Sophie Pender

Sophie is the Founder and CEO of The 93% Club and a corporate lawyer at Bates Wells – the UK’s first ever B Corp law firm. Sophie is a Forbes 30 under 30 lister for social impact and a Diana Award recipient.

Passionately committed to social mobility, Sophie embarked on her journey at just 19 when she founded The 93% Club. This pioneering initiative provides invaluable support to university students from state schools, guiding them towards meaningful employment opportunities. Today, The 93% Club stands as the UK’s largest network of state-educated individuals. Sophie collaborates closely with the nation’s top employers, championing access to higher education, career prospects, and opportunities for those hailing from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Sophie’s affiliation with our Board is a testament to her long-standing connection with our Access Aspiration programme. She was among the programme’s earliest cohorts in 2013, and her inspiring journey from there has led her to speak at prestigious venues such as Downing Street and the House of Commons, highlighting how our charity has profoundly shaped her educational path and ongoing support.