Meet Virginia Vergara Martin, our dynamic Senior Programmes Manager at Impact Hub London! From coaching entrepreneurs to designing impactful programmes and workshops, she’s passionate about helping social founders thrive. Whether mentoring, organising events, or building connections, Virginia is all about creating spaces where ideas and changemakers grow!
Name: Virginia Vergara Martin
Role: Senior Programmes Manager
As Senior Programmes Manager, I wear many hats: manager, business advisor, workshop wizard, and all-around problem solver. I lead programmes, support entrepreneurs, run workshops, and help our team level up, all to make sure underserved social entrepreneurs get the best possible support.
Basically, I help Impact Hub London grow its impact, scale its programmes, and keep the magic flowing, one workshop, one entrepreneur, and one great idea at a time!
How did you come to be a part of the Impact Hub London Team?
Before diving into the world of social entrepreneurship, I was a freelance tour guide in London, showing people the city’s best-kept secrets until Covid decided to put the entire tourism industry on pause. With a whole year of no tourists to entertain, I had to rethink my career path.
That’s when a friend pointed me toward an open role at Impact Hub London as a Community and Events Coordinator. I jumped in (less history tours, more impact!), and by June 2021, I was part of the team. Fast forward, and I found my way to the Programmes Team, where I get to support entrepreneurs, run workshops, and create real change, this was the right tour all along!
What do you love and about your role?
Watching social entrepreneurs grow, evolve, and absolutely crush it is hands-down one of the most inspiring parts of my job. Their ideas? Brilliant. Their impact? Game-changing.
But what really gets me is the connections they build—with each other and with me. Seeing them cheer each other on, swap advice, and form lasting bonds makes this journey even more special. It’s not just about business; it’s about building a community that lifts each other up—and I’m lucky to be part of it!
What has been something you are particularly proud of in your role?
As Programmes Manager at Impact Hub London, I’ve had the privilege of leading New Roots, a start-up and mentoring programme at the intersection of inclusion, climate, and entrepreneurship. I also launched the New Roots Alumni Pilot and led the GROW Fund for Barking & Dagenham Giving, among other impactful projects.
Beyond programme design, I’ve organised events, hosted panels, and delivered workshops, including my self-designed “Leadership & Entrepreneurial Resilience” session. Whether running pitch events, mentoring startups, or making stakeholder meetings fun (yes, it’s possible), I thrive on creating spaces where entrepreneurs and ideas can grow!
One of my most memorable collaborations was GROWFund. I co-designed and delivered the programme, shaping everything from workshops and peer sessions to stakeholder relationships and the final pitch event.
My standout move? Ditching the usual meeting rooms and hosting peer sessions at participants’ own venues—because what better way to learn than in your natural habitat? It turned out to be a game-changer, with participants raving about the experience.
I also kept partners engaged, ran 1:1 sessions, and made sure no one got lost in the chaos. The result? A programme that actually worked, with happy participants, solid connections, and a real impact. Mission accomplished!
How do you work to improve your work-life balance?
We’re always telling our participants that work-life balance isn’t a luxury, it’s essential. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and let’s be honest, burnout isn’t a good look on anyone.
I practice what I preach by setting boundaries, actually taking my lunch break (wild, I know), and blocking out call-free zones to stay focused and sane.
Bottom line? Prioritise yourself and your loved ones—because no job is worth sacrificing your well-being (or skipping a good meal).
What’s the most interesting talent or interest you have that most people don’t know about?
Here are some fun facts about me: I speak Spanish, Italian, and English, have lived in four countries, and have travelled to around 40, often solo, because who doesn’t like to be away from others’ input?
When I’m not lifting weights or being clumsy at callisthenics, you’ll probably find me cooking, knotting macramé like a pro, or being nostalgic about my clarinet-playing days (yes, I had a musical phase). Basically, I like to lift, cook, create, and explore, sometimes all at once!
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