Inspiring Sustainable Change around the United Arab Emirates...one small action at a time!
Podcast Chats For Change
A webcast series connecting the students to professional changemakers around the UAE. In these short (approx. 10 minutes) podcasts, these changemakers share their experience and expertise in the field of sustainability, challenges they face while starting their respective initiatives, and advice they have for the future generation of changemakers.
01
Phil Dunn - June 2022
Director of the Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion
Phil Dunn, 49, a Canadian landscape architect who lives in The Sustainable City, embarked on his 365-day mission to raise awareness about the importance of food security. For one year, he is basing his diet on food grown in his local community, in an effort to highlight the issues of food sustainability and food waste. We are so glad to announce that Phil Dunn will be joining us live for our first episode of Chats for Change!
02
Sandra Carden - July 2022
Edible Education Coordinator at The American School of Dubai
Raised on a farm in rural Montana, she's always had an appreciation for the hard work that goes into growing food. It also put her in close proximity to the alarming consequences of misused arable land. After college, she joined the Peace Corps and continued to learn about the global and social issues that affect every nation. She quickly realized that she was most effective as a change-maker when I was in the classroom inspiring students to act. She continues to call students to action in her current role as an edible education coordinator at the American School of Dubai where she oversees their Edible Education program which focuses on global issues with food at its center.
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03
Lucy Chow - September 2022
One of Arabian Business' 50 Inspiring Female Business Leaders 2022.
Lucy is focused on the innovation space, both in terms of supporting founders and as an investor. She is the Secretary General, WBAF Global Women Leaders Committee and Investment Committee Lead, WBAF Angel Investment Fund. Lucy was recently recognized by Arabian Business as one of 50 Inspiring Female Business Leaders 2022. Her book focused on the importance of the esports and gaming industry, to the future of work, will be released shortly.
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04
Penny Mackenzie - November 2022
Chairperson of The Old Library Dubai.
The library was established in 1969, and is the oldest English language library in Dubai. It is a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers.
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05
Dee Willey - December 2023
International Business Teacher at The American School of Dubai
She is a proud social studies teacher at ASD and believes that it is extremely meaningful work when she gets to inspire, challenge, and support young people several times each day. She can't deny the joy she feels when students are learning, working together, and feeling successful.
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06
Mariska Nell - February 2023
Host of Mama Earth Talk
The first of our 3 guest speakers from out 2nd Annual Create Change Conference.
A South African born artist, environmentalist, podcast host, and speaker. Most recently Mariska in collaboration with Costa Coffee and DXB Airport to exhibited a 2 cubic meter sculpture of the planet made from 60,000 straws.
07
Amruta Kshemkalyani - February 2023
Founder and managing director of AK Sustainability Advisory, Sustainability Tribe, and #ZeroWasteUAE Social Initiative.
Amruta also serves as an advisor to global environmental groups, an honorary judge for numerous global sustainability awards, and collaborates with the University of Cambridge in the UK. Amruta has been featured in various regional and international media outlets and is recognized as one of the 50 people contributing to UAE’s growth and is regarded as the UAE's leading environmental thought leader.
08
Magdalena Bjork - April 2023
Plain Tiger Sustainable Fashion Group - Commercial Manager
Magdalena Bjork, the astute Commercial Manager of Plain Tiger Sustainable Fashion Group, embodies a passionate commitment to sustainable practices within the fashion industry. With an extensive background in commerce and a deep-rooted concern for environmental welfare, Magdalena seamlessly merges business acumen with ethical responsibility. Her proactive approach involves devising strategic initiatives to promote sustainability, foster eco-conscious consumer behaviors, and optimize the group's commercial potential. A visionary leader, Magdalena Bjork plays a pivotal role in propelling Plain Tiger towards a future where fashion is both chic and eco-friendly.
09
Kurt Hanzlik - May 2023
Masdar City Project Leader - Masdar City is one of the world's most sustainable urban communities.
Kurt Hanzlik, an exemplary leader in sustainable urban development, holds the esteemed position of Masdar City Project Leader. Drawing upon a wealth of experience and a fervent dedication to sustainable practices, Kurt spearheads the transformation of Masdar City into a model of ecological urbanism. With a keen eye for innovation and strategic urban planning, he orchestrates the seamless integration of advanced technologies, renewable energy solutions, and environmentally-conscious infrastructure. Kurt Hanzlik's remarkable leadership propels Masdar City towards a future where sustainable living is a harmonious reality.
10
Linda Clark - June 2023
Director of Professional Development, Former Military Doctor
Linda Clark is a healthcare executive with over 35 years of diverse experience in the field. She has held senior executive positions in notable healthcare organizations in the USA, UAE, and Honduras. Linda served as the CEO of Corniche Hospital in Abu Dhabi, the leading women's and newborn hospital in the UAE, for 8 years. In the USA, she held senior roles at Piedmont Healthcare, Novant Health, and WellStar Health System. Linda's expertise extends to working with the UAE Military, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, and SEHA, the Government Healthcare System in Abu Dhabi.
Part 1
Part 2
11
Petros Zouzoulas - September 2023
Head of Innovation Operations at Parsons; Assisted in building The Dubai Metro; Working on "The Line"
Petros Zouzoulas is the Head of Innovation Operations at Parsons, a distinguished engineering and construction firm renowned for its transformative projects. His career highlights include a pivotal role in the construction of The Dubai Metro, where his expertise in infrastructure significantly contributed to the project's success. With his dedication and forward-thinking approach, he continues to shape the future of cities, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in creating more efficient, sustainable, and livable urban spaces. Petros Zouzoulas stands as a beacon of ingenuity and progress in the realm of infrastructure and urban planning.
12
Dania Droubi - October 2023
Chief Operations Officer and Director of Education Initiatives at The Emirates Literature Foundation
Dania is the Chief Operations Officer and Director of Education Initiatives at Emirates Literature
Foundation, where she oversees OPS, HR and IT departments as well as leading education
initiatives for schools and universities including School Librarians of the Year Award, Reading for
Pleasure and Wikimedinas of the UAE User Group.
Prior to her appointment at ELF, Dania was an Early Childhood Educator, specializing in teaching
children from 1-5 years old. She started her career in Child Education, both as a teacher and
later on as Nursery Administrator.
She is an avid reader who enjoys reading stories to young children in both Arabic and English.
And as a part of her job, Dania is on the mission to instill a love of reading and books within
every child she meets.