Sam Johnson is a visionary social entrepreneur from Christchurch, New Zealand, best known for founding the Student Volunteer Army (SVA), which mobilized 11,000 students to aid in the Christchurch earthquake recovery and evolved into a nationwide volunteering movement. His innovative approach to community resilience through volunteering has inspired global models of action and impact.

A recipient of accolades including Young New Zealander of the Year and a Sir Peter Blake Leadership Award, Sam’s work emphasizes authentic connection and collective action over bureaucracy. Under his leadership, the SVA has grown to include 3,000 tertiary members and 29,000 primary school participants across 976 schools.

Sam’s entrepreneurial ventures, including WeVisit and a social enterprise addressing social isolation, focus on reimagining care and fostering intergenerational connections. As a member of key advisory boards, Sam continues to drive innovative solutions for building stronger, more empathetic communities.