Mission 44 has always been driven by the vision of creating bold and impactful change, challenging the system in ways that truly matter. As a proud member of Mission 44’s Youth Advisory Board, I have witnessed first-hand the relentless passion, determination, and talent fuelling our efforts. Together, we are unapologetically fighting against social injustices and empowering young people to take charge of their futures.

“Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.” – Arthur Ashe

As the year draws to a close, reflecting on my journey with Mission 44 fills me with gratitude. There’s a deep sense of belonging and empowerment that comes from knowing the work we do is transforming lives across the UK and internationally. While many measure impact in numbers, partnerships, and milestones, for me, the real impact lies in the smaller, often unseen victories. It’s the ten year old boy who dares to dream after seeing the success of Mission 44’s Motorsport Scholars. It’s the fifteen year old girl who feels empowered on their educational journey after being supported by Mission 44 partner, Milk Honey Bees. And it’s the twenty-three year old me, confident and ready to continue advocating for a fairer future, because of the work we do together.

This year, Mission 44 has made incredible progress, and I couldn’t be prouder. From hosting our first-ever STEM inspiration event at the Miami Grand Prix, to launching the Diversity in Education Fund, and partnering with My Life My Say on the ‘Give an X’ campaign, we’ve consistently invested in initiatives that drive change.

A personal highlight for me was the Youth Advisory Board’s role in co-designing the Fair Education Alliance’s Annual Youth Summit. We’ve seen the results of these efforts culminate in unforgettable moments, such as our inaugural fundraising event, Reimagining the Future.

Writing this, I’m reminded of something I’ve always believed: “Reflection isn’t just about looking back. It’s about using what you’ve learned to fuel what’s next.” It’s critical that we reflect on both our successes and our lessons from 2024, to inform how we continue to evolve. The world around us is constantly shifting, and it’s our responsibility to stay adaptable, overcome challenges, and remain unwavering in our mission. At the heart of our work are the young people we serve — and those same young people will one day lead the charge for social justice and equality when our time comes to pass the torch.

As we step into 2025, Mission 44 continues to stand tall as a catalyst for change. The journey has been transformative — not just for the organisation, or my fellow Youth Advisory Board members, but for every young person impacted by our work. I’m incredibly proud to be part of this movement and I can’t wait to see where it takes us next.

Darryl, 23
Mission 44 Youth Advisory Board member