Maxine Mpofu is a dedicated volunteer and researcher with a deep passion for exploring the intersection of volunteering and global development. As one of the co-organisers of IVCO 2024, Maxine’s PhD research centres on the participation of diverse young individuals with disabilities in the development of rural Zimbabwe. Her commitment to volunteerism began at the age of eight as a Girl Guide, and she has since embraced various volunteering roles across Southern Africa and the UK. Previously, Maxine served as the Global Project Coordinator for the World Organisation of the Scout Movement, where she played a vital role in advocacy and resource mobilisation efforts, benefiting approximately 57 million young people and volunteers across 174 countries. She also co-led the launch of the Global Youth Mobilisation initiative, which aimed at enhancing the capacity of youth volunteers on a global scale. More recently, Maxine has contributed her expertise to research at Northumbria University’s Centre for Global Development, focusing on fostering just, equitable, and decolonial approaches to reconceptualising volunteerism. Through her diverse experiences and unwavering commitment to social impact, Maxine continues to inspire and enhance the role of volunteers in the global development agenda. Maxine will be one of the moderators during the IVCO 2024 Conference and will also be presenting on “Solidarity through Collaborative Research: Unpacking How Young People with Disabilities Participate in the Development of Zimbabwe” in a Human Library breakout session.