Read on for an interview with Kelly Benoit, Research Analyst, to explore her background in food systems, what she's currently working on, and her vision of food systems transformation.

Michal Nachmany’s career has been dedicated to building robust data and tools for a wide range of stakeholders, including parliamentarians, civil servants, researchers, investors, and activists. As the founder of Climate Policy Radar, Nachmany leads a mission to organize, analyze, and democratize the world’s climate law and policy data, helping to drive the transition to a low-carbon, resilient and just world. This entity builds open databases and research tools so people can discover, understand and generate data-driven insights on public laws and policies. 

Yewande Adebowale, a pioneering entrepreneur and environmental advocate, is the Co-founder and COO of Salubata. With a background in environmental law, holding both LLB and LLM degrees, Adebowale is deeply committed to leveraging innovation to tackle pressing environmental challenges and promote sustainability within the footwear industry. Her journey is marked by a blend of professional expertise, personal passion, and a strong sense of social responsibility.

In 2013, amid Greece’s severe financial crisis, Melina Taprantzi visited a “Social Grocery” to donate food supplies. What she witnessed there—a donation shortage that left only razors available for people in need—sparked a life-changing realization. This pivotal moment led to the founding of Wise Greece, a social enterprise dedicated to supporting the troubled Greek economy and ensuring no one goes to bed hungry.

Nuricel Villalonga Aguilera’s journey into the realm of entrepreneurship and social change is a testament to her commitment to promoting equal opportunities and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Her life, shaped by personal struggles against a lack of opportunities and gender bias, fueled her determination to create a fairer and more inclusive world. In 2013, Nuricel Aguilera founded a new NGO aimed at opening a social school - Alpha Lumen Institute. Under her leadership as director, this initiative works to nurture gifted individuals, transforming them into community leaders who could drive positive change locally and globally.

Rudayna Abdo, the founder and CEO of Thaki, has transformed her personal experiences as a daughter of Palestinian refugees into a mission to empower refugee and vulnerable children through technology and education. Driven by the injustices of war and displacement, Abdo leveraged her world-class education from MIT and McGill University and her successful career in urban planning to create Thaki in 2015.

Mago Hasfa’s personal mission is deeply rooted in the belief that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, should have access to quality education and the tools needed to reach their full potential. This mission led to her founding the Read to Learn Foundation, where she holds the Literary Specialist position and leverages storytelling as a powerful tool for promoting inclusivity and diversity through the authorship of children’s storybooks.

In 2013, Salinee Hurley founded SunSawang, a social enterprise that brings solar-powered products and services to rural Thailand. Under Hurley’s leadership as CEO, SunSawang empowers local communities by hiring and training village technicians and salespeople to deliver and maintain solar products, thereby enhancing income opportunities and living conditions.

Robyn McLean, co-founder and CEO of Hello Period, transformed her personal struggle with unreliable period care into a pioneering mission for sustainable menstruation products. Founded in 2017, Hello Period aims to offer high-quality reusable period products while normalizing conversations around menstruation and breaking societal taboos. “There’s too much stigma around periods - which is crazy given half the world will menstruate for around 40 years of their lives,” McLean told us.

Victoria Orozco’s entrepreneurial journey began in rural Argentina, a region often constrained by limited access to opportunities. Recognizing the widespread lack of resources and capacity to develop inclusive economic policies in similar regions across Latin America, Orozco founded and is now the executive director of Punto Labs, a consulting firm committed to supporting governments and decision makers in fostering inclusive economic growth.

Project Cities is excited to announce the release of its summer and fall 2023 project summary reports for the Town of Miami, the Town of Gilbert, the City of Chandler,

Project Cities was recently featured on the Arizona Water Innovation Initiative (AWII) blog, highlighting its rural water decision-making workshop hosted in the Verde Valley this past spring. "Innovative, community-driven solutions