows us to spread our ideas and change the future,” Jonathan said. “It’s pretty cool that ASU offers this to younger generations. They offer a lot of scholarships through this, and it encourages team building.”
Clubs make connections
Not only is Change the World an important event for students, but it also helps clubs and on-campus organizations develop connections on campus. One group that tabled at Change the World was ASU’s Zero Waste department, a team committed to meeting the university’s zero waste goals.
“We’re hoping to educate the ASU community on some waste aversion techniques,” said Brennan Campbell, an enterprise engagement assistant for University Sustainability Practices.
When asked what makes a changemaker on campus, Campbell talked about the ways students can make a difference.
“A changemaker is someone who inspires their peers to do good,” Campbell said.
Devils 4 Devils also attended Change the World, looking to spread the word about the ways students can get involved in developing an emotionally healthy and connected campus at ASU. Amy Senkerik, a student representative from the organization, explained the scope of their impact.
“Devils 4 Devils is a mental health club on campus,” Senkerik said. “We work with ASU Counseling to both provide an empathetic environment and get students the resources they need.
Change the World aligns with Devil 4 Devils’ mission of positive change.
“We want to reach as many people as we can,” Senkerik said. “I am really passionate about suicide prevention. That is why I work for Devils 4 Devils.”
Photography by Thomas Padden and Autumn Williams, ASU Student Life