who we are
We form a very diverse group of people. We come from different countries, we have different life experiences, and we have different understandings of sustainability. Some of us have been working on different aspects of sustainability for quite some time, as academics, professionals, community leaders, and activists. Some of us are just starting; we are studying, being trained, or creating our own organizations. What connects us is our desire to learn more about the issues we face, the possible strategies to address these issues, and how we can make a contribution. We will continue to expand our group to include those who share with us the desire to make this a better world. We do not have to immediately agree on what ‘a better world’ is. Our notions are shaped and re-shaped through our interactions with each other and the world around us. New Empowering Sustainability Fellows are chosen every year by current fellows. We select fellows whose experiences, desire to contribute, or current work might be enhanced by participation in the group. We will continue to have a focus on increasing diversity – bringing people from different countries and with different backgrounds, levels of experience, and expertise.
2018 GATHERING
Abena Sackey Ojetayo, Chief Resilience Officer at City of Tallahassee
Country: United States and Ghana
Sustanability Fellow: 2018
I am the first Chief Resilience Officer for the City of Tallahassee, taking on the role in October 2017. Before then, my research and professional interests led me to various countries, including working as an energy and infrastructure planner of a town in Greece following a devastating earthquake, and managing an urban design team for the flood prone Anam New City, Nigeria. I have worked in climate action planning at Cornell University and directed a sustainability institute at Florida A&M University. My interdisciplinary training in civil & environmental infrastructure and engineering management prepared me well with the creativity and systems thinking required for sustainable development.
Country: United States and Ghana
Sustanability Fellow: 2018
I am the first Chief Resilience Officer for the City of Tallahassee, taking on the role in October 2017. Before then, my research and professional interests led me to various countries, including working as an energy and infrastructure planner of a town in Greece following a devastating earthquake, and managing an urban design team for the flood prone Anam New City, Nigeria. I have worked in climate action planning at Cornell University and directed a sustainability institute at Florida A&M University. My interdisciplinary training in civil & environmental infrastructure and engineering management prepared me well with the creativity and systems thinking required for sustainable development.
Adrian Downey, PhD Student in Education
Country: Mi'kma'ki / Canada
Sustainability Fellow: 2018
I am a Mi’kmaw (First Nations) PhD student at the University of New Brunswick and hold a MA in education, a BEd, and a BA in music education. My research generally focuses on spiritual thought, curriculum, social justice, and sustainability, but I have also done autobiographical work on Indigenous identity and white privilege. Before returning to graduate school, I was a teacher in a northern First Nations community and worked toward culturally responsible pedagogies. I recently received a SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship to peruse my doctoral research on Wabanaki approaches to curriculum.
Country: Mi'kma'ki / Canada
Sustainability Fellow: 2018
I am a Mi’kmaw (First Nations) PhD student at the University of New Brunswick and hold a MA in education, a BEd, and a BA in music education. My research generally focuses on spiritual thought, curriculum, social justice, and sustainability, but I have also done autobiographical work on Indigenous identity and white privilege. Before returning to graduate school, I was a teacher in a northern First Nations community and worked toward culturally responsible pedagogies. I recently received a SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship to peruse my doctoral research on Wabanaki approaches to curriculum.
Allan Trimpi, Retired medical doctor
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2016 - 2018
I began my life traveling the world. As a result of my keen interest in varieties of Nature, Cultures, and People I encountered, I became an adult student of them in two states, countries, and languages, and more colleges. This led me to experiences many walks of life. (My family includes nine cultures.) I taught all levels of education. Now I dedicate myself to service in non-profit organizations. On a Board I founded, I am extending into web publishing. I see the world's future as dynamic, and full of opportunity for cooperation based on understanding and respect for others.
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2016 - 2018
I began my life traveling the world. As a result of my keen interest in varieties of Nature, Cultures, and People I encountered, I became an adult student of them in two states, countries, and languages, and more colleges. This led me to experiences many walks of life. (My family includes nine cultures.) I taught all levels of education. Now I dedicate myself to service in non-profit organizations. On a Board I founded, I am extending into web publishing. I see the world's future as dynamic, and full of opportunity for cooperation based on understanding and respect for others.
Cambria Hibbert, Student
Country: United States
Volunteer: 2016 - 2018
As a sophomore in college, I am early in my academic journey pursuing a degree in creative writing and screenwriting. But my passion for environmental justice and sustainability was rooted in my childhood as the daughter of a fulltime Ph.D student. My mother raised me on a college campus (UCI) along with her peers and thus my foundation for critical think and observation began early. I have since been an active leader in community clean-ups, lake clean-ups and beach clean-ups. I encourage my friends to increase their awareness of our burden on the earth’s resources and actively participate in ride-sharing, recycling, and decreasing consumption/waste. I have also been working on a project for youtube that will increase awareness about sustainable and environmentally respectful choices that young adults and teens can include in their everyday life.
Country: United States
Volunteer: 2016 - 2018
As a sophomore in college, I am early in my academic journey pursuing a degree in creative writing and screenwriting. But my passion for environmental justice and sustainability was rooted in my childhood as the daughter of a fulltime Ph.D student. My mother raised me on a college campus (UCI) along with her peers and thus my foundation for critical think and observation began early. I have since been an active leader in community clean-ups, lake clean-ups and beach clean-ups. I encourage my friends to increase their awareness of our burden on the earth’s resources and actively participate in ride-sharing, recycling, and decreasing consumption/waste. I have also been working on a project for youtube that will increase awareness about sustainable and environmentally respectful choices that young adults and teens can include in their everyday life.
Chace Warmington, Community Engagement at the University of California, Irvine
Country: United States
Organizer: 2011 - 2018
As an Independent Contractor for UCI for the first two years and as a career employee for the last two years, my duties were to engage the local community around the domains of Empowering Sustainability and Toward a Sustainable 21st Century with a focus on empowering the next generation of leaders, and of advancing coastal and ocean health in Southern California.
As a key facilitator between UCI and local community members, I was able to connect local and regional family foundations and individuals not currently engaged with the campus to three UCI programs: Empowering Sustainability, Women's Empowerment Initiative, and Toward a Sustainable 21st Century. Central to my current work is funding the redevelopment of the Caltech Kerckhoff Marine Laboratory in China Cove through the Office of Academic Initiatives. Strategic planning, knowledge of community, and the ability to transform vision into a collaborative, working game plan with limited resources define my interest, my direction and my work.
Country: United States
Organizer: 2011 - 2018
As an Independent Contractor for UCI for the first two years and as a career employee for the last two years, my duties were to engage the local community around the domains of Empowering Sustainability and Toward a Sustainable 21st Century with a focus on empowering the next generation of leaders, and of advancing coastal and ocean health in Southern California.
As a key facilitator between UCI and local community members, I was able to connect local and regional family foundations and individuals not currently engaged with the campus to three UCI programs: Empowering Sustainability, Women's Empowerment Initiative, and Toward a Sustainable 21st Century. Central to my current work is funding the redevelopment of the Caltech Kerckhoff Marine Laboratory in China Cove through the Office of Academic Initiatives. Strategic planning, knowledge of community, and the ability to transform vision into a collaborative, working game plan with limited resources define my interest, my direction and my work.
Charli Hibbert, Post-doctoral researcher at United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Country: United States
Organizer: 2012, 2014 - 2018
I am currently a post-doctoral researcher at the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development’s National Exposure Research Laboratory. I am conducting research that is a part of the Sustainable and Healthy Communities program. My research project focuses on the impact of non-chemical stressors (e.g., temperature, SES, stress, social support) on children’s health. Children may be more vulnerable to the interactions of chemical and non-chemical stressors due to their developmental stage and lifestage-specific activities and behaviors. Specifically, I am studying how non-chemical stressors in a child’s social environment influence the biological response to a chemical stressor. My research can be used by decision-makers (e.g., parents, caregivers, or elected leaders) to help them make informed decisions about child-specific environments in a home or community.
Country: United States
Organizer: 2012, 2014 - 2018
I am currently a post-doctoral researcher at the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development’s National Exposure Research Laboratory. I am conducting research that is a part of the Sustainable and Healthy Communities program. My research project focuses on the impact of non-chemical stressors (e.g., temperature, SES, stress, social support) on children’s health. Children may be more vulnerable to the interactions of chemical and non-chemical stressors due to their developmental stage and lifestage-specific activities and behaviors. Specifically, I am studying how non-chemical stressors in a child’s social environment influence the biological response to a chemical stressor. My research can be used by decision-makers (e.g., parents, caregivers, or elected leaders) to help them make informed decisions about child-specific environments in a home or community.
Daniela Solano Rojas, Researcher and Project Coordinator at Fundacion Saimiri de Costa Rica
Country: Costa Rica
Sustainability Fellow: 2011 - 2014, 2018
I am conservation biologist based in the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica. I work with the Saimiri Foundation, an organization I founded to conserve the biodiversity of the area and especially monkeys. I am interested in the relationship between people and the environment in the world and how it can be balanced more sustainably. I have work mostly in the NGO sector, including a year and a half with The Nature Conservancy in the Osa Peninsula. The Osa Peninsula itself is home to an estimated half of all species living in Costa Rica hence the relevance and importance of the mission of the Saimiri Foundation to preserve biodiversity.
Country: Costa Rica
Sustainability Fellow: 2011 - 2014, 2018
I am conservation biologist based in the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica. I work with the Saimiri Foundation, an organization I founded to conserve the biodiversity of the area and especially monkeys. I am interested in the relationship between people and the environment in the world and how it can be balanced more sustainably. I have work mostly in the NGO sector, including a year and a half with The Nature Conservancy in the Osa Peninsula. The Osa Peninsula itself is home to an estimated half of all species living in Costa Rica hence the relevance and importance of the mission of the Saimiri Foundation to preserve biodiversity.
Debjeet Sarangi, Managing Trustee at Living Farms
Country: India
Sustainability Fellow: 2011 - 2014, 2016, 2018
I have been working with indigenous communities in the eastern states of India since 1990 on issues of strengthening the access of communities and control over the commons ( forest , land , seeds, knowledge and culture etc: ), transforming gasoline and external inputs based and high energy intensive food production systems, improving the storage, distribution and consumption system of local resources, and contributing to a new renewable energy based and community managed system. The work is based on the ethical principles of “earth care” and “people care.” As a part of my work, I have also been working with consumers and producers on the impact of hazardous technologies on food and agriculture, and their impacts on food, environment and ecosystems. I have begun work on Zero Waste. It is a total systems approach that goes beyond just segregate- reuse-reduce-recycling. Zero Waste incorporates principles of effective human and material resource utilization to avoid the conversion of discards into waste in a manner that revitalizes the local economy. I am a trained process facilitator, certified permaculture designer, accredited instructor in Social Analysis Systems – participatory action http://www.sas2.net/People/Instructors) , Integrated Farming system and Community Development etc. I am a Graduate in Economics. I enjoying traveling.
Country: India
Sustainability Fellow: 2011 - 2014, 2016, 2018
I have been working with indigenous communities in the eastern states of India since 1990 on issues of strengthening the access of communities and control over the commons ( forest , land , seeds, knowledge and culture etc: ), transforming gasoline and external inputs based and high energy intensive food production systems, improving the storage, distribution and consumption system of local resources, and contributing to a new renewable energy based and community managed system. The work is based on the ethical principles of “earth care” and “people care.” As a part of my work, I have also been working with consumers and producers on the impact of hazardous technologies on food and agriculture, and their impacts on food, environment and ecosystems. I have begun work on Zero Waste. It is a total systems approach that goes beyond just segregate- reuse-reduce-recycling. Zero Waste incorporates principles of effective human and material resource utilization to avoid the conversion of discards into waste in a manner that revitalizes the local economy. I am a trained process facilitator, certified permaculture designer, accredited instructor in Social Analysis Systems – participatory action http://www.sas2.net/People/Instructors) , Integrated Farming system and Community Development etc. I am a Graduate in Economics. I enjoying traveling.
Gonen Sagy, Senior Trainer at Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Country: Israel and Canada
Sustainability Fellow: 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018
A guest on earth.
I hold a B.Ed., an M.A. in Desert and Environmental Studies, and an interdisciplinary PhD in Environmental Education.
From 2010 to 2014, I directed Youth Environmental Education and Peace Initiative (YEEPI) for Palestinian and Jewish students in Israeli high schools.
Today I live with my family in Ottawa ON, Canada, currently working for the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency. I facilitate cross cultural youth reconciliation programs and the Descendants of Holocaust survivors forum. I teach academic courses on reconciliation, sustainability, education and critical thinking. I am a father to three, a grandson of holocaust survivors, a feminist, optimist and humanist.
Country: Israel and Canada
Sustainability Fellow: 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018
A guest on earth.
I hold a B.Ed., an M.A. in Desert and Environmental Studies, and an interdisciplinary PhD in Environmental Education.
From 2010 to 2014, I directed Youth Environmental Education and Peace Initiative (YEEPI) for Palestinian and Jewish students in Israeli high schools.
Today I live with my family in Ottawa ON, Canada, currently working for the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency. I facilitate cross cultural youth reconciliation programs and the Descendants of Holocaust survivors forum. I teach academic courses on reconciliation, sustainability, education and critical thinking. I am a father to three, a grandson of holocaust survivors, a feminist, optimist and humanist.
Jeremy Lambeth, Information Manager at Dartmouth College
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2011 - 2012, 2014 - 2018
From promoting sustainable development to facilitating scholarly exchange, my efforts focus on addressing the interwoven root causes of extreme poverty. As a “generalist” practitioner, I engage with specialists across multiple fields integrating managerial, natural, social, and health sciences. My recent work supported projects in Haiti related to infectious disease studies, organic product export, and distance education. Currently, I lead program evaluation and reporting at the Guarini Institute for International Education. In the future, my goal is to establish the first American Overseas Research Center in the Caribbean.
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2011 - 2012, 2014 - 2018
From promoting sustainable development to facilitating scholarly exchange, my efforts focus on addressing the interwoven root causes of extreme poverty. As a “generalist” practitioner, I engage with specialists across multiple fields integrating managerial, natural, social, and health sciences. My recent work supported projects in Haiti related to infectious disease studies, organic product export, and distance education. Currently, I lead program evaluation and reporting at the Guarini Institute for International Education. In the future, my goal is to establish the first American Overseas Research Center in the Caribbean.
John M. Whiteley, Professor of Social Ecology at the University of California, Irvine
Country: United States
Organizer: 2011 - 2018
I believe that universities are one of the few viable institutions in society for contributing to a better society and for educating stewards of the next generation in order that they may leave the world better than they found it. Being the host institution for building a sense of community among leaders of sustainability from around the world is particularly meaningful.
Country: United States
Organizer: 2011 - 2018
I believe that universities are one of the few viable institutions in society for contributing to a better society and for educating stewards of the next generation in order that they may leave the world better than they found it. Being the host institution for building a sense of community among leaders of sustainability from around the world is particularly meaningful.
Josefina Ruiz Catalan, Lawyer and Director of CODESA (Corporación para el desarrollo de Aysén)
Country: Chile
Sustainability Fellow: 2012 - 2018
I am an environmental lawyer. I studied at the Universidad de los Andes, Chile. After finishing my studies, I moved to Coyhaique, in Chilean Patagonia, where I was a scholarship student at the National leadership outdoor school. Then, I worked in Conservation Patagonica SA, part of the Patagonia Land Trust, which is dedicated to creating national parks in Chile and Argentina. I’ve always been an activist in the campaign “Patagonia Without Dams.” When I started to work in Conservación Patagonica, I was part of the legal team of this campaign. In addition, I was responsible for communicating with different local groups, especially helping them to understand their rights against megaprojects. Today, I am very concerned with what happens to the natural resources of the Chilean Patagonia, especially water, considering that Ice Fields North and South are the third global freshwater reserves of the planet. It is important to study the Chilean water legislation and, if possible, improve it in regards to watershed management, flow of water reserves, and property.
Country: Chile
Sustainability Fellow: 2012 - 2018
I am an environmental lawyer. I studied at the Universidad de los Andes, Chile. After finishing my studies, I moved to Coyhaique, in Chilean Patagonia, where I was a scholarship student at the National leadership outdoor school. Then, I worked in Conservation Patagonica SA, part of the Patagonia Land Trust, which is dedicated to creating national parks in Chile and Argentina. I’ve always been an activist in the campaign “Patagonia Without Dams.” When I started to work in Conservación Patagonica, I was part of the legal team of this campaign. In addition, I was responsible for communicating with different local groups, especially helping them to understand their rights against megaprojects. Today, I am very concerned with what happens to the natural resources of the Chilean Patagonia, especially water, considering that Ice Fields North and South are the third global freshwater reserves of the planet. It is important to study the Chilean water legislation and, if possible, improve it in regards to watershed management, flow of water reserves, and property.
Julia Komagaeva, Central Asia Knowledge Network Coordinator, World Bank
Country: Russia
Sustanability Fellow: 2011, 2012, 2018
Julia Komagaeva is managing Central Asia Knowledge Networks and Communities of Practice for Water-Energy and Climate Change Management program - the integrated knowledge and capacity building program – launched 3 years ago under Central Asia Energy-Water Development Program (CAEWDP). The Knowledge program improved collaboration among water practitioners in Central Asia, helped establish communities of practice and knowledge networks, and provided participants with new experiential knowledge on respective substance matters. In 2016 – 2017 Julia was serving as a Regional Program Coordinator in Tajikistan working on regional projects and fragility, conflicts and violence (FCV) aspects of development in Central Asia.
Country: Russia
Sustanability Fellow: 2011, 2012, 2018
Julia Komagaeva is managing Central Asia Knowledge Networks and Communities of Practice for Water-Energy and Climate Change Management program - the integrated knowledge and capacity building program – launched 3 years ago under Central Asia Energy-Water Development Program (CAEWDP). The Knowledge program improved collaboration among water practitioners in Central Asia, helped establish communities of practice and knowledge networks, and provided participants with new experiential knowledge on respective substance matters. In 2016 – 2017 Julia was serving as a Regional Program Coordinator in Tajikistan working on regional projects and fragility, conflicts and violence (FCV) aspects of development in Central Asia.
Juliana M. Zanotto, Principal Researcher, School of Social Ecology, University of California, Irvine
Country: Brazil and United States
Organizer: 2011 - 2018
I recently earned a Ph.D. degree in Planning, Policy, and Design at UCI. My research focuses on the role of planning and public policy in advancing regressive social and environmental issues, particularly under the framework of neoliberalism. I conducted qualitative fieldwork on exclusionary residential communities in Brazil and on public spaces and homelessness in the United States. I also hold a bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Urban Planning from the Federal University of Parana, in Brazil; a Master in Science of Architecture, and a Master in Community Planning from the University of Cincinnati. I have worked with urban planning at public, private, and non for-profit organizations both in Brazil and the United States. I have taught classes on spatial analysis methods, inequality, environmental issues, and GIS for environmental analysis and environmental justice. Since 2011, I have worked in the creation and coordination of the Empowering Sustainability initiative at UCI. I work closely with ES fellows to define the goals, structure, and program of the ES Annual Gatherings. Since 2013, I have also worked as editor-in-chief of ESIJ, a peer-reviewed open access journal. I am a true believer in the positive contributions that academic institutions may have when partnering with communities.
Country: Brazil and United States
Organizer: 2011 - 2018
I recently earned a Ph.D. degree in Planning, Policy, and Design at UCI. My research focuses on the role of planning and public policy in advancing regressive social and environmental issues, particularly under the framework of neoliberalism. I conducted qualitative fieldwork on exclusionary residential communities in Brazil and on public spaces and homelessness in the United States. I also hold a bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Urban Planning from the Federal University of Parana, in Brazil; a Master in Science of Architecture, and a Master in Community Planning from the University of Cincinnati. I have worked with urban planning at public, private, and non for-profit organizations both in Brazil and the United States. I have taught classes on spatial analysis methods, inequality, environmental issues, and GIS for environmental analysis and environmental justice. Since 2011, I have worked in the creation and coordination of the Empowering Sustainability initiative at UCI. I work closely with ES fellows to define the goals, structure, and program of the ES Annual Gatherings. Since 2013, I have also worked as editor-in-chief of ESIJ, a peer-reviewed open access journal. I am a true believer in the positive contributions that academic institutions may have when partnering with communities.
Karla Córdoba-Brenes, BeSpiral & Sustainability School Co-Founder
Country: Costa Rica and Brazil
Sustainability Fellow: 2011, 2015, 2016, 2018
I am a happy Costa Rican living in Brazil, passionate about sustainability, innovation, new types of money, exponential tech and new organizations... but mostly, I believe in our collective capacity to transform the world in a better place. I love reading, latin american music and initiatives with social impact, and would love a good conversation about gender topics, pop culture or spirituality. I hold a bachelor degree in Social Communications, a Masters in Community Development and I am Global Solutions Program Alumni at Singularity University. For almost a decade I was the Communication and Fundraiser Officer at an environmental NGO in Costa Rica, developing Corporate Social Responsibility projects related with sustainability, local empowerment and environmental education, Ecological Footprint, Participatory Wetland Conservation and Community Rural Tourism. After that, I decided to work as an independent consultant and co-founded Sustainability School a virtual place to share our ideas about sustainability and new types of money, where I co-authored "New Money for Sustainability". Now I am fully focused on BeSpiral thanks to Shuttleworth Foundation support. We are developing a blockchain based tool that will allow any community to create their own cryptocurrency to achieve their social and environmental goals. I am also partner at Enlivening Edge Magazine, Chair of New Organizational Models at weme, proud member of TIC-as Women in Tech Costa Rica... and I am learning how to play ukulele!
Country: Costa Rica and Brazil
Sustainability Fellow: 2011, 2015, 2016, 2018
I am a happy Costa Rican living in Brazil, passionate about sustainability, innovation, new types of money, exponential tech and new organizations... but mostly, I believe in our collective capacity to transform the world in a better place. I love reading, latin american music and initiatives with social impact, and would love a good conversation about gender topics, pop culture or spirituality. I hold a bachelor degree in Social Communications, a Masters in Community Development and I am Global Solutions Program Alumni at Singularity University. For almost a decade I was the Communication and Fundraiser Officer at an environmental NGO in Costa Rica, developing Corporate Social Responsibility projects related with sustainability, local empowerment and environmental education, Ecological Footprint, Participatory Wetland Conservation and Community Rural Tourism. After that, I decided to work as an independent consultant and co-founded Sustainability School a virtual place to share our ideas about sustainability and new types of money, where I co-authored "New Money for Sustainability". Now I am fully focused on BeSpiral thanks to Shuttleworth Foundation support. We are developing a blockchain based tool that will allow any community to create their own cryptocurrency to achieve their social and environmental goals. I am also partner at Enlivening Edge Magazine, Chair of New Organizational Models at weme, proud member of TIC-as Women in Tech Costa Rica... and I am learning how to play ukulele!
Ligia Coelho Martins, Blogger, Photographer, Art Curator, and Corporate Sustainability Consultant
Country: Brazil and United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2012 - 2018
Ligia Coelho Martins born in Curitiba, Brazil. She holds a B.S. in Economics and a Master in Public Affairs from Baruch College in New York City. Ligia is a regular contributor of various philanthropic initiatives and/or related to sustainable development. She worked for United Nations on the organization of the Corporate Sustainability Forum Rio+20 (known as Earth Summit). Also, conducted research on best practices to integrate sustainability in business education/schools worldwide for the PRME Inspirational Guide for Sustainable Business Schools of United Nations. Ligia is board member of the Central Unica das Favelas - CUFA - in New York and producer of the 1st CUFA Global Week held in New York (2015) including 17 events to share CUFA's social technologies and to foster debates aiming to find global solutions to common problems. The events were organized in partnership with variousorganizations including Ford Foundation, Columbia University, London School of Economics, UNESCO, and Facebook. Ligia organized the philanthropic event for the Brazilian orchestra "Cherubs of Grota" in 2016, and the exhibition “Synopsis of an Urban Memoir” (2017) gathering art pieces from nineteen Brazilian street artists in New York City for the first time. She served as Teaching Assistant for Mediation Skills and Organizational Theory and conducted research on Cities Management Practices to Address Sustainability and Climate Change Related Challenges at the University of Cincinnati. She is co-founder of the CR3+ International Conference on Corporate Responsibility that was held in Finland (2011), France (2012) and Australia (2014). Managed 22 projects local and international on corporate sustainability while working at Getulio Vargas Foundation in Brazil as coordinator of corporate sustainability center. Responsible for the executive production of the book “Sustainable Shift”. Has served as member of the United Nations Global Compact Brazilian Committee, the GT for the development of the ISO 26000 International Standard of Social Responsibility, among others.
Country: Brazil and United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2012 - 2018
Ligia Coelho Martins born in Curitiba, Brazil. She holds a B.S. in Economics and a Master in Public Affairs from Baruch College in New York City. Ligia is a regular contributor of various philanthropic initiatives and/or related to sustainable development. She worked for United Nations on the organization of the Corporate Sustainability Forum Rio+20 (known as Earth Summit). Also, conducted research on best practices to integrate sustainability in business education/schools worldwide for the PRME Inspirational Guide for Sustainable Business Schools of United Nations. Ligia is board member of the Central Unica das Favelas - CUFA - in New York and producer of the 1st CUFA Global Week held in New York (2015) including 17 events to share CUFA's social technologies and to foster debates aiming to find global solutions to common problems. The events were organized in partnership with variousorganizations including Ford Foundation, Columbia University, London School of Economics, UNESCO, and Facebook. Ligia organized the philanthropic event for the Brazilian orchestra "Cherubs of Grota" in 2016, and the exhibition “Synopsis of an Urban Memoir” (2017) gathering art pieces from nineteen Brazilian street artists in New York City for the first time. She served as Teaching Assistant for Mediation Skills and Organizational Theory and conducted research on Cities Management Practices to Address Sustainability and Climate Change Related Challenges at the University of Cincinnati. She is co-founder of the CR3+ International Conference on Corporate Responsibility that was held in Finland (2011), France (2012) and Australia (2014). Managed 22 projects local and international on corporate sustainability while working at Getulio Vargas Foundation in Brazil as coordinator of corporate sustainability center. Responsible for the executive production of the book “Sustainable Shift”. Has served as member of the United Nations Global Compact Brazilian Committee, the GT for the development of the ISO 26000 International Standard of Social Responsibility, among others.
Logan Strenchock, Environmental and Sustainability Officer, Central European University
Organic Garden Team Member, Zsamboki Biokert
Country: Hungary and United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2016 - 2018
I am a researcher and Environmental and Sustainability Officer at Central European University in Budapest, Hungary. My research focuses on community based sustainability transition initiatives, short food supply chains and resilient agricultural systems, and Degrowth inspired movements. I am also one of the co-founders of Cargonomia, a sustainable urban logistics and local food distribution center in Budapest, and a garden team member at Zsámboki Biokert, an organic and biodynamic vegetable farm in Zsámbok, Hungary. I have gained experience as a researcher and participant in the development and implementation of transparent and localized food networks in the United States and Central Europe.
Organic Garden Team Member, Zsamboki Biokert
Country: Hungary and United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2016 - 2018
I am a researcher and Environmental and Sustainability Officer at Central European University in Budapest, Hungary. My research focuses on community based sustainability transition initiatives, short food supply chains and resilient agricultural systems, and Degrowth inspired movements. I am also one of the co-founders of Cargonomia, a sustainable urban logistics and local food distribution center in Budapest, and a garden team member at Zsámboki Biokert, an organic and biodynamic vegetable farm in Zsámbok, Hungary. I have gained experience as a researcher and participant in the development and implementation of transparent and localized food networks in the United States and Central Europe.
Lorena Erbure Cardozo, Consultant & Instructor, Management of Protected Areas & Eco-regional Development
Country: Uruguay
Sustainability Fellow: 2017, 2018
On 1999 I participated in the first course of Park Rangers of Uruguay, since 2000 I lived in Costa Rica for 15 years where I studied about management of natural resources and protected areas. I have worked with organizations such as Organization for Tropical Studies, Neotrópica Foundation, Wildlife Association, among others. I have worked on a project to create a New Wildlife Conservation Law for Costa Rica. The Project was successful with the adoption of the new law and the banning of sport hunting throughout the country. I returned to Uruguay and worked in a project for the construction of the first environmental accounts for the country and worked at the Universidad del Trabajo as a professor contributing to form new park rangers. Now I´m in Peru working in the Education Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development in the High Amazonian Forest.
Country: Uruguay
Sustainability Fellow: 2017, 2018
On 1999 I participated in the first course of Park Rangers of Uruguay, since 2000 I lived in Costa Rica for 15 years where I studied about management of natural resources and protected areas. I have worked with organizations such as Organization for Tropical Studies, Neotrópica Foundation, Wildlife Association, among others. I have worked on a project to create a New Wildlife Conservation Law for Costa Rica. The Project was successful with the adoption of the new law and the banning of sport hunting throughout the country. I returned to Uruguay and worked in a project for the construction of the first environmental accounts for the country and worked at the Universidad del Trabajo as a professor contributing to form new park rangers. Now I´m in Peru working in the Education Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development in the High Amazonian Forest.
Lydia Natoolo, Founder of Love A Community
Country: Uganda
Sustainability Fellow: 2018
I am a UCI graduate with a BS. In Biological Sciences and Minor in Political Science. I have also served as a student Body President for UCI. I am a Blum Center Ambassador and also a Global Service Scholar Ambassador.
I am one of 28 children. I grew up in Uganda during the height of t he AIDS epidemic, to which I lost many loved ones from my family and the community. I remember the heartbreak I felt as a little girl when I was told that nothing could be done to cure or even treat the disease. This pain became the root of my passion to become a Doctor and hence finding my way to the United States for college. While doing water research as a pre-med student, I read an article about Atutur Hospital, a Government Hospital in the poorest district in Uganda, that was operating without water for 3 years. This led me to establish a non-profit called Love A Community Organization. I have been able to install a new water system and mortality rate has dropped by 75%. Now I am helping the hospital to get solar panels, medical supplies, empower single mothers through a sustainable business, farming and I have a second dream: to see communities thrive around the beating heart of a well-equipped hospital. My ultimate goal is to build a children's hospital in Uganda and Rwanda where no child will be turned away no matter their economic or social class.
Country: Uganda
Sustainability Fellow: 2018
I am a UCI graduate with a BS. In Biological Sciences and Minor in Political Science. I have also served as a student Body President for UCI. I am a Blum Center Ambassador and also a Global Service Scholar Ambassador.
I am one of 28 children. I grew up in Uganda during the height of t he AIDS epidemic, to which I lost many loved ones from my family and the community. I remember the heartbreak I felt as a little girl when I was told that nothing could be done to cure or even treat the disease. This pain became the root of my passion to become a Doctor and hence finding my way to the United States for college. While doing water research as a pre-med student, I read an article about Atutur Hospital, a Government Hospital in the poorest district in Uganda, that was operating without water for 3 years. This led me to establish a non-profit called Love A Community Organization. I have been able to install a new water system and mortality rate has dropped by 75%. Now I am helping the hospital to get solar panels, medical supplies, empower single mothers through a sustainable business, farming and I have a second dream: to see communities thrive around the beating heart of a well-equipped hospital. My ultimate goal is to build a children's hospital in Uganda and Rwanda where no child will be turned away no matter their economic or social class.
Mariann Dosa, Coordinator of education programs at the School of Public Life
Country: Hungary
Sustainability Fellow: 2018
I am an activist-academic, with a mixed social sciences background. I completed my PhD in Social Policy. Currently, I am the coordinator of education programs of the School of Public Life, a political education and research center in Budapest, Hungary. I have been active in the Hungarian feminist movement and member of the grassroots housing organization, The City is for All in the past ten years. My areas of interest are political sociology, political inequalities, and feminist thought and practice.
Country: Hungary
Sustainability Fellow: 2018
I am an activist-academic, with a mixed social sciences background. I completed my PhD in Social Policy. Currently, I am the coordinator of education programs of the School of Public Life, a political education and research center in Budapest, Hungary. I have been active in the Hungarian feminist movement and member of the grassroots housing organization, The City is for All in the past ten years. My areas of interest are political sociology, political inequalities, and feminist thought and practice.
Markendy Desormeau, Founder at Rerendevdura and livelihood Specialist at Food for the Hungry Dominican (FHD)
Country: Haiti
Sustainability Fellow: 2013 - 2018
I have a Bachelor's degree in Animal production and a Master's degree in animal nutrition from CIHEAM (Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Zaragoza). I am a livelihood Specialist at Food for the Hungry Dominican (FHD) and founder at Rerendevdura.
Country: Haiti
Sustainability Fellow: 2013 - 2018
I have a Bachelor's degree in Animal production and a Master's degree in animal nutrition from CIHEAM (Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Zaragoza). I am a livelihood Specialist at Food for the Hungry Dominican (FHD) and founder at Rerendevdura.
Morgan Bailey, Founder and Coach at Intrepid Coaching
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2018
People and culture shape the world around us. This belief has been instilled in me from my early days working in Silicon Valley, to my time spent in rural Africa researching public health. I have always been fiercely curious on how individuals, teams, and organizations function, achieve their goals, and impact the world around them. This curiosity led me to pursue a PhD in Engineering, a Masters in Public Health, and a certificate in Co-Active Coaching. I have worked in the United States, Asia, Latin America, and Africa building teams and leading projects on various initiatives. In addition to my work with Intrepid Coaching, I am also an on-call faculty with the Center for Creative Leadership. My technical background in combination with my diverse cultural experience has given me the ability to see both strategic and humanistic components of organizations. This has given me the ability to combine systems thinking with coaching methods, bringing both strategy and intuitive breakthroughs to my clients. Through all of my experiences I have come to believe that consciously shaping our lives and teams can impact our fulfillment, prosperity, and the communities around us.
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2018
People and culture shape the world around us. This belief has been instilled in me from my early days working in Silicon Valley, to my time spent in rural Africa researching public health. I have always been fiercely curious on how individuals, teams, and organizations function, achieve their goals, and impact the world around them. This curiosity led me to pursue a PhD in Engineering, a Masters in Public Health, and a certificate in Co-Active Coaching. I have worked in the United States, Asia, Latin America, and Africa building teams and leading projects on various initiatives. In addition to my work with Intrepid Coaching, I am also an on-call faculty with the Center for Creative Leadership. My technical background in combination with my diverse cultural experience has given me the ability to see both strategic and humanistic components of organizations. This has given me the ability to combine systems thinking with coaching methods, bringing both strategy and intuitive breakthroughs to my clients. Through all of my experiences I have come to believe that consciously shaping our lives and teams can impact our fulfillment, prosperity, and the communities around us.
Mojgan (Mo) Sami, Project Scientist, University of California, Irvine Department of Population Health and Disease Prevention, Program in Public Health
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2012 - 2017
I’m currently working in the Program in Public Health at UCI on research that explores the nexus between health, environment, infrastructure, justice and equity. My research focuses on the interactions between urban planning, equity, health, justice and sustainability. I also serve on a global inter-agency task force convened by the World Health Organization on environmental health and urban settings.
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2012 - 2017
I’m currently working in the Program in Public Health at UCI on research that explores the nexus between health, environment, infrastructure, justice and equity. My research focuses on the interactions between urban planning, equity, health, justice and sustainability. I also serve on a global inter-agency task force convened by the World Health Organization on environmental health and urban settings.
Nicolás Lozano Galindo, Advisor of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Instituto Distrital de Patrimonio Cultural
Country: Colombia
Sustainability Fellow: 2017, 2018
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and I am interested in the cultural activity and its social spaces. I am experienced in phenomena associated with cultural policies including interculturality, citizen’s access to cultural rights, material and immaterial heritage, cultural memory and cultural systems of citizen participation. Currently, I’m working as a Technical Coordinator in the Centro Regional para la Salvaguardia del Patrimonio Inmaterial de América Latina based in Cusco/Peru (UNESCO's Category 2 Center). I was an advisor of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the city government in the IDPC (Instituto Distrital de Patrimonio Cultural), and I also worked as adviser of the Ministry of Culture developing cultural initiatives throughout Colombia, working especially with peasants and afrocolombian communities. Also, I have participated and lead different community activities to help the preservation of environmental spaces in urban contexts of Bogota.
Country: Colombia
Sustainability Fellow: 2017, 2018
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and I am interested in the cultural activity and its social spaces. I am experienced in phenomena associated with cultural policies including interculturality, citizen’s access to cultural rights, material and immaterial heritage, cultural memory and cultural systems of citizen participation. Currently, I’m working as a Technical Coordinator in the Centro Regional para la Salvaguardia del Patrimonio Inmaterial de América Latina based in Cusco/Peru (UNESCO's Category 2 Center). I was an advisor of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the city government in the IDPC (Instituto Distrital de Patrimonio Cultural), and I also worked as adviser of the Ministry of Culture developing cultural initiatives throughout Colombia, working especially with peasants and afrocolombian communities. Also, I have participated and lead different community activities to help the preservation of environmental spaces in urban contexts of Bogota.
Norma Yokota, Administrative Analyst at the University of California, Irvine
Country: United States
Organizer: 2011 - 2018
I am a career analyst since earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from UC Irvine. I am one of the principal organizers of the Sierra Project and co-author of Character Development and Community During the College Years: The Rationale. I am also co-founder of Toward a Sustainable 21st Century and Empowering Sustainability. Coastal Resilience has been a very important addition, and I am currently working on an opportunity to contribute to gender equality in the developing world.
Country: United States
Organizer: 2011 - 2018
I am a career analyst since earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from UC Irvine. I am one of the principal organizers of the Sierra Project and co-author of Character Development and Community During the College Years: The Rationale. I am also co-founder of Toward a Sustainable 21st Century and Empowering Sustainability. Coastal Resilience has been a very important addition, and I am currently working on an opportunity to contribute to gender equality in the developing world.
Olfat Haider, Program Director at Beit Gaefen
Country: Israel
Sustainability Fellow: 2014 - 2016, 2018
I am a Program Director at Beit Gaefen – an Arab-Jewish Center in Haifa. One of my projects involves leading an annual student expedition to the Alps. I was born and raised in Haifa, Israel, where I live today. As a young volleyball player, I joined the Israeli National Women’s Team, as its only Arab member. I have been involved in several projects promoting peaceful co-existence between Jewish and Arab youth in Israel. I have also led and facilitated numerous multicultural and multi-ethnic groups of various ages in wide-ranging projects and initiatives
I have a bachelor's degree in Physical Education, Geography and Land of Israel Studies and a master's degree in Gender Studies. I am a physical education teacher, tour guide, programs director and groups' moderator in cross-cultural programs in Israel and abroad and an O.D.T. guide Certified Outward Bound Instructor (North Carolina), a Member of Breaking The Ice Antarctica Journey (2004), and a Co-Founder of Outward Bound Israel.
Country: Israel
Sustainability Fellow: 2014 - 2016, 2018
I am a Program Director at Beit Gaefen – an Arab-Jewish Center in Haifa. One of my projects involves leading an annual student expedition to the Alps. I was born and raised in Haifa, Israel, where I live today. As a young volleyball player, I joined the Israeli National Women’s Team, as its only Arab member. I have been involved in several projects promoting peaceful co-existence between Jewish and Arab youth in Israel. I have also led and facilitated numerous multicultural and multi-ethnic groups of various ages in wide-ranging projects and initiatives
I have a bachelor's degree in Physical Education, Geography and Land of Israel Studies and a master's degree in Gender Studies. I am a physical education teacher, tour guide, programs director and groups' moderator in cross-cultural programs in Israel and abroad and an O.D.T. guide Certified Outward Bound Instructor (North Carolina), a Member of Breaking The Ice Antarctica Journey (2004), and a Co-Founder of Outward Bound Israel.
Ranulfo Paiva Sobrinho, Writer, Co-founder at Sustainability.School, and Post-doctoral Researcher at UNICAMP
Country: Brazil
Sustainability Fellow: 2015- 2018
I was born and raised in the beautiful estuarine archipelago of Cananeia city in São Paulo State, Brazil. This influenced me to complete a bachelor's degree in Ecology from the São Paulo State University (UNESP) in 1994. Since my first job, I have been involved in projects with aims to promote social, economic and environmental development. I'm pragmatic and I use methods with solid theoretical foundation that can be applied to solve socioecological problems. I have a PhD in Economics from the Campinas State University (UNICAMP), but I am not adept with the main economic ideologies, because I believe in order to solve the complex economic, social and environmental problems humanity is facing, it is necessary to use a mix of pragmatic ideas, knowledge that comes from different scientific areas and real life practices. Currently, I am designing applications using the blockchain technology in order to solve socioecological problems, specifically, via the use of cryptocurrencies. I’m author of three mini-eBooks: (1) “New Money for Sustainability”; (2) “This Is Mutual Credit Clearing System”; (3) “Como Crear Nuestro Dinero y Construir Sostenibilidad”. I wrote these mini-eBooks because I believe that once people learn how to design new types of money they solve the ecological, economic and social problems they want without being dependent on the current obsolete financial system. I am writing two other ebooks: 1) Blockchain technology for sustainable development; 2) Blockchain for sustainable business (in Portuguese). Besides being a writer, currently, I'm: (a) Founder of Sustainability School; (b) Associate Researcher at the Institute of Economics (UNICAMP) working with Blockchain technology; Ecological Macroeconomics and Decision Support Systems to Solve Socioecological Problems; (c) member of International Ecological Economics Society (IESS); (d) consultant for corporations like EMBRAPA (Brazilian Agriculture Research Organization).
Country: Brazil
Sustainability Fellow: 2015- 2018
I was born and raised in the beautiful estuarine archipelago of Cananeia city in São Paulo State, Brazil. This influenced me to complete a bachelor's degree in Ecology from the São Paulo State University (UNESP) in 1994. Since my first job, I have been involved in projects with aims to promote social, economic and environmental development. I'm pragmatic and I use methods with solid theoretical foundation that can be applied to solve socioecological problems. I have a PhD in Economics from the Campinas State University (UNICAMP), but I am not adept with the main economic ideologies, because I believe in order to solve the complex economic, social and environmental problems humanity is facing, it is necessary to use a mix of pragmatic ideas, knowledge that comes from different scientific areas and real life practices. Currently, I am designing applications using the blockchain technology in order to solve socioecological problems, specifically, via the use of cryptocurrencies. I’m author of three mini-eBooks: (1) “New Money for Sustainability”; (2) “This Is Mutual Credit Clearing System”; (3) “Como Crear Nuestro Dinero y Construir Sostenibilidad”. I wrote these mini-eBooks because I believe that once people learn how to design new types of money they solve the ecological, economic and social problems they want without being dependent on the current obsolete financial system. I am writing two other ebooks: 1) Blockchain technology for sustainable development; 2) Blockchain for sustainable business (in Portuguese). Besides being a writer, currently, I'm: (a) Founder of Sustainability School; (b) Associate Researcher at the Institute of Economics (UNICAMP) working with Blockchain technology; Ecological Macroeconomics and Decision Support Systems to Solve Socioecological Problems; (c) member of International Ecological Economics Society (IESS); (d) consultant for corporations like EMBRAPA (Brazilian Agriculture Research Organization).
Rocío Carranza, Actress and Independent Activist
Country: Costa Rica
Sustainability Fellow: 2011 - 2018
I began my profesional carreer as an actress when I was eleven years old, counting now twenty seven years of working in theatre, cinema and TV. Maybe because of being an artist and because of the fact that my parents had to escape from Argentina after persecution, kidnaping and torture due to their political activism against dictature, is that I got interested in and have been dedicated to activism too.
For more than ten years I have being involved in ecology and human right causes. My speciality is in communication and visibilization of causes. I organize manifestations, concerts, do campaigns, and produce videos. I work trying to make connections through political groups, social organized groups, and civil society. I would highlight my work against open sky mine pitting, petroleum scavation, wetland conservation, human right to water access, and sexual diversity and gender identity rights.
Country: Costa Rica
Sustainability Fellow: 2011 - 2018
I began my profesional carreer as an actress when I was eleven years old, counting now twenty seven years of working in theatre, cinema and TV. Maybe because of being an artist and because of the fact that my parents had to escape from Argentina after persecution, kidnaping and torture due to their political activism against dictature, is that I got interested in and have been dedicated to activism too.
For more than ten years I have being involved in ecology and human right causes. My speciality is in communication and visibilization of causes. I organize manifestations, concerts, do campaigns, and produce videos. I work trying to make connections through political groups, social organized groups, and civil society. I would highlight my work against open sky mine pitting, petroleum scavation, wetland conservation, human right to water access, and sexual diversity and gender identity rights.
Sofia Gomez Vallarta, Graduate Student at Universidad del Medio Ambiente
Country: Mexico
Sustainability Fellow: 2011 - 2018 I was born and raised in Mexico City. At the age of 19 I moved to Ensenada to get a Bachelor’s degree in Oceanography by Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, UABC. Since my first job in 1998, I have been involved in conservation projects. During some years I guided whale, dolphin, marine turtle and bird watching tours. I have coordinated conservation projects in non profits such as Pronatura Noroeste, Pronatura Veracruz and Sociedad Audubon de Mexico. I earned a diploma in institution
development and in fundraising. I studied wildlife management in Instituto de Ecología A. C., INECOL, in Xalapa, Veracruz. At the same time I studied traditional dances from West Africa, Cuba and Veracruz. Later, I got a specialty in cultural affairs management online. In this same city, I operated my own business for 3 years, (selling and distributing fresh sea food and organic products from Baja California, [I used to cook delicious food every day!]. I sold the business in 2010 to get involved 100% into coastal and ocean conservation. I worked seven years for COSTASALVAJE / WILDCOAST, designing, managing and implementing ocean and coastal conservation projects in Baja California Peninsula and Cuba. I have been fellow of Empowering Sustainability in the World Global Network (ES) for
seven years (Since 2011). I just got a Masters Degree on socio environmental project design at Universidad del Medio Ambiente, UMA, in Valle de Bravo. My project is at the service of ES Global Network and we are just about to start its implementation. My interest is to build bridges between people, institutions and causes, to pursue the creation of a new paradigm, in which we could be able to design regenerative processes in a truly collaborative way, enhancing our highest potential to emerge, in order to build a fair, sustainable, equitable world; I imagine the humankind having a harmonic, loving and respectful relationship with Life and Nature. I dream about using expressions of arts and culture to build a diverse variety of “bridges”.
Country: Mexico
Sustainability Fellow: 2011 - 2018 I was born and raised in Mexico City. At the age of 19 I moved to Ensenada to get a Bachelor’s degree in Oceanography by Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, UABC. Since my first job in 1998, I have been involved in conservation projects. During some years I guided whale, dolphin, marine turtle and bird watching tours. I have coordinated conservation projects in non profits such as Pronatura Noroeste, Pronatura Veracruz and Sociedad Audubon de Mexico. I earned a diploma in institution
development and in fundraising. I studied wildlife management in Instituto de Ecología A. C., INECOL, in Xalapa, Veracruz. At the same time I studied traditional dances from West Africa, Cuba and Veracruz. Later, I got a specialty in cultural affairs management online. In this same city, I operated my own business for 3 years, (selling and distributing fresh sea food and organic products from Baja California, [I used to cook delicious food every day!]. I sold the business in 2010 to get involved 100% into coastal and ocean conservation. I worked seven years for COSTASALVAJE / WILDCOAST, designing, managing and implementing ocean and coastal conservation projects in Baja California Peninsula and Cuba. I have been fellow of Empowering Sustainability in the World Global Network (ES) for
seven years (Since 2011). I just got a Masters Degree on socio environmental project design at Universidad del Medio Ambiente, UMA, in Valle de Bravo. My project is at the service of ES Global Network and we are just about to start its implementation. My interest is to build bridges between people, institutions and causes, to pursue the creation of a new paradigm, in which we could be able to design regenerative processes in a truly collaborative way, enhancing our highest potential to emerge, in order to build a fair, sustainable, equitable world; I imagine the humankind having a harmonic, loving and respectful relationship with Life and Nature. I dream about using expressions of arts and culture to build a diverse variety of “bridges”.
Sonya Park, Treasurer
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2016 - 2018
I graduated from UC Irvine, class of 2015, with a B.S. in Public Health Sciences and a B.A. in Political Sciences. While at UC Irvine, I conducted research under Professor Whiteley which sparked my interest in law. I also studied abroad in my senior year, first living in Paris, France and then boarding the MV Explorer with Semester at Sea. Learning about many countries and cultures while on the ground was one of the richest learning experiences of my life, as brief as those visits were. I was able to witness first hand the day to day struggles that people in underserved areas of the world have to live with that show the plenty of room for change. I am aspiring to attend law school in the coming years to work in class-action lawsuit cases. I am passionate about helping those who cannot help themselves. I have seen this need and hope to effect change in civil law in the future. Since I have graduated, I have worked as a caregiver in hospice care and am now working as Treasurer for a non-profit Corporation in Hollywood, CA. I have also delved into property managment, interacting with clients, representatives and company wide business and communication.
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2016 - 2018
I graduated from UC Irvine, class of 2015, with a B.S. in Public Health Sciences and a B.A. in Political Sciences. While at UC Irvine, I conducted research under Professor Whiteley which sparked my interest in law. I also studied abroad in my senior year, first living in Paris, France and then boarding the MV Explorer with Semester at Sea. Learning about many countries and cultures while on the ground was one of the richest learning experiences of my life, as brief as those visits were. I was able to witness first hand the day to day struggles that people in underserved areas of the world have to live with that show the plenty of room for change. I am aspiring to attend law school in the coming years to work in class-action lawsuit cases. I am passionate about helping those who cannot help themselves. I have seen this need and hope to effect change in civil law in the future. Since I have graduated, I have worked as a caregiver in hospice care and am now working as Treasurer for a non-profit Corporation in Hollywood, CA. I have also delved into property managment, interacting with clients, representatives and company wide business and communication.
Uloma Onuma, Attorney
Country: Nigeria and United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2012 - 2014, 2018
Uloma K. Onuma is a corporate attorney who is dual-qualified in New York and Nigeria. She was a secondee at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in London, and previously, served for 5+ years as corporate counsel to a technology company, primarily out of New York and then out of London and Lagos. Uloma received LL.M. degrees from New York University and the University of Cape Town. Earlier in her career, Uloma worked as an associate at a commercial law firm and a legal affairs intern at the Basel Convention and UNFCCC in Geneva and Bonn, respectively. She has recently served as a panelist at WIPO conferences in Geneva and Kenya.
Country: Nigeria and United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2012 - 2014, 2018
Uloma K. Onuma is a corporate attorney who is dual-qualified in New York and Nigeria. She was a secondee at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in London, and previously, served for 5+ years as corporate counsel to a technology company, primarily out of New York and then out of London and Lagos. Uloma received LL.M. degrees from New York University and the University of Cape Town. Earlier in her career, Uloma worked as an associate at a commercial law firm and a legal affairs intern at the Basel Convention and UNFCCC in Geneva and Bonn, respectively. She has recently served as a panelist at WIPO conferences in Geneva and Kenya.
Zein Nsheiwat, Resident Director of the Amman CIEE Study Center
Country: Jordan
Sustainability Fellow: 2016 - 2018
I am currently the Resident Director of the Amman CIEE Study Center and I teach a course on Environment, Sustainability and Activism. I have been working in the field of study abroad and cross-cultural education since 2007. I have worked in a variety of capacities; the latest being the Resident Director of Earlham College Middle East Study Abroad Program/Jordan, during which I was teaching a course on water and environmental challenges in Jordan and the Middle East including a course on Earlham College campus. I joined CIEE as the Resident Director of the Amman Diplomacy and Policy Studies program in 2014. I hold a M.Sc. in Environmental Studies from Ben Gurion University of the Negev in Israel. I have participated in and presented at many international conferences such as the UNCCD. I have also published articles on water reuse in Jordan and lead exposure in industrial ‘hot spots’ in Jordan and Israel. In addition to professional activities, I am a founding member of an environmental initiative in Jordan, working on such projects as water, sustainability, and across borders environmental education.
Country: Jordan
Sustainability Fellow: 2016 - 2018
I am currently the Resident Director of the Amman CIEE Study Center and I teach a course on Environment, Sustainability and Activism. I have been working in the field of study abroad and cross-cultural education since 2007. I have worked in a variety of capacities; the latest being the Resident Director of Earlham College Middle East Study Abroad Program/Jordan, during which I was teaching a course on water and environmental challenges in Jordan and the Middle East including a course on Earlham College campus. I joined CIEE as the Resident Director of the Amman Diplomacy and Policy Studies program in 2014. I hold a M.Sc. in Environmental Studies from Ben Gurion University of the Negev in Israel. I have participated in and presented at many international conferences such as the UNCCD. I have also published articles on water reuse in Jordan and lead exposure in industrial ‘hot spots’ in Jordan and Israel. In addition to professional activities, I am a founding member of an environmental initiative in Jordan, working on such projects as water, sustainability, and across borders environmental education.
previous fellows, VOLUNTEERS, AND ORGANIZERS
Adib Jamshedi
Country: Pakistan and United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2014
Country: Pakistan and United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2014
Aim Sinpeng, PhD Candidate in Political Science at the University of British Columbia
Country: Thailand and Canada
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
I’m a PhD candidate in the Department of Political Science at UBC. I’m also a Liu Scholar and an Associate at the Centre for Southeast Asian Research. I’m currently a Visiting Fellow at Australian National University. My dissertation examines the issues of social movement and
democratization. In particular, I seek to understand anti-democratic mobilization, such as the Yellow Shirts in Thailand. I have published works on Thai politics and ASEAN. In my spare time I write for an independent Thai newspapers, Prachatai and blog regularly on Thai politics for New Mandala. I’m also an advocate for internet freedom in Thailand for Global Voices Online. I speak Thai, English, French and Czech. Before my doctoral studies, I’ve worked in international organization (World Bank), government, NGO and finance. I enjoy traveling and learning about different cultures.
Country: Thailand and Canada
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
I’m a PhD candidate in the Department of Political Science at UBC. I’m also a Liu Scholar and an Associate at the Centre for Southeast Asian Research. I’m currently a Visiting Fellow at Australian National University. My dissertation examines the issues of social movement and
democratization. In particular, I seek to understand anti-democratic mobilization, such as the Yellow Shirts in Thailand. I have published works on Thai politics and ASEAN. In my spare time I write for an independent Thai newspapers, Prachatai and blog regularly on Thai politics for New Mandala. I’m also an advocate for internet freedom in Thailand for Global Voices Online. I speak Thai, English, French and Czech. Before my doctoral studies, I’ve worked in international organization (World Bank), government, NGO and finance. I enjoy traveling and learning about different cultures.
Alexandra Destefano, Student of Geography at Southern Connecticut State University
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2014
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2014
Alexandra Sprague, Development Assistant at FOUR PAWS International
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2016
In 2012, I was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to Mongolia to focus on improving nutrition in nomadic communities. I put a spin on the “rooftop garden” concept and designed a portable, water-efficient vegetable planter from discarded soda bottles that attached to yurts. I spent the year testing the design and feasibility of the “nomadic gardens”. I have also worked in China, South Africa and Peru on wildlife conservation, education and human development projects. In 2015, I graduated from the University of Florida with a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development Practice. I also hold a B.A. in Anthropology and a B.S. in Biology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. I currently serve as the Development Assistant at FOUR PAWS International, an animal welfare nonprofit in Boston, MA with headquarters in Vienna.
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2016
In 2012, I was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to Mongolia to focus on improving nutrition in nomadic communities. I put a spin on the “rooftop garden” concept and designed a portable, water-efficient vegetable planter from discarded soda bottles that attached to yurts. I spent the year testing the design and feasibility of the “nomadic gardens”. I have also worked in China, South Africa and Peru on wildlife conservation, education and human development projects. In 2015, I graduated from the University of Florida with a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development Practice. I also hold a B.A. in Anthropology and a B.S. in Biology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. I currently serve as the Development Assistant at FOUR PAWS International, an animal welfare nonprofit in Boston, MA with headquarters in Vienna.
Allison Cook, Director of Community Engagement at the Story of Stuff Project
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2011 - 2014
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2011 - 2014
Altunay Aliyeva, PhD Student at Moscow State University, Faculty of World Politics
Country: Russia
Sustainability Fellow: 2011, 2013
Country: Russia
Sustainability Fellow: 2011, 2013
Ana Alexandra Tovar Soto, Production Engineer at AB Azucarera Iberia SL.
Country: Venezuela and Spain
Sustainability Fellow: 2011 - 2015
I am a Venezuelan Production Engineer with experience in food and chemical companies (mostly in procurement and logistics areas). In summer of 2011, I was selected to attend the Smart Energy and Sustainable Environment Fellowship Program at UCI (SE2), which included academic and industry activities to learn about renewable energies. I was part of a U.S.-Spain team in charge of developing a market study for a renewable energy company in Irvine, California (Quantum Technologies). I have done research, together with a fellow from Spain, on waste management and landfills (work presented at the Conference Empowering Sustainability 2012). After living in Bejing, China for half a year I created a poster to raise awareness on air pollution. I have worked on Paperless projects for offices. I would like to obtain enough knowledge in sustainability to design models of procurement and logistics based on it. I am interested in working on the potential of social networks for the exchange of ideas to address sustainability problems. Collaborating with the Empowering Sustainability on Earth team to promote sustainable ideas is one of my priorities.
Country: Venezuela and Spain
Sustainability Fellow: 2011 - 2015
I am a Venezuelan Production Engineer with experience in food and chemical companies (mostly in procurement and logistics areas). In summer of 2011, I was selected to attend the Smart Energy and Sustainable Environment Fellowship Program at UCI (SE2), which included academic and industry activities to learn about renewable energies. I was part of a U.S.-Spain team in charge of developing a market study for a renewable energy company in Irvine, California (Quantum Technologies). I have done research, together with a fellow from Spain, on waste management and landfills (work presented at the Conference Empowering Sustainability 2012). After living in Bejing, China for half a year I created a poster to raise awareness on air pollution. I have worked on Paperless projects for offices. I would like to obtain enough knowledge in sustainability to design models of procurement and logistics based on it. I am interested in working on the potential of social networks for the exchange of ideas to address sustainability problems. Collaborating with the Empowering Sustainability on Earth team to promote sustainable ideas is one of my priorities.
Anna Rumyantseva, PhD Student at Moscow State University, Faculty of World Politics
Country: Russia
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
Country: Russia
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
Ana Paula Felippe, Independent Architect and Urban Planner
Country: Brazil
Volunteer: 2016
I hold a bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Urban Planning from the School of Fine Arts of São Paulo. Landscape architecture was my first field of interest in my carrier. This field opened my horizons and led to me to study Urban Planning in France, where I earned a D.E.S.S. (diploma of specialized higher studies) and a Master Degree in Humanities and Social Sciences. First, I studied landscape and how to consider it in Master Plans. After a few years, my research for the Master Degree focused on environmental impact studies. I conducted a comparative study of the assessment procedures of environmental impact and environmental licensing in Brazil and in France. In Brazil, I worked both for public and private offices. In public offices I developed projects for urbanizing public areas. In private offices I coordinated transport infrastructure projects and impact studies.
Country: Brazil
Volunteer: 2016
I hold a bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Urban Planning from the School of Fine Arts of São Paulo. Landscape architecture was my first field of interest in my carrier. This field opened my horizons and led to me to study Urban Planning in France, where I earned a D.E.S.S. (diploma of specialized higher studies) and a Master Degree in Humanities and Social Sciences. First, I studied landscape and how to consider it in Master Plans. After a few years, my research for the Master Degree focused on environmental impact studies. I conducted a comparative study of the assessment procedures of environmental impact and environmental licensing in Brazil and in France. In Brazil, I worked both for public and private offices. In public offices I developed projects for urbanizing public areas. In private offices I coordinated transport infrastructure projects and impact studies.
Ari Sahagun, Movement Network Ecologist
Country: United States and Mexico
Sustainability Fellow: 2017
I grew up in the tallgrass prairies of Illinois, USA, where the lanky sandhill cranes pause on their way north from Mexico. Retracing one of my family’s roots, I’ve recently moved south to Mexico City to do what I do as a mixed heritage person: build bridges. One facet of my work as building bridges between extractive capitalism/colonialism and a society that repairs and regenerates from these traumas. I’m part of Regenerative Finance - a collective of young people who have inherited wealth and are now using it for decolonial reparations. We are part of several projects that employ co-design techniques to move control away from investors in revolving loan funds. The other part of my work is building bridges that support movement networks on the path toward a more just society. Right now, this looks like facilitating peer learning amongst climate justice organizations in the United States, mapping interconnections between citizen-generated data initiatives around the world, and developing behaviors for large-scale network health to end violence against women (Resonance/NoVo Foundation/Move to End Violence).
Country: United States and Mexico
Sustainability Fellow: 2017
I grew up in the tallgrass prairies of Illinois, USA, where the lanky sandhill cranes pause on their way north from Mexico. Retracing one of my family’s roots, I’ve recently moved south to Mexico City to do what I do as a mixed heritage person: build bridges. One facet of my work as building bridges between extractive capitalism/colonialism and a society that repairs and regenerates from these traumas. I’m part of Regenerative Finance - a collective of young people who have inherited wealth and are now using it for decolonial reparations. We are part of several projects that employ co-design techniques to move control away from investors in revolving loan funds. The other part of my work is building bridges that support movement networks on the path toward a more just society. Right now, this looks like facilitating peer learning amongst climate justice organizations in the United States, mapping interconnections between citizen-generated data initiatives around the world, and developing behaviors for large-scale network health to end violence against women (Resonance/NoVo Foundation/Move to End Violence).
Belgin Gumru, Translator/editor, PhD Student at Istanbul Technical University
Country: Turkey
Sustainability Fellow: 2017
I hold a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning and a master’s degree in community planning. In my master's thesis, I prepared a content analysis of the national action plans that were prepared by 11 countries in response to the United Nations Security Council's Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. Later on, I had the opportunity to work for the Anam City Project in Nigeria. Anam City was the flagship project of the Aloy & Gesare Chife Foundation, and it aimed to create a livable, self-sustaining community. Doing site surveys, reflecting on the essential principles, working on the master plan, and delving into a totally different culture were priceless experiences. But ultimately, I did not want to stay any longer away from home and decided to return to Turkey. I currently work as a translator/editor and pursue my PhD degree at Istanbul Technical University. In my research, I strive to investigate the sustainability of the planning profession itself - particularly through the lens of planners themselves. While doing this, my main focus remains on the concept of planning agreements/developer contributions and its use in Turkey.
Country: Turkey
Sustainability Fellow: 2017
I hold a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning and a master’s degree in community planning. In my master's thesis, I prepared a content analysis of the national action plans that were prepared by 11 countries in response to the United Nations Security Council's Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. Later on, I had the opportunity to work for the Anam City Project in Nigeria. Anam City was the flagship project of the Aloy & Gesare Chife Foundation, and it aimed to create a livable, self-sustaining community. Doing site surveys, reflecting on the essential principles, working on the master plan, and delving into a totally different culture were priceless experiences. But ultimately, I did not want to stay any longer away from home and decided to return to Turkey. I currently work as a translator/editor and pursue my PhD degree at Istanbul Technical University. In my research, I strive to investigate the sustainability of the planning profession itself - particularly through the lens of planners themselves. While doing this, my main focus remains on the concept of planning agreements/developer contributions and its use in Turkey.
Brady Bradshaw, Ocean Defender, Freediver, Marine Biologist
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2017
As a passionate waterman and environmental activist, I have spent most of my life in water sports, marine biology studies, and ocean conservation. I graduated from UNC Wilmington with Honors in Marine Biology and went on to study for a short time on the Great Barrier Reef. I was the founder and director of Ocean Defense, a campaign which launched the victory stopping offshore drilling on the Atlantic coast. I have taken part in world bodysurfing and free diving competitions and currently teaches water skills to people of all ages. I believe that finding our ancestral capabilities and using them in the wild is one key component to maintaining a sustainable planet that is quickly evolving into a world of mostly technological connectivity. I believe that Earth connection should not be left behind. I have worked with Greenpeace Student Network and Actions team, Energy Action Coalition, Tar Sands Blockade, The Black Fish, Stop Titan Action Network, Ocean Defense, and many other groups and coalitions working to protect the climate and ocean. After flying over the BP Oil Disaster, I vowed to fight the oil industry until no more rigs remain in the ocean.
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2017
As a passionate waterman and environmental activist, I have spent most of my life in water sports, marine biology studies, and ocean conservation. I graduated from UNC Wilmington with Honors in Marine Biology and went on to study for a short time on the Great Barrier Reef. I was the founder and director of Ocean Defense, a campaign which launched the victory stopping offshore drilling on the Atlantic coast. I have taken part in world bodysurfing and free diving competitions and currently teaches water skills to people of all ages. I believe that finding our ancestral capabilities and using them in the wild is one key component to maintaining a sustainable planet that is quickly evolving into a world of mostly technological connectivity. I believe that Earth connection should not be left behind. I have worked with Greenpeace Student Network and Actions team, Energy Action Coalition, Tar Sands Blockade, The Black Fish, Stop Titan Action Network, Ocean Defense, and many other groups and coalitions working to protect the climate and ocean. After flying over the BP Oil Disaster, I vowed to fight the oil industry until no more rigs remain in the ocean.
Chelsea Biklen, Environmental Programs Assistant at City of Cupertino
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2014 - 2017
I graduated from UCI with a B.A in Social Ecology. Near the end of my undergraduate degree I began to deepen my interest in living in connection with our earth and understanding how the human race interacts with this planet. My passion for environmental conservation led me to a Climate Corps Bay Area fellowship where I attended monthly trainings focused on climate science education and sustainability initiatives local to the Bay Area. I worked for two school districts managing a sustainable transportation/traffic safety program for students and went on to work for the City of Cupertino doing the same thing. In Cupertino, Safe Routes to School acts as an important nexus between public health, sustainable transportation, safety, and traffic demand management. In managing this program I help to unite people around the common goal of community prosperity. At this point in my life, I am most interested in how to shift our cultural worldviews from mechanistic "earth-as-machine" back to organic "earth-as-alive" on a mass scale and if this can even be done.
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2014 - 2017
I graduated from UCI with a B.A in Social Ecology. Near the end of my undergraduate degree I began to deepen my interest in living in connection with our earth and understanding how the human race interacts with this planet. My passion for environmental conservation led me to a Climate Corps Bay Area fellowship where I attended monthly trainings focused on climate science education and sustainability initiatives local to the Bay Area. I worked for two school districts managing a sustainable transportation/traffic safety program for students and went on to work for the City of Cupertino doing the same thing. In Cupertino, Safe Routes to School acts as an important nexus between public health, sustainable transportation, safety, and traffic demand management. In managing this program I help to unite people around the common goal of community prosperity. At this point in my life, I am most interested in how to shift our cultural worldviews from mechanistic "earth-as-machine" back to organic "earth-as-alive" on a mass scale and if this can even be done.
Çigdem Yilmazer, Architect
Country: Turkey
Sustainability Fellow: 2013
Country: Turkey
Sustainability Fellow: 2013
Cindy Xiaoning Chen, Researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences
Country: China and United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2011 - 2014
I am originally from China and I spent the ten of the last twelve years in the United States, so I have a good understanding of both Western and Eastern cultures. I got both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of California, Irvine. I am currently planning on getting a PhD. My research interests include global sustainability and environmental challenges, the effects of environmental problems on public health, and how socioeconomic development can be balanced with sustainability, especially in developing countries. I have worked with the Chinese Academy of Sciences for the past two years, which has helped me develop a deeper understanding of the environmental and social challenges in China. I presented the China Case Study at last summer’s event, which partly demonstrated my understanding of China’s sustainable future. My participation in last year’s seminar opened my eyes to many global issues which makes me want to continue to be a part of this special event. I am planning to explore China further this year as I will be participating in a research project under the auspices of the Chinese Academy of Sciences for a second year.
Country: China and United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2011 - 2014
I am originally from China and I spent the ten of the last twelve years in the United States, so I have a good understanding of both Western and Eastern cultures. I got both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of California, Irvine. I am currently planning on getting a PhD. My research interests include global sustainability and environmental challenges, the effects of environmental problems on public health, and how socioeconomic development can be balanced with sustainability, especially in developing countries. I have worked with the Chinese Academy of Sciences for the past two years, which has helped me develop a deeper understanding of the environmental and social challenges in China. I presented the China Case Study at last summer’s event, which partly demonstrated my understanding of China’s sustainable future. My participation in last year’s seminar opened my eyes to many global issues which makes me want to continue to be a part of this special event. I am planning to explore China further this year as I will be participating in a research project under the auspices of the Chinese Academy of Sciences for a second year.
Connor Harron, PhD. Student and Center for Unconventional Security Affairs Research Associate, School of Social Ecology UC, Irvine
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2017
I am an educator, a researcher, and an activist with a passion for inspiring and empowering the next generation of change makers throughout the globe. I am currently working on my PhD in Social Ecology at UCI and my research focuses on better understanding how to rebuild local food sheds and support small landholder farmers in a wide range of contexts. I am currently completing an immersive agriculture and natural building apprenticeship in Mastatal, Costa Rica at a sustainability education center and working permaculture farm for the entirety of 2017, where I am conducting fieldwork for my dissertation to better understand the challenges facing small landholder farmers, as well as developing competency in designing and building regenerative social ecological systems. My long-term goal is to co-found a nonprofit organization that brings together experts in regenerative community development to apply permaculture design, agroforestry practices, natural building, gastronomy, art, and education to help rebuild local food sheds and address social injustices with regards to food access and availability that are inherent within current globalized food practices. We have several projects lined up over the next year in communities across the globe, and in early 2019, we are planning to begin a multi-year journey to work with communities across the Americas to share skills and empower local leaders, support community led initiatives, and gain the experience across a wide range of cultures and ecological contexts needed to found a sustainability education center and working farm to share the lessons we learn with future leaders from around the world.
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2017
I am an educator, a researcher, and an activist with a passion for inspiring and empowering the next generation of change makers throughout the globe. I am currently working on my PhD in Social Ecology at UCI and my research focuses on better understanding how to rebuild local food sheds and support small landholder farmers in a wide range of contexts. I am currently completing an immersive agriculture and natural building apprenticeship in Mastatal, Costa Rica at a sustainability education center and working permaculture farm for the entirety of 2017, where I am conducting fieldwork for my dissertation to better understand the challenges facing small landholder farmers, as well as developing competency in designing and building regenerative social ecological systems. My long-term goal is to co-found a nonprofit organization that brings together experts in regenerative community development to apply permaculture design, agroforestry practices, natural building, gastronomy, art, and education to help rebuild local food sheds and address social injustices with regards to food access and availability that are inherent within current globalized food practices. We have several projects lined up over the next year in communities across the globe, and in early 2019, we are planning to begin a multi-year journey to work with communities across the Americas to share skills and empower local leaders, support community led initiatives, and gain the experience across a wide range of cultures and ecological contexts needed to found a sustainability education center and working farm to share the lessons we learn with future leaders from around the world.
Daniel Penteado, Officer at ICMBio, Ministry of Environment
Country: Brazil
Sustainability Fellow: 2016 - 2017
Over the past 15 years I’ve been in contact with many cultures from the Brazilian forests and several different perspectives. I’ve studied biology. Before finishing college, fieldwork had become a passion. Back then, doing things and having real life experiences that, before, were just theoretical, determined the beginning of my journey. I worked for a company that helps other companies to adapt their work to environmental laws. Then I moved to public service. I started in 2004 at the Ministry of Environment. Then, I worked at IBAMA, the national environmental institution. Since 2007, I work at the Chico Mendes Institute, an agency created by Marina Silva that is responsible for the management of all federal conservation units. After a lot of practical experiences, and a lot of chief’s responsibilities, now I’m planning on getting my masters degree on a Brazilian federal University and trying to apply all my knowledge on analysis of rights of the traditional communities. The main objective is to propose something that can improve their commercial relations with companies and governments.
Country: Brazil
Sustainability Fellow: 2016 - 2017
Over the past 15 years I’ve been in contact with many cultures from the Brazilian forests and several different perspectives. I’ve studied biology. Before finishing college, fieldwork had become a passion. Back then, doing things and having real life experiences that, before, were just theoretical, determined the beginning of my journey. I worked for a company that helps other companies to adapt their work to environmental laws. Then I moved to public service. I started in 2004 at the Ministry of Environment. Then, I worked at IBAMA, the national environmental institution. Since 2007, I work at the Chico Mendes Institute, an agency created by Marina Silva that is responsible for the management of all federal conservation units. After a lot of practical experiences, and a lot of chief’s responsibilities, now I’m planning on getting my masters degree on a Brazilian federal University and trying to apply all my knowledge on analysis of rights of the traditional communities. The main objective is to propose something that can improve their commercial relations with companies and governments.
Dieb Leng, Water Resource Software Engineer Specialist at Halcrow
Country: Cambodia
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
Country: Cambodia
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
Ekaterina Zavalishina, PhD Student at Moscow State University, Faculty of World Politics
Country: Russia
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
Country: Russia
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
Eleonora Guneva
Country: Bulgaria and United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
Country: Bulgaria and United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
Erik Wood, AmeriCorps Volunteer
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2013 - 2017
I am a 26 year old Californian native. Growing up in San Diego gave me an appreciation for the beach. As a result I started to think of ways to involve the nature in my life’s work. So I went to San Francisco State University and attained my degree in Sociology. My thought being that with a sociological background I would have a better understanding of how and why people function the way they do. After I graduated I looked for ways to best serve my community. I finally settled on joining AmeriCorps, where I have been working for the past year doing college and career mentoring in a rural town in Southern Oregon. There is so much nature here, and because of this industries such as timber are seeking to control it. However, I have seen that the younger generation understands this and are deciding to go into fields of conservation. Part of my job has been to ease this transition for them, and help plan a path towards realizing their goals and aspirations. The work has been so rewarding I have decided to enroll for a second year of service. It was during my time at SFSU I was invited to my first ES conference. This year’s will be my fifth conference. The conference is a highlight of my year, because it brings so many different cultures and backgrounds together, in one place, for a whole week. This space gives us fellows the opportunity to learn and impart invaluable wisdom to one another. Although our conference title is Empowering Sustainability, we are in fact empowering each other with knowledge, support, and ideas; and applying them to our various sustainable efforts. Similar to Socrates use of the agora, the ES conference is a place for us to learn for a week; so we can take that knowledge back to our respective homes and teach others sustainable practices. This is the true purpose of the conference.
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2013 - 2017
I am a 26 year old Californian native. Growing up in San Diego gave me an appreciation for the beach. As a result I started to think of ways to involve the nature in my life’s work. So I went to San Francisco State University and attained my degree in Sociology. My thought being that with a sociological background I would have a better understanding of how and why people function the way they do. After I graduated I looked for ways to best serve my community. I finally settled on joining AmeriCorps, where I have been working for the past year doing college and career mentoring in a rural town in Southern Oregon. There is so much nature here, and because of this industries such as timber are seeking to control it. However, I have seen that the younger generation understands this and are deciding to go into fields of conservation. Part of my job has been to ease this transition for them, and help plan a path towards realizing their goals and aspirations. The work has been so rewarding I have decided to enroll for a second year of service. It was during my time at SFSU I was invited to my first ES conference. This year’s will be my fifth conference. The conference is a highlight of my year, because it brings so many different cultures and backgrounds together, in one place, for a whole week. This space gives us fellows the opportunity to learn and impart invaluable wisdom to one another. Although our conference title is Empowering Sustainability, we are in fact empowering each other with knowledge, support, and ideas; and applying them to our various sustainable efforts. Similar to Socrates use of the agora, the ES conference is a place for us to learn for a week; so we can take that knowledge back to our respective homes and teach others sustainable practices. This is the true purpose of the conference.
Ezgi Ferrand, Assistant Professor of Geography at Southern Connecticut State University
Country: Turkey and United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2013
Country: Turkey and United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2013
Fabio Carvalho, Chief of Tapajos National Forest at Instituto Chico Mendes ICMBio
Country: Brazil
Sustainability Fellow: 2015 - 2016
Country: Brazil
Sustainability Fellow: 2015 - 2016
Felicia Cox, Renewable Energy Co-coordinator at Barbados National Oil Company Ltd.
Country: Barbados
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
Country: Barbados
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
Fernando Maldonado, Co-Program Manager at the University of California, Irvine, Global Sustainability Resource Center
Country: Costa Rica and United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2014
Country: Costa Rica and United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2014
Grace Yu
Country: China
Sustainability Fellow: 2014
Country: China
Sustainability Fellow: 2014
Hidde van Ooststroom, Smart Energy Consultant at Accenture
Country: The Netherlands
Sustainability Fellow: 2011, 2012
During my studies, I developed a strong interest in the planning and management of large-scale energy infrastructures. I continued to work in this particular field as a consultant within the Smart Energy and Smart Grid group at Accenture. We are preparing our country for a transition towards sustainable electricity and gas supplies; digitizing our core infrastructures and planning more then 30 years ahead. Besides that, I have a more personal interest in the effects of climate change on urban regions, which results in numerous activities in the Netherlands. I’m a member of the editorial board of the Empowering Sustainability International Journal and look forward to empower many others to do “the right thing” in the Netherlands and abroad.
Country: The Netherlands
Sustainability Fellow: 2011, 2012
During my studies, I developed a strong interest in the planning and management of large-scale energy infrastructures. I continued to work in this particular field as a consultant within the Smart Energy and Smart Grid group at Accenture. We are preparing our country for a transition towards sustainable electricity and gas supplies; digitizing our core infrastructures and planning more then 30 years ahead. Besides that, I have a more personal interest in the effects of climate change on urban regions, which results in numerous activities in the Netherlands. I’m a member of the editorial board of the Empowering Sustainability International Journal and look forward to empower many others to do “the right thing” in the Netherlands and abroad.
Hsin-Yu “Ivy” Chung, Graduate Student in Sustainable Development at the University of Florida
Country: Taiwan and United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2014
Country: Taiwan and United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2014
Jennifer Gamble, Program Director at the University of California- Irvine Costa Rica Program
Country: United States
Fellow: 2014
Country: United States
Fellow: 2014
Jennifer Lentfer, Director of Communications at IDEX - International Development Exchange
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2016
I am a Nebraska farm girl turned international aid worker. As the creator of the blog how-matters.org, I was named as one of Foreign Policy Magazine's "100 women to follow on Twitter” at @intldogooder. I am the Director of Communications at IDEX - International Development Exchange and am currently co-editing a book that features the growing community of small grantmakers that find and fund visionary grassroots leaders around the world.
I have worked with over 300 grassroots organizations in east and southern Africa over the past decade, serving with various international organizations in Zimbabwe, Malawi, Namibia, and the U.S. including Oxfam, Red Cross, Catholic Relief Services, UNICEF, and Firelight Foundation. I work to place community-driven initiatives, which can be more genuinely responsive to local needs, at the forefront of international aid, philanthropy, and social enterprise. It’s no wonder, given that my hometown of Bruning, Nebraska, USA has a population of just 248 people.
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2016
I am a Nebraska farm girl turned international aid worker. As the creator of the blog how-matters.org, I was named as one of Foreign Policy Magazine's "100 women to follow on Twitter” at @intldogooder. I am the Director of Communications at IDEX - International Development Exchange and am currently co-editing a book that features the growing community of small grantmakers that find and fund visionary grassroots leaders around the world.
I have worked with over 300 grassroots organizations in east and southern Africa over the past decade, serving with various international organizations in Zimbabwe, Malawi, Namibia, and the U.S. including Oxfam, Red Cross, Catholic Relief Services, UNICEF, and Firelight Foundation. I work to place community-driven initiatives, which can be more genuinely responsive to local needs, at the forefront of international aid, philanthropy, and social enterprise. It’s no wonder, given that my hometown of Bruning, Nebraska, USA has a population of just 248 people.
Jeremy Pearson, PhD Student in Chemical Engineering at the University of California, Irvine
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2013, 2014
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2013, 2014
Jesse Baker, Founder at Ecofficiency.Org and Sustainability Instructor at UC Irvine Extension
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2012 - 2016
I earned a PhD in Environmental Policy from UC Irvine’s Department of Planning Policy and Design in 2010. My research focused on international development, and the resource curse; my dissertation was a qualitative analysis of Venezuela’s Bolivarian Revolution, its relationship with the oil industry, what it means for socio-political development locally (in Venezuela), regionally, and globally. Upon graduation, I founded a sustainability based non-profit organization called Ecoffciency.Org. Our approach is to make sense of the complex and integrated impacts of consumer behavior, the extent of our consumer reach (footprint), and options for participation at a variety of levels. As an organization, we bring a comprehensive structure to the sustainability movement, educate our community about comprehensive sustainability planning through a variety of events and speaking engagements, and develop
unique programs that illustrate what comprehensive sustainability planning looks like in practice. Our initiatives include a southern California based restaurant sustainability program, a clean water development project in Haiti, and an urban agriculture (aquaponics) program.
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2012 - 2016
I earned a PhD in Environmental Policy from UC Irvine’s Department of Planning Policy and Design in 2010. My research focused on international development, and the resource curse; my dissertation was a qualitative analysis of Venezuela’s Bolivarian Revolution, its relationship with the oil industry, what it means for socio-political development locally (in Venezuela), regionally, and globally. Upon graduation, I founded a sustainability based non-profit organization called Ecoffciency.Org. Our approach is to make sense of the complex and integrated impacts of consumer behavior, the extent of our consumer reach (footprint), and options for participation at a variety of levels. As an organization, we bring a comprehensive structure to the sustainability movement, educate our community about comprehensive sustainability planning through a variety of events and speaking engagements, and develop
unique programs that illustrate what comprehensive sustainability planning looks like in practice. Our initiatives include a southern California based restaurant sustainability program, a clean water development project in Haiti, and an urban agriculture (aquaponics) program.
Julia Savonova, PhD Student at Moscow State University, Faculty of World Politics
Country: Russia
Sustainability Fellow: 2011, 2013
Country: Russia
Sustainability Fellow: 2011, 2013
June Cirino
Country: Brazil
Sustanability Fellow: 2015
Country: Brazil
Sustanability Fellow: 2015
Krishna Matturi, PhD Student in School of Design at Havard University and Co-Founder at FEEDBack
Country: India and United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2014
Country: India and United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2014
Lawrence Santiago, PhD Candidate in Geography and Trudeau Scholar at University of British Columbia
Country: Phillipines and Canada
Sustainability Fellow: 2013
Country: Phillipines and Canada
Sustainability Fellow: 2013
Leila Loezer, Project Coordinator at Architectural Design at FRCH Design Worldwide
Country: Brazil and United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
Since early ages I have been interested in issues of sustainability, sustainable design, and social related causes. As an architecture and urban planning student I focused in applying principles of energy efficiency and low environmental impact to the built environment. In 2006, I graduated from the Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil and worked in the field until 2008, when I started the Master of Science in Architecture (MSArch) degree at the University of Cincinnati. The focus of my master’s research was sustainable urban design and related theories. In 2009, I started the Master of Community planning, which in conjunction with the MSArch gave me a broader perspective of environmental planning and sustainable urban design and more professional opportunities in the field. My interest in grassroots initiatives, more specifically in the Ecovillage movement, started with being a volunteer at the Enright Ridge Ecovillage in Cincinnati. The work I took part on included working at the community gardens, building a greenhouse,
and rehabilitating existing buildings for better energy efficiency. The involvement with the Ecovillage movement led me to write my master thesis on Ecovillages and intentional communities. I believe such initiatives may be starters in changing lifestyles and
setting up an example for more sustainable living in the mainstream society.
Country: Brazil and United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
Since early ages I have been interested in issues of sustainability, sustainable design, and social related causes. As an architecture and urban planning student I focused in applying principles of energy efficiency and low environmental impact to the built environment. In 2006, I graduated from the Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil and worked in the field until 2008, when I started the Master of Science in Architecture (MSArch) degree at the University of Cincinnati. The focus of my master’s research was sustainable urban design and related theories. In 2009, I started the Master of Community planning, which in conjunction with the MSArch gave me a broader perspective of environmental planning and sustainable urban design and more professional opportunities in the field. My interest in grassroots initiatives, more specifically in the Ecovillage movement, started with being a volunteer at the Enright Ridge Ecovillage in Cincinnati. The work I took part on included working at the community gardens, building a greenhouse,
and rehabilitating existing buildings for better energy efficiency. The involvement with the Ecovillage movement led me to write my master thesis on Ecovillages and intentional communities. I believe such initiatives may be starters in changing lifestyles and
setting up an example for more sustainable living in the mainstream society.
Leo Gumapas, Greenhouse Gas Program Manager/Environmental Engineer, National Institutes of Health at U.S. Public Health Service
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2013
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2013
Lisa Flemming, Fulbright Research Fellow
Country: United States and Sri Lanka
Sustainability Fellow: 2013
Country: United States and Sri Lanka
Sustainability Fellow: 2013
Lucia Frechoso Llorente, HSQE Management Technician at Textil Santanderina S.A.
Country: Spain
Sustainability Fellow: 2011 - 2015
I am a Chemical Engineer, graduated from the University of Cantabria, 2007. I have a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering specialized in water and waste management and a MBA. I worked as a Waste and Energy Management Technician for a Spanish Government environmental company (MARE S.A.), being in charge of the two main landfills in the community of Cantabria (north of Spain).
I think that “the world is not an inheritance from our parents, we borrow it from our children”, so there is still a lot to be done and I want to contribute to making it possible.
Country: Spain
Sustainability Fellow: 2011 - 2015
I am a Chemical Engineer, graduated from the University of Cantabria, 2007. I have a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering specialized in water and waste management and a MBA. I worked as a Waste and Energy Management Technician for a Spanish Government environmental company (MARE S.A.), being in charge of the two main landfills in the community of Cantabria (north of Spain).
I think that “the world is not an inheritance from our parents, we borrow it from our children”, so there is still a lot to be done and I want to contribute to making it possible.
Maria Bogatykh, PhD Student at Moscow State University, Faculty of World Politics
Country: Russia
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
Country: Russia
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
Max Broad
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
Miriam Iskajyan, Political Science Student at the University of California, Irvine
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2013
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2013
Natalia Solano, Field Operation Manager for Costa Rica at Enveritas
Country: Costa Rica
Sustainability Fellow: 2017
As a teenager, I knew I wanted to follow a career involving a lot of interaction with nature, so I chose to study at EARTH University (Costa Rica), an institution specializing in agriculture and environmental studies. After my undergraduate degree, I obtained a postgraduate certificate in Management of Development Programs from the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Laussane (Switzerland) and currently I am planning on studying a Masters in Ecological Economics at the University of Edinburgh. I have been working in rural development in Mozambique for the last 6 years with the Aga Khan Foundation, Technoserve and my own
consultancy Sol Verde, developing different value chains such as sesame, cashew and handicrafts through improved agricultural techniques, access to markets, improved data collection and leveraging local investment. I believe that technology, information and customer awareness are very important components to social, economic and environmental sustainability. Transparency and traceability of the products we consume is vital for securing a better use of the natural resources.
Country: Costa Rica
Sustainability Fellow: 2017
As a teenager, I knew I wanted to follow a career involving a lot of interaction with nature, so I chose to study at EARTH University (Costa Rica), an institution specializing in agriculture and environmental studies. After my undergraduate degree, I obtained a postgraduate certificate in Management of Development Programs from the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Laussane (Switzerland) and currently I am planning on studying a Masters in Ecological Economics at the University of Edinburgh. I have been working in rural development in Mozambique for the last 6 years with the Aga Khan Foundation, Technoserve and my own
consultancy Sol Verde, developing different value chains such as sesame, cashew and handicrafts through improved agricultural techniques, access to markets, improved data collection and leveraging local investment. I believe that technology, information and customer awareness are very important components to social, economic and environmental sustainability. Transparency and traceability of the products we consume is vital for securing a better use of the natural resources.
Nicole Chatterson, Graduate student at the University of Hawaii and Co-founder of the Wild Communities Project
Country: United States
Fellow: 2016
I am an environmental advocate who is most at home in the outdoors. I work to shift the predominant cultural model of excessive consumption and waste to one of thoughtful resource use and balance with nature. I focus my work on zero waste projects, education and policy as well as youth empowerment. I co-founded the Wild Communities Project, which develops community by connecting youth and adults to collaborate on projects that support human balance with the environment. I have a degree in environmental science and policy, with a concentration in geology and will begin the M.A. program in Environmental Anthropolgy at the University of Hawaii in Fall 2016.
Country: United States
Fellow: 2016
I am an environmental advocate who is most at home in the outdoors. I work to shift the predominant cultural model of excessive consumption and waste to one of thoughtful resource use and balance with nature. I focus my work on zero waste projects, education and policy as well as youth empowerment. I co-founded the Wild Communities Project, which develops community by connecting youth and adults to collaborate on projects that support human balance with the environment. I have a degree in environmental science and policy, with a concentration in geology and will begin the M.A. program in Environmental Anthropolgy at the University of Hawaii in Fall 2016.
Ndumiso Dlamini, Factory Automation R&D Engineer
Country: South Africa, Swaziland, and Japan
Fellow: 2015
Country: South Africa, Swaziland, and Japan
Fellow: 2015
Nicole Mandall, Energy Education & Renewable Energy Community Coordinator at AmeriCorps R.A.R.E.
Country: USA
Sustainability Fellow: 2017
In 2013, I graduated from Emory University with a BA in History and Pre-Med. Shortly after graduating, I joined the Peace Corps in Ethiopia. I spent a little over two years working in a small town called Liben on HIV/AIDs education and prevention. After finishing my Peace Corps Service in 2016, I decided to backpack around South East Asia for three months. Upon my return to the States, September 2016, I accepted a position as the Energy Education & Renewable Energy Community Coordinator in rural Oregon. My duties as the Community Coordinator has included the creation of a countywide education campaign. Featuring Town Hall talks across the county, this education campaign has brought together government officials, utilities, energy professionals, and concerned citizens in an effort to improve the counties energy future. Upon my completion of this position in August, I plan to attend NMSU for a Master’s in Public Health.
Country: USA
Sustainability Fellow: 2017
In 2013, I graduated from Emory University with a BA in History and Pre-Med. Shortly after graduating, I joined the Peace Corps in Ethiopia. I spent a little over two years working in a small town called Liben on HIV/AIDs education and prevention. After finishing my Peace Corps Service in 2016, I decided to backpack around South East Asia for three months. Upon my return to the States, September 2016, I accepted a position as the Energy Education & Renewable Energy Community Coordinator in rural Oregon. My duties as the Community Coordinator has included the creation of a countywide education campaign. Featuring Town Hall talks across the county, this education campaign has brought together government officials, utilities, energy professionals, and concerned citizens in an effort to improve the counties energy future. Upon my completion of this position in August, I plan to attend NMSU for a Master’s in Public Health.
Nicole Swedlow, Founder and Executive Director at Entreamigos
Country: United States and Mexico
Fellow: 2015-2016
I am the Founder and Director of Entreamigos, a community education center in the state of Nayarit, Mexico. The center's initial intention was to create a platform for anyone to teach the things they know, in an effort to build community unity around education and opportunity. Today, the Entreamigos Centro Comunitario Educativo is housed in a 15,000sq ft sustainably designed warehouse, collaborates with international organizations and universities and hosts hundreds of classes and workshops every year.
In 2012, we hosted an on-site breakout session of the World Economic Forum titled, “San Pancho, globalization in the context of a small community.” In 2014, Entreamigos was selected as a finalist in the United Nations Equator Initiative and also in 2014 the Dalai Lama recognized our work with the Unsung Hero of Compassion Award. In 2015, we consolidated our experiences and commitment to environmental and organizational sustainability in becoming a CECA, a federal designation as an Environmental Education Center, one of only two in the state of Nayarit. Today, I continue to direct the general operations of Entreamigos but increasingly have recognized the positive impact of improved communication and leadership skills in the role of effective community development. It seems to me that if we could better communicate, we can better lead this world to find collaborative, sustainable and equitable futures for our communities.
Country: United States and Mexico
Fellow: 2015-2016
I am the Founder and Director of Entreamigos, a community education center in the state of Nayarit, Mexico. The center's initial intention was to create a platform for anyone to teach the things they know, in an effort to build community unity around education and opportunity. Today, the Entreamigos Centro Comunitario Educativo is housed in a 15,000sq ft sustainably designed warehouse, collaborates with international organizations and universities and hosts hundreds of classes and workshops every year.
In 2012, we hosted an on-site breakout session of the World Economic Forum titled, “San Pancho, globalization in the context of a small community.” In 2014, Entreamigos was selected as a finalist in the United Nations Equator Initiative and also in 2014 the Dalai Lama recognized our work with the Unsung Hero of Compassion Award. In 2015, we consolidated our experiences and commitment to environmental and organizational sustainability in becoming a CECA, a federal designation as an Environmental Education Center, one of only two in the state of Nayarit. Today, I continue to direct the general operations of Entreamigos but increasingly have recognized the positive impact of improved communication and leadership skills in the role of effective community development. It seems to me that if we could better communicate, we can better lead this world to find collaborative, sustainable and equitable futures for our communities.
Nolan Pack, Student at the University of California, Berkeley, and Co-Chair at Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Sustainability
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
Oxana Popova, PhD Student at Moscow State University, Faculty of World Politics
Country: Russia
Sustainability Fellow: 2011, 2013
Country: Russia
Sustainability Fellow: 2011, 2013
Peter Alexandrovich Bordokoff, Graduate Student at The University of Montana
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
I am currently a MA candidate in the Department of Geography at The University of Montana, and am interested in human dimensions of climate change. Specifically, the implementation of sustainable development in conjunction with climate change adaptation strategies. My thesis research will be conducted while on a Fulbright research award, focused on perceptions of climate change and adaptation in Upper Svaneti, Georgia.
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
I am currently a MA candidate in the Department of Geography at The University of Montana, and am interested in human dimensions of climate change. Specifically, the implementation of sustainable development in conjunction with climate change adaptation strategies. My thesis research will be conducted while on a Fulbright research award, focused on perceptions of climate change and adaptation in Upper Svaneti, Georgia.
Raquel Fallas, Environmental and Social Management Coordinator at Los Santos Electric Cooperative
Country: Costa Rica
Sustainability Fellow: 2011 - 2013
I am native from the rural highlands of south central Costa Rica (Los Santos region). I have a Master’s degree in Environmental Leadership and Management and a degree in natural resources management. I have been the leader of the Environmental and Social Management Department for five years in the Los Santos Electric Cooperative, one of the most innovative pioneer companies in wind energy in Costa Rica. My experience is related to environmental protection and to the relationship with stakeholders. Participating in the Seminar “Empowering Sustainability on Earth 2012″ will be an opportunity to learn how to implement new ideas to improve daily activities in non-governmental organizations or stakeholders groups in COOPESANTOS.
Country: Costa Rica
Sustainability Fellow: 2011 - 2013
I am native from the rural highlands of south central Costa Rica (Los Santos region). I have a Master’s degree in Environmental Leadership and Management and a degree in natural resources management. I have been the leader of the Environmental and Social Management Department for five years in the Los Santos Electric Cooperative, one of the most innovative pioneer companies in wind energy in Costa Rica. My experience is related to environmental protection and to the relationship with stakeholders. Participating in the Seminar “Empowering Sustainability on Earth 2012″ will be an opportunity to learn how to implement new ideas to improve daily activities in non-governmental organizations or stakeholders groups in COOPESANTOS.
Sai Latt, PhD Candidate at the Department of Geography, Simon Fraser University
Country: Canada and Myanmar
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
I graduated from York University (Toronto) in International Development Studies (2006) and MA in Geography (2008). I am a Vanier scholar, currently writing PhD research dissertation on state violence, displacement, and resource conflict in the Greater Mekong Subregion in Southeast Asia. Focusing on Myanmar, Thailand, and China, the dissertation looks at the violent experiences of displaced people/migrant workers in the context of counter-insurgency operation and large-scale resource extraction projects in Myanmar. I am a guest contributor to online magazines including Asia Sentinel, The Irrawaddy, and New Mandala (Australian National University).
Country: Canada and Myanmar
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
I graduated from York University (Toronto) in International Development Studies (2006) and MA in Geography (2008). I am a Vanier scholar, currently writing PhD research dissertation on state violence, displacement, and resource conflict in the Greater Mekong Subregion in Southeast Asia. Focusing on Myanmar, Thailand, and China, the dissertation looks at the violent experiences of displaced people/migrant workers in the context of counter-insurgency operation and large-scale resource extraction projects in Myanmar. I am a guest contributor to online magazines including Asia Sentinel, The Irrawaddy, and New Mandala (Australian National University).
Saira Shameen, Program Adviser at United Nations Population Fund
Country: Malaysia
Sustainability Fellow: 2015
Saira has had over 25 years of experience in the human rights, women's rights and sexual and reproductive health rights movements. She believes that organizational development is a key component for empowering people to organically manage change. Sustainability is a concept that applies not only to the preservation of the environment, but in the health, power and dignity of the people and organizations that are defending and advancing alternatives for a sustainable world.
Country: Malaysia
Sustainability Fellow: 2015
Saira has had over 25 years of experience in the human rights, women's rights and sexual and reproductive health rights movements. She believes that organizational development is a key component for empowering people to organically manage change. Sustainability is a concept that applies not only to the preservation of the environment, but in the health, power and dignity of the people and organizations that are defending and advancing alternatives for a sustainable world.
Sara Wolcott, Researcher at Samanvaya Consulting
Country: England and India
Sustainability Fellow: 2011 - 2013
Country: England and India
Sustainability Fellow: 2011 - 2013
Sarah Bedolfe, Coordinator of Marine Research at MacGillivray Freeman Films
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2011 - 2013
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2011 - 2013
Sergey Rybakov, PhD Student at Moscow State University, Faculty of World Politics
Country: Russia
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
Country: Russia
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
Shannon Koplitz, Physical Scientist at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2017
I am a postdoctoral physical scientist with the Environmental Futures Analysis Branch (EFAB) of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Exposure Research Laboratory headquartered in Research Triangle Park campus in North Carolina. In my work, I use computer models of the atmosphere to investigate how wildfire pollution affects regional and national air quality. My work supports the mission of EPA’s national Air Climate and Energy (ACE) program to “develop innovative and sustainable solutions for improving air quality” (www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-air-climate-and-energy-research-program). I recently received my Ph.D. in Earth and Planetary Sciences from Harvard University, where my research focused on quantifying growing sources of air pollution and their implications for human health in Southeast Asia. I also hold a B.A. in Human Biology and a M.S. in Earth Systems from Stanford University.
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2017
I am a postdoctoral physical scientist with the Environmental Futures Analysis Branch (EFAB) of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Exposure Research Laboratory headquartered in Research Triangle Park campus in North Carolina. In my work, I use computer models of the atmosphere to investigate how wildfire pollution affects regional and national air quality. My work supports the mission of EPA’s national Air Climate and Energy (ACE) program to “develop innovative and sustainable solutions for improving air quality” (www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-air-climate-and-energy-research-program). I recently received my Ph.D. in Earth and Planetary Sciences from Harvard University, where my research focused on quantifying growing sources of air pollution and their implications for human health in Southeast Asia. I also hold a B.A. in Human Biology and a M.S. in Earth Systems from Stanford University.
Sharleen Marie Ortiz-Rivera, Graduate student in Nature-based Early Childhood Education at Antioch University
Country: United States (Puerto Rico)
Sustainability Fellow: 2017
Growing up in the Caribbean archipelago of Puerto Rico, I developed a profound sensibility to my surroundings. The natural wonders that captured my attention aroused my curiosity into unraveling its concerns. My environmental literacy journey began when I decided to pursue a B. Sc. degree in Environmental Science. After completing the program, I worked for more than two years as an environmental interpreter with a non-profit organization in Puerto Rico. With enthusiasm and passion, I implemented interpretative programs in a high ecological, cultural, and historical value Nature Reserve. Likewise, I designed environmental educational programs that encourage youngsters to be connected with nature and become environmental advocates. I developed new abilities and awareness to recognize the causes and solutions of the environmental issues that surround me. Therefore, I am currently
pursuing my Nature-based Early Childhood Education graduate certificate in Antioch University New England. The spirit of this graduate program is to provide exceptional professional development, training, and leadership in the inspiring field of nature-based early childhood education. My academic and professional background allows me to share tangible solutions to the local and regional communities that I am joining. I look forward to the empowerment of knowledge and broad skills that lead meaningful innovative education that inspires social action towards a sustainable economy and environmental justice. I seek guidance for the best training, tools and skills that will support me spread the seeds into the fertile soil of each child, our future generation. Together we aim to grow resilient, diverse, sustainable and regenerative communities. This being the transformation I want to see in our one and only planet Earth.
Country: United States (Puerto Rico)
Sustainability Fellow: 2017
Growing up in the Caribbean archipelago of Puerto Rico, I developed a profound sensibility to my surroundings. The natural wonders that captured my attention aroused my curiosity into unraveling its concerns. My environmental literacy journey began when I decided to pursue a B. Sc. degree in Environmental Science. After completing the program, I worked for more than two years as an environmental interpreter with a non-profit organization in Puerto Rico. With enthusiasm and passion, I implemented interpretative programs in a high ecological, cultural, and historical value Nature Reserve. Likewise, I designed environmental educational programs that encourage youngsters to be connected with nature and become environmental advocates. I developed new abilities and awareness to recognize the causes and solutions of the environmental issues that surround me. Therefore, I am currently
pursuing my Nature-based Early Childhood Education graduate certificate in Antioch University New England. The spirit of this graduate program is to provide exceptional professional development, training, and leadership in the inspiring field of nature-based early childhood education. My academic and professional background allows me to share tangible solutions to the local and regional communities that I am joining. I look forward to the empowerment of knowledge and broad skills that lead meaningful innovative education that inspires social action towards a sustainable economy and environmental justice. I seek guidance for the best training, tools and skills that will support me spread the seeds into the fertile soil of each child, our future generation. Together we aim to grow resilient, diverse, sustainable and regenerative communities. This being the transformation I want to see in our one and only planet Earth.
Shirley Tseng, Aerospace Engineer
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2012 - 2014
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2012 - 2014
Shirley Williams, Community Medicine R.N. II at Lummi Nation
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2015
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2015
Sitara Nayudu, Student at the University of California, Irvine
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
Siva Gunda, Program Manager at the University of California, Davis, Energy Efficiency Center
Country: India and United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
Country: India and United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
Skyer Rodhen, Graduate Student at University of Hawaii
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2014
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2014
Solange Teles da Silva, Professor of Environmental Law at Mackenzie University.
Country: Brazil
Sustainability Fellow: 2011 - 2013, 2015 - 2017
I graduated in Law from the University of São Paulo (1991), and earned a PhD in Law from the Paris I University (Panthéon-Sorbonne) (2001). I am currently a Professor at Mackenzie University (Sao Paulo) and the State University of Amazonas (Manaus), and a Researcher of Productivity at CNPq (National Council for Scientific and Technological Development). I am a member of NGOs: Lawyers for a Green Planet (Instituto o Direito por um Planeta Verde – International Director); Law and Citizenship Studies Institute (Instituto Estudos Direito e Cidadania – Publishing Director) and the Association of Environmental Law Professors (Associação dos Professores de Direito Ambiental do Brasil – Academic Director). I am also a Member of the Researcher Committee of IUCN Academy of Environmental Law and Member of the National Technical Commission for Biosafety (Brazil). My experience in law has an emphasis in Environmental Law and International Environmental Law. I have represented in court litigants on the following topics: right to a healthy environment, transboundary environmental disputes, environmental liability, clean water, forest conservation, a sustainable urban environment, proper waste disposal, preservation of biodiversity, biotechnology and energy conservation.
Country: Brazil
Sustainability Fellow: 2011 - 2013, 2015 - 2017
I graduated in Law from the University of São Paulo (1991), and earned a PhD in Law from the Paris I University (Panthéon-Sorbonne) (2001). I am currently a Professor at Mackenzie University (Sao Paulo) and the State University of Amazonas (Manaus), and a Researcher of Productivity at CNPq (National Council for Scientific and Technological Development). I am a member of NGOs: Lawyers for a Green Planet (Instituto o Direito por um Planeta Verde – International Director); Law and Citizenship Studies Institute (Instituto Estudos Direito e Cidadania – Publishing Director) and the Association of Environmental Law Professors (Associação dos Professores de Direito Ambiental do Brasil – Academic Director). I am also a Member of the Researcher Committee of IUCN Academy of Environmental Law and Member of the National Technical Commission for Biosafety (Brazil). My experience in law has an emphasis in Environmental Law and International Environmental Law. I have represented in court litigants on the following topics: right to a healthy environment, transboundary environmental disputes, environmental liability, clean water, forest conservation, a sustainable urban environment, proper waste disposal, preservation of biodiversity, biotechnology and energy conservation.
Susan Hai
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2011, 2014
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2011, 2014
Troy Olsen, Tribal Fisherman at Lummi Nation
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2015
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2015
Vasily Kuznetsov, PhD. Student at Moscow State University, Faculty of World Politics
Country: Russia
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
Country: Russia
Sustainability Fellow: 2012
Vicki Faivre, Student at University of California, Irvine
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2014, 2015
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2014, 2015
Vivian Isabel Antunez Saiz, Professor at the Study Center of Management Techniques at University of Havana
Country: Cuba
Sustainability Fellow: 2015 - 2017
I am a 32 years old Industrial Engineer. I completed a Master Degree in Total Quality Management in 2011. I am currently an Auxiliary Professor of the Study Center of Management Techniques at the University of Havana. I teach Strategic Management, Process Management, Quality and Environmental Management in pre and postgraduated courses. I also have an European Diploma in Management by the ESADE Business School of Barcelona and the University of Havana. I work as researcher and consultant in many cuban organizations in environmental diagnosis, integrated management systems and productive chain analysis. I am part of the Scientific Society of Environmental Studies of the National Association of Accounting and Finance of Cuba and I am integrated to the Environmental network of the University of Havana. I have participated in several international and national events and published 25 scientific papers. I am now completing my PhD in Economic Sciences at the University of Havana with a focus on developing a methodology for the integration of Quality, Environment, Energy, Security and Health Systems in the biopharmaceutical industry in Cuba, wich is a strategic economic sector.
Country: Cuba
Sustainability Fellow: 2015 - 2017
I am a 32 years old Industrial Engineer. I completed a Master Degree in Total Quality Management in 2011. I am currently an Auxiliary Professor of the Study Center of Management Techniques at the University of Havana. I teach Strategic Management, Process Management, Quality and Environmental Management in pre and postgraduated courses. I also have an European Diploma in Management by the ESADE Business School of Barcelona and the University of Havana. I work as researcher and consultant in many cuban organizations in environmental diagnosis, integrated management systems and productive chain analysis. I am part of the Scientific Society of Environmental Studies of the National Association of Accounting and Finance of Cuba and I am integrated to the Environmental network of the University of Havana. I have participated in several international and national events and published 25 scientific papers. I am now completing my PhD in Economic Sciences at the University of Havana with a focus on developing a methodology for the integration of Quality, Environment, Energy, Security and Health Systems in the biopharmaceutical industry in Cuba, wich is a strategic economic sector.
Vladimir Bartenev, PhD. (History), Associate Professor and Director of Center for Security and Development Studies at School of World Politics, Moscow State University (MSU)
Country: Russia
Sustainability Fellow: 2011, 2012
I received my B.A. and PhD degrees from the MSU (Department of History) and M1 from Le Collège Universitairede Moscou. Currently I am affiliated with School of World Politics, Moscow State University (MSU) where I work as an Associate Professor, a Director of Center for Security and Development Studies, and Managing Editor of the scholarly peer reviewed journal “Moscow State University Bulletin. Series 25. International Relations and World Politics”. Since 2010 I have also been working as a consultant with the World Bank on the implementation of an educational component of the World Bank-executed “Russia as a Donor Initiative” program, both as a leading author and co-editor-in-chief of the manual on international development assistance, the first in Russia. My current research focuses on the political economy of foreign aid, and the linkages between security and development, as well as environment and security in fragile and conflict-affected regions.
Country: Russia
Sustainability Fellow: 2011, 2012
I received my B.A. and PhD degrees from the MSU (Department of History) and M1 from Le Collège Universitairede Moscou. Currently I am affiliated with School of World Politics, Moscow State University (MSU) where I work as an Associate Professor, a Director of Center for Security and Development Studies, and Managing Editor of the scholarly peer reviewed journal “Moscow State University Bulletin. Series 25. International Relations and World Politics”. Since 2010 I have also been working as a consultant with the World Bank on the implementation of an educational component of the World Bank-executed “Russia as a Donor Initiative” program, both as a leading author and co-editor-in-chief of the manual on international development assistance, the first in Russia. My current research focuses on the political economy of foreign aid, and the linkages between security and development, as well as environment and security in fragile and conflict-affected regions.
Yev Marusenko, Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of California, Irvine
Country: Ukraine and United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2014
Country: Ukraine and United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2014
Yovanni Antonelli, Green Campus Intern at University of California, San Francisco
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2013
Country: United States
Sustainability Fellow: 2013