Pembroke Alumna Wins National Award for Inspiring the Next Generation of Inventors & Engineers

Pembroke College alumna Laura Cross (née Carr, 2001, Jurisprudence) has been recognised at a national level for her work inspiring children through creative STEM education. 

Laura was recently awarded Silver in the “Best Businesswoman Working with Children & Families” category at the Best Business Women Awards 2025, which celebrate exceptional female entrepreneurs from across the UK. 

After reading Jurisprudence at Pembroke, Laura began her career as a corporate solicitor, working for several years in a leading law firm before deciding to retrain as a primary school teacher. Her career then took her to Silicon Valley, where she worked in the education technology sector, gaining insight into how technology and creativity could be harnessed to support children’s learning. 

On returning to the UK, Laura combined her experience in law, education, and technology to found Inventors & Makers, an education company that delivers hands-on STEM workshops, after-school clubs and virtual sessions for children aged 2–11. 

Since its beginnings in West London, Inventors & Makers has worked with over 300 schools and nurseries across the UK, helping children learn through creativity, curiosity and invention. The company has now grown into a teacher-led franchise network, giving qualified teachers the opportunity to build independent local businesses while continuing to make a difference in children’s education.

“My time at Pembroke taught me to think critically, challenge assumptions, and value curiosity,” says Laura. “Those lessons have shaped everything I’ve done since - from law and teaching to launching a business that helps children see themselves as inventors and problem-solvers.” 

Inventors & Makers’ mission is to inspire every child to see themselves as an inventor and engineer, helping them develop the creativity, confidence and real-world problem-solving skills they’ll need for the future.

Many congratulations to Laura!