Meet the DEAL Community

明日香村, 高市郡, Nara, Japan

I am interested in urban planning and the urban regeneration of old towns. 

Saint-Lazare, Quebec, Canada

Husband, father, filmmaker/photographer, musician & indie author/writer of which none make me money, they bring me joy. Having recently turned 60, I’ve begun writing my first novel—an imaginative exploration sparked by the idea of Universal Basic Income (UBI). At its heart, the book asks: what would Canada look like if were fully realized—not just as a financial policy, but as a foundation for human dignity? For me, UBI is more than just income; it’s about Universal Basic Security (UBS)—a framework that ensures access to housing, healthcare, and social support for vulnerable populations. As I’ve immersed myself in the political realities we face today, I keep returning to a single question: Why have free democratic societies failed to provide dignity and self-determination for all their people? The novel begins with the premise that nationhood—and by extension, our political and economic systems—must be redefined. Our current models are deeply embedded in structures built to serve capitalistic colonial interests. But what if we could imagine something new? This journey led me to envision an alternative economic model, one that resonates with the ideas in Doughnut Economics and beyond—a system designed not for endless growth, but for equitable well-being. I’m not an academic, economist, or political scientist. I'm a  here to learn, listen, and contribute to conversations that matter.

As Corporate Development Officer at QUBIZteam, I work for the strategic growth and market integration of cutting-edge Quantum Sensing and Metrology solutions, leveraging deeptech to address critical global challenges.  With an Executive MBA from IE Business School and 30 years of diverse management experience, my career has been a deliberate journey towards impactful innovation. My foundation was forged over two decades across the entire value chain of the Telecommunications Industry, where I gained invaluable expertise in complex system deployment, market dynamics, and large-scale operations. For the past 10 years, I've channeled this experience into social and environmental innovation projects, a pivot driven by a passion for creating tangible, positive change. This unique trajectory positions me at the nexus of technological advancement and real-world application. My work as a Founding Curator of the Global Shapers Bilbao Hub (World Economic Forum) and as a Board Member for PTEA (Water Sector R&D Network) directly informs QUBIZ.team's mission. These roles provided firsthand insight into the urgent needs for advanced and sustainable solutions, which quantum technologies are uniquely poised to deliver (e.g., precise PFAS detection, real-time industrial monitoring, and more use cases in the pipeline). This ENFJ-A personality believes in building new models that render existing challenges obsolete – a philosophy inspired by R. Buckminster Fuller.

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Julie is a recent graduate from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a bachelor's degree in Global Studies and a concentration in Environmental Sustainability, Social Responsibility. As a young professional, she has experience and a passion for environmental and social impact projects within the business and energy sector. In her free time, she loves to street dance and experiment with new focaccia bread recipes. In ChiDEC, she serves as Co-Lead for the Business and Industry Sector Working Group and is active in the data team.

Bristol

I help small teams who are doing good work get stuff done. I’ve been working in the cultural and creative sector for the last 15 years, working on comms, operations and strategy, making teams more efficient and strategically effective.   

Lampung, Indonesia

A graduate in Development Studies with over 1 year of experience in social research and monitoring-evaluation. Interested in Community Development, Social Mapping, Sustainable Community, Performance Management, and other related topics. I'm passionate about performance management, sustainable community, and society-environment development.  Please feel free to reach out to me to talk about a potential collaboration or shared interests. I look forward to connecting with you!

San Juan de la Rambla, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

Cooperativista enamorado de la Economía Social como una de herramientas mas poderosas para la emancipación social  a través del Trabajo y del Consumo. Socio trabajador de la Cooperativa de Trabajo Asociado: AFORTUNADAS S. Coop. Can. Codirector de la: Escuela Canaria de Cooperativismo (https://escuelacanariacoop.org/) Socio y Presidente de la Comunidad Energética Insular de Tenerife: TENERGÉTICA S. Coop. (https://www.tenergetica.org/) Socio y consumidor de: Som Energía, Som Conexión, Fiare Banca Ética, Coop 57, Som Movilitat.     

Mexico City, Mexico

I’m passionate about how we can transform our world through technology — from AI and blockchain to digital platforms — to build more inclusive, sustainable, and collaborative futures. I’ve collaborated with multiple tech startups, gaining hands-on experience in building and scaling innovative products. My expertise lies at the intersection of statistics, data analysis, AI, programming, product strategy, and growth. At the core of my work are values that guide every decision: I believe in designing innovative, win-win solutions — because the world is not a zero-sum game. I’m committed to sustainability, inclusion, and justice.

Paris, France

With 10+ years of experience in strategy, innovation, and sustainability working in retail & hospitality, I am passionate about solving complex challenges and leading impactful programs that drive engagement, transformation, and growth.

New Mexico, United States

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

I'm Michelle, an economics student interested in the intersection of Macroeconomics, Fashion, business and enterprise. I want to explore areas, opportunities and collaborate to initiate innovation to aspects of improvement like, sustainability, just transitions through market economy. I look forward to learn, share and apply ideas. :)    

Northwich, Cheshire West and Chester, England, United Kingdom

I am Nicola, from Cheshire in North West England. I am a recent graduate in Environmental Science which I studied online through the Open University. I am about to start a Masters program in Sustainable Food and Natural Resources with the Centre For Alternative Technology. I am a baker, working in a small but very busy independent bakery in Cheshire. I am always thinking about food in one way or another and since I completed my undergraduate degree I have wanted to expand what I learned about sustainable agriculture, soil health and making the food system equitable. I read Doughnut Economics recently after studying a systems thinking module for Environmental Management and want to learn more about how the food system fits in to the Doughnut. I want to stay working in the food industry, but hopefully looking at global supply chains.   

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Currently, I work as an Assistant Professor of Economics in the Faculty of Commerce and Management at St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (India). My research interests are in the fields of energy economics and geopolitics, socio-economic issues, digital economy, and economics of platforms.  I happened to chance upon Kate Raworth's book after reading a review of it in a blog post. The visual representation of a "Doughnut" in Economics, was immediately striking. I had to read Doughnut Economics and finished it in five days. I understood that sustainable developent has to be redefined. I am keen to understand where will this take us and actively be a part of it. I am sure we can drive in a positive change. I have integrated doughnut economics into my teaching and research ... and it is a call to my fellow colleagues in the academic community to give it a try !!

Zamfara, Nigeria

My name is Abubakar Bello, and I’m from Nigeria. I’m passionate about sustainable development and creating practical solutions for local challenges. While participating in the GAP 2025 program, I was introduced to the Doughnut concept by Kate Raworth, and it immediately struck a chord with me. The idea of building a society that meets the needs of all people while living within the means of our planet is exactly the kind of vision I want to contribute to. I joined the DEAL Community to learn from others, share ideas, and see how I can adapt and apply the Doughnut framework to help improve the well-being of people in my community. I'm excited to be part of this inspiring network!

I am 60 yo neurosurgeon from Iceland and work at the university Hospital Landspitali. I’ married, a father of four children and have two grandchildren. I have always had a strong interest in social issues, particularly in relation to equality, education, healthcare, and human rights. I have a genuine desire to make a positive impact in my local community.

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

As an educator in business and finance I have a strong interest in passing on the ideas of Doughnut Economics to my students.

Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, United Kingdom

I work at Oxfordshire County Council on a  range of issues which have a connection to doughnut economics. These Intergenerational Fairness, Community Wealth Building and responding to the Cost of Living.

Keene, New Hampshire, United States

I work for a rural centre for entrepreneurship that, on paper, helps entrepreneurs and small business get set up. In practice, we do so much more, trying to keep the weave of social fabrics alive and invigorated, serve the poorest and most vulnerable, support the endeavours that matter etc. Looking to join a community of practice to keep my ideas around community building, regenerative practice and systems thinking current and inspired. 

Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

I am an Executive and Board advisor with 18 years of experience growing social impact organizations through strategy execution, organizational design, and business transformation. My consultancy, SOVA Strategies, uses strategy and design principles to accelerate the scale of bold, purpose-driven organizations. I'm excited to be joining the DEAL Community to learn how I can leverage its tools to better support and challenge my clients, I love supporting impact-driven leadership teams, and work in both advisory and fractional roles.   Prior to SOVA, I spent a cumulative 14 years with Chemonics International – a $1.6B global development and sustainability firm operating in more than 100 countries. At Chemonics, I spent a decade as part of the C-suite, and reported to the CEO. In senior strategy roles, I led the design, launch, and management of enterprise-wide capabilities spanning corporate innovation, M&A and impact investing, venture building, change and quality management, and operational excellence. I also led corporate partnerships and thought leadership efforts for social innovation and impact investment. In partnership with sustainability non-profit UNLEASH, I co-designed and co-led a six-month startup incubator for early-stage social ventures, funded by Chemonics, supporting the launch and growth of more than 320 startups over five years. For five years, I was also a seconded Strategy Advisor to the UNLEASH Secretariat, and served as an Innovation Advisory Board Member. Earlier in my career, I worked in corporate social responsibility (CSR) consulting at Business for Social Responsibility, implementing CSR activities at Ann Inc., and supporting resource development at Project Concern International.  Originally from southern California, I now live in Cambridge, MA with my husband. I am an avid reader, wellness enthusiast, and adjunct professor of social innovation and entrepreneurship at The Washington Center in Washington, D.C.

Härnösand, Sweden

I want another world, so I started WeWantAnotherWorld.nu! Left-wing writer with progressive ideas, so ignored by the main media, but still hoping for better times, which states my pseudonym: Spero Etiam. I’m desperately searching for soulmates to take action together. Doughnut economics is a positive thinking, but alas, to make people accept new ideas we have to make them aware how egoistic and neoliberal thinking causes almost all the world problems. That’s the goal of my global digital project.  We should collaborate more, complement each other, so please join me at WeWantAnotherWorld.nu or write me how I can help you!  I am also positive about the idea to get in touch with others and discuss ways to achieve a better world. Send me your thoughts and questions if you like!

Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina

Designer, in all its meanings. I believe in our ability to design and –more importantly– re-design everything around us. Currently developing a community about design, technology and climate. It's called Rediseñar ("to Redesign"). I'm also the Product Design Lead at Open Earth Foundation, where we build open-source technology for cities and countries to fight climate change effects, and the Local Leader for Interaction Design Foundation at Córdoba, my hometown. 

Cheshire East, England, United Kingdom

👋 Hi, I’m Helen! I live aboard a narrowboat on the UK’s canal network, embracing a simple life close to nature. My background is in education and counselling, and I’m passionate about community-building, sustainability, working with food, and creating spaces of belonging. I’m especially interested in how Doughnut Economics can be explored on the waterways — finding playful, meaningful ways for boaters and towpath communities to thrive. I’ve never personally set up a community project before and I’m very new to this. I’m here to connect with others and gain ideas about how to bring these concepts to life in my transient boating community. Always curious, always learning.