Meet the DEAL Community

Cleveland, Ohio, United States

I studied economics in college, and even though I never finished my degree, I've always held an interest in the subject.  I have, for a very long time, wondered how much better the world would be if the main currency was character, and traits like integrity and  honesty were valued above money.  I've been playing around with a short story, which isn't quite so short anymore, which introduces an alternate kind of earth, where the above mentioned characteristics have actually created a kind of "heaven".  Oh yeah, there are ghosts and cartoon characters too.  Even a couple of Sesame Street characters.  I cannot be found on social media.

Beaverton, Oregon, United States

I retired from my career as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist in 2025. I worked in the healthcare setting with heart patients in cardiac rehabilitation for over 20 years. I decided to switch gears in 2026 to the climate industry currently as a volunteer. A few years ago I came across a book called Zero Waste Living that inspired me to look at my personal waste as a consumer. I was immediately drawn to all things related to sustainability. I filled my time with podcasts and reading until I had the opportunity to participate in the climatebase fellowship in spring 2026. My current interests are in waste reduction (especially plastic), circular economy, LCA/Applied sustainable AI, renewable energy, and environmental health. During the fellowship I was introduced to Doughnut Economics and feel privileged to be exposed to this framework and this way thinking. I am still growing my web of climate connections and am currently getting involved in the following organizations:  Rewiring America & Electrify Oregon, OnePointFive Academy, Climate Reality Project, Beyond Plastics, AOR (Association of OR Recyclers), Women in Clean tech & Sustainability and continue to be active with the climatebase community where I can support my goal of climate literacy and meet like minded humans. I volunteer my other time with my neighborhood community network (treasurer, web page/newsletter, landscape manager, festival parade director). I feel my best when I am in nature and the outdoors, and enjoy gardening, spending time with my family, yoga and mindfulness. 

Epalinges, Vaud, Switzerland

Epalinges started the elaboration of its Plan of ecological and social transition in summer 2024 with the help of the society BioEco. In September 2026, it published the technical report and the synthesis of all the work done during this 2 years of collaboration. You can discover all the documents following this link : epalinges.ch/PTES

New Delhi, Delhi, India

 I am studying a pretty straightforward flaw in standard economics: it assumes both nature and women's unpaid care work are free, infinite resources. At the intersection of political science, economics and socio-legal dynamics in India, I look at how our cities run on invisible, uncounted care labor while constantly pushing social and environmental limits to the edge. Being in the DEAL community gives me a space to ground these realities in practice, working to adapt the Doughnut's "social foundation" for informal care networks in the Global South, while learning alongside a global community pushing for economics that actually values people and the planet. 

Wiltshire, England, United Kingdom

I’m a senior leader in the building maintenance and social housing sector, currently working as a Head of Operations across South England, with a particular focus on retrofit and decarbonisation. Outside of work, I’m advocating fo a fairer and more regenerative future. I’m interested not only in how we redesign our institutions and economies, but how we empower people and communities, unlock our collective potential, and turn the extraordinary resources, knowledge and technology humanity already possesses towards shared prosperity and planetary wellbeing. I’m married with two children, which makes this deeply personal too. I want their generation to inherit a world of greater possibility, fairness and security. I’m currently writing How to Fix the World, exploring these ideas and developing the concept of a Global Missions Force (GMF) as a new model for turning global ambition into sustained, real-world action.

Inverness, Highland, Scotland, United Kingdom

Based in the heart of the Scottish Highlands and qualified in Sustainable Development I have experience of working in the private, public and third sectors.  I pride myself on focusing on solutions and considering the ‘art of the possible’ to build genuine, lasting relationships and deliver positive impacts that will make real differences for people who live, work and play in the Highlands and Islands.  As a Community Wealth, Community Benefit and Community-led Development Specialist, I work in a team of passionate and skilled professionals who are committed to achieving positive, meaningful and long lasting results which will bring sustainable prosperity to the region. Proud member of and representative for Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS). Subscriber to heterodox economics and proponent of Modern Monetary Theory (MMT).

I have over six years of experience spanning operations, strategy, and international business expansion. I currently work with a health-tech startup making diagnostic testing more affordable and accessible globally, where I’m building our distribution network across Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America.  My experience has given me a strong understanding of how organizations translate strategy into execution, build processes for scale, and navigate the complexities of entering and operating in new markets.  I’m joining this community to deepen my understanding of Doughnut Economics and explore how businesses can rethink their models, strategies, and approaches to growth to create sustainable and inclusive value. I hope to apply these ideas to help build and scale businesses that are commercially viable while contributing positively to people and the planet.

Oberneunforn, Thurgau, Switzerland

Ich bin pensionierter Elektroingenieur und engagiere mich bei Greenpeace, weil ich überzeugt bin, dass wir die grossen Herausforderungen unserer Zeit nicht nur diskutieren, sondern auch ganz praktisch angehen können. Besonders beschäftigt mich die Frage, wie wir unsere Energieversorgung klimafreundlich, zuverlässig und unabhängiger gestalten können. Als Ingenieur interessieren mich dabei nicht nur Visionen, sondern vor allem Lösungen, die technisch funktionieren und sich wirtschaftlich tragen: erneuerbare Energien aus der Region, intelligente Netze und Speicher, Wärmepumpen, effiziente Energienutzung und eine zunehmend dezentrale Versorgung. Gleichzeitig möchte ich über die technische Perspektive hinausblicken. Muss wirklich immer alles mehr werden, damit es uns besser geht? Für mich bedeutet Wohlstand auch Zeit, Gemeinschaft, Sicherheit, eine intakte Umwelt und die Möglichkeit, das eigene Leben mitzugestalten. Deshalb engagiere ich mich in der Greenpeace Regionalgruppe Ost. Wir suchen das Gespräch, hören zu und entwickeln Ideen – ohne den Anspruch, auf alles bereits eine fertige Antwort zu haben. Denn Veränderung beginnt für mich oft mit einer guten Frage und einer praktischen Idee. Meine Mission: Technik, Erfahrung und gesellschaftliches Engagement miteinander verbinden und gemeinsam nach Wegen suchen, wie ein gutes Leben innerhalb der Grenzen unseres Planeten möglich wird.

Annecy, Haute-Savoie, France

Teaching, mostly. Engineering and Management students. They need to reflect on the economy of the 21st rather than the 20th century. Doughnut is the only systematic approach that speaks to them.

Kitwe, Copperbelt, Zambia

Mapalo Chirwa Mapalo Chirwa is an Economics student at Copperbelt University and Chairperson of the Rethinking Economics CBU Chapter. He is passionate about rethinking conventional economic systems and advancing inclusive, sustainable development. He joins the Doughnut Economics Action Lab to learn, connect with global changemakers, and explore how Doughnut Economics can inspire practical solutions for Zambia and Africa.

København, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark

Albanian by roots, born and raised in Italy and have been living in Copenhagen since 2020. Working as a leader in a pharma company since 2021.  I strongly believe that change can only happen if people believe in it and if they engage with like minded people. This is why I am here, to challenge today’s economic and get inspired by you on how to drive this change together.

Switzerland

I'm Head of communication at the Fédération vaudoise de coopération (www.fedevaco.ch), an organization working in international cooperation, in collaboration with Swiss public authorities. As part of our advocacy work, we are developing ideas on the global social lens and the responsibility of public authorities for living conditions in the Global South. The aim is to explore the links between official development assistance and achieving a world within the Doughnut. Our thought are available on this page : https://www.fedevaco.ch/donut and in this article (FR)

Switzerland

I'm Head of Partnerships and Knowledge Sharing at Fédération vaudoise de coopération (www.fedevaco.ch), an organization active in development cooperation. As part of our advocacy work toward public authorities, we are developing ideas from a global social perspective and examining the responsibility of public authorities for living conditions in the Global South. The goal is to explore the links between official development assistance and the achievement of a world within the Doughnut.

Pavullo nel Frignano, Modena, Italy

MD in Economics. Manager and consultant. Great book reader and non professional book writer. 

Richmond, Virginia, United States

I am a design-for-sustainability practitioner focused on making systems more reciprocal than extractive. My work adapts familiar design frameworks so that they give back more to communities and ecosystems than they take. I use play as a way of making complex systems feel knowable. In projects like Time-Shifted Forest, a sustainability-focused trading card game, I turn circular economics and systems thinking into mechanics that friends can learn together around a table, not just concepts buried in reports. Across my practice, I design playful invitations like games, prompts, and workshops to help collaborators see themselves as part of living systems and try out new behaviors in low-risk, joyful ways. Whether I’m prototyping with waste materials or mapping circular textile ecosystems, I’m asking: how might this feel more like play than obligation, while still moving us toward net-positive futures.

Yangon, Myanmar

I’m a professional translator and BBA student from Myanmar, currently working as a Class Facilitator. I have a strong passion for Climate Change, Sustainable Development, and Doughnut Economics. I joined this community to learn, connect with like-minded people, and share ideas.

Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

I’m a change maker working with and for children, young people and survivors of gender based violence. I’m interested in systems change and the process of building better futures-through care, compassion and community. 

Espoo, Uusimaa, Finland

Communications Lead | DEFI (Doughtnut Economics Finland Initiative) Member I am a Master’s student with a strong foundation in Machine Learning and applied Data Science. Experienced in interdisciplinary research spanning Environmental Science, Medical Imaging, Security, Legal Systems, and Embedded Systems. Skilled in developing intelligent systems and predictive models for real-world applications. Strong interest in research methods, experimental design, and human-centered evaluation of AI systems. Passionate about applying AI/ML to create sustainable, user-centric solutions aligned with Sustainable Development. I enjoy exploring all elements of creativity since I have a variety of hobbies, including singing, free-hand sketching, imitating animal sounds, reading, and gaming. In addition, my love of psychology and creative writing has stoked my interest in learning more about how the human mind works.

55268, Nieder-Olm, Rheinland-Pfalz, Deutschland

Ich bin ein pensionierter Architekt, der etwa 25 Jahre für die Stadt Mainz als Projektleiter gearbeitet hat. Meine Tätigkeit bestand im Wesentlichen daraus, mit externen Architekturbüros beim Bau von kommunalen Gebäuden zu kooperieren. In den letzten Jahren meiner Arbeit habe ich versucht kommunale Entscheidungsträger davon zu überzeugen, anstatt Neubaumaßnahmen Umbauten zu präferieren. Dies vor dem Hintergrund Energie und Ressourcen zu sparen, die in vorhandenen intakten Tragstrukturen bereits existieren. Begehrlichkeiten und der Vorwand technischer Hindernisse haben meine Bemühungen jedoch stets konterkariert.  Auf meiner Suche nach Antworten für die Ursachen sozialer und ökologischer Krisen bin ich auf die Donut-Ökonomie gestoßen, die zum ersten Mal die Dualität von sozialen und ökologischen Belangen thematisiert.  

An Agricultural Economist with experience in leadership, partnership building, project coordination, and policy engagement at national and international levels since 2016. I founded and led Rethinking Economics Zambia, establishing eight university chapters and engaging more than 300 students, teachers, civil society organisations, and policymakers in evidence-based public policy dialogue.  As an Advisory Board Member and Elected Campaigns Council member of Rethinking Economics International, I have strengthened my strategic planning and collaboration skills. My background in democratic governance, stakeholder engagement, and inclusive dialogue aligns with values of democracy, accountability, inclusion, real-world discussions, and political neutrality — that is why I joined this platform.

Kent, England, United Kingdom

After graduating with a BSc(Econ) from Hull University, and working in industry first as a Financial Analyst with Ford Tractors (UK), then in Management Consultancy for a decade, then with my wife we established a Michelin star restaurant from scratch. I then decided I wanted to train as a homeopathic doctor unable to get a place in a medical school, I was advised to train as an osteopath and study homoeopathy on my own. We sold our restaurant we moved to Kent where I enrolled at the osteopathic College in Maidstone and qualified in 1981. I then joined forces with a number of like minded practitioners including an anthroposophical Doctor to establish the first holistic clinic in the Southeast of England that year. This multi discipline clinic was a training ground to help understand the power of our own healing abilities when helped with appropriate therapy, we also were humbled by knowing that although I was supposed to be an expert in physical medicine others could help better with certain patients. Working together as a team to offer the best care to patients was the key. After forty years in the healthcare profession I published a small book as a guide for people wanting to take more responsibility for their own health entitled “Be Your Own Doctor of Health and Happiness-You Are a Miracle!” I have never been convinced of our economic dogmas and decided to begin working on my next book entitled “Be Your Own Economist of Wealth and Prosperity - Replace GDP growth with GDW growth”. By clearly defining “wealth” we can have growth that would be sustainable. I have gained much inspiration from Doughnut Economics.

Ōtorohanga, Waikato, New Zealand

Working at the intersection of economic systems change and climate action 

Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Hi everyone! I am a Master's student in Technology for Sustainable Development at the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Indonesia. Before returning to academia, I spent over two decades (since 2000) building a professional career in the Food and Beverage industry, primarily in the dairy sector. Over the years, my concern for the escalating environmental crises (particularly in Indonesia) grew profoundly. It reached a tipping point where I realised I needed deeper answers as to why our ecological issues are worsening despite economic progress. Driven by this, I made major decision on step away from corporate world in December 2024. By February 2025, I began my Master's journey to explore how development can genuinely thrive without  breaching our ecological ceilings. Reading Kate Raworth's "Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist" during second semester on Environmental Economics Class was a revelation for me. However, I quickly realised that translating this brilliant macros concept into localized, actionable steps requires practical tools and community wisdom. Looking at the global map, I noticed a significant gap: the Doughnut framework is still rarely adopted in Indonesia's territorial governance (whether at the village, district, or city level) unlike the widespread implementation in Europe. I am deeply challenged to change this narrative. My immediate goal on this platform is to dive deep into available tools, unrolled models, and case studies from practitioners worldwide. I am currently adapting the Doughnut framework for my university's Field Study Program (KKL) in Padukuhan WIntaos, a rural village in Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta. My mission is to pioneer grassroots implementation of the Doughnut in Indonesia by integrating its 12 Social Foundations and 9 Planetary Boundaries with Javanese local wisdom (Memayu Haying Bawana). I'm here to learn from all of you, exchange ideas on rural/Global South implementation, and eventually contribute our findings from Wintaos back to this amazing community. Let's connect, learning, sharing and becoming together! 

Rende, Cosenza, Italy

I am currently a Post-doc research fellow at the Department of Political and Social Sciences of the University of Calabria. His main research interests include management control systems, sustainability accounting, the higher education system and environmental and social sustainability.