USA

Dani is a facilitator, youth mentor, writer & musician, passionate about earth care, people care, the role of art & music in healing & justice work, and the relationships between living beings & systems. Dani has a background in Permaculture Design, got connected with the PGI through the Offers and Needs Market, and now works as part of the OANM team and convenes the PGI’s Anti-Oppressive Practice Circle. Dani currently works as a communications consultant for a local Rogue Valley organization called Coalición Fortaleza and as an equity consultant at Rogue Valley Mentoring. Dani was born, raised, and is currently based in Ashland Oregon & loves to snowboard in winter, plant seeds in spring, explore rivers in summer, jump in leaf piles in fall & admire and bask in the color purple all year round.

Kenya

Robert Wanalo is a patchworker, absorbed in the practice of weaving ideas, relationships and information into fabrics of possibility. Having spent a good couple of years learning about the new economy, he began to work with the Post Growth Institute in 2018, and is currently serving as the Director of Movement Building. He is a sucker for good conversation, and could be anything from an instigator of depth, to a catalyst for humor and mischief. He lives in Kisumu, Kenya, where the quiet moments of dawn and dusk are his favorite times for hot beverages and solitude.

Argentina

Donnie is a facilitator, author and social entrepreneur, passionate about all things not for profit. Originally from Australia, Donnie spent the past decade in the US, before moving to Argentina in 2022, from where he coordinates the Post Growth Institute. He has worked in Egypt, Kenya, Fiji, Thailand and South Korea, helping over 500 not-for-profit projects start, scale and sustain their work, while his own initiatives include developing: the Offers and Needs Market, Free Money Day, the Post Growth Alliance, the (En)Rich List, The Not for Profit Way training, Silent Skype team meetings, Project Australia, and the globally-used #postgrowth hashtag. An Affiliate Professor of Economics at Southern Oregon University and Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts, Donnie holds a Ph.D. in social science. He is working on his fourth book: How on Earth: Our future is not for profit.

Germany

Natalie is a British writer and editor based in Berlin, Germany. She holds a BA in Social Anthropology and a Master’s in Environment & Development, and has been a professional wordsmith for over six years. Passionate about the environment, social justice and actively challenging the cult of (over)work, Natalie is cofounder of Mind the Gap, a nonprofit working to close the gender wealth gap by hosting inspiring educational events across Germany; and DangerousTech, an events and content platform focused on digital rights and the intersection of technology and society. Natalie is convinced that post-growth offers a way of thinking about the world – and each other – that is more sustainable, mindful and just than our current system, and that the PGI provides a practical set of steps to get us there. A hatha yoga teacher and avid traveler, she enjoys long train journeys with her ever-adventurous dog, Squirrel.

USA

Dien is an independent filmmaker and Assistant Professor at Bard College at Simon’s Rock. He has interests in community media, sustainability, and experimental art movements. Dien previously taught at the University at Buffalo (SUNY) and Virginia Tech, where he co-developed the filmmaking program. Dien became interested in post-growth economics through his interests in sociology, philosophy, and ecological wisdom. He lives in Great Barrington, Massachusetts and New York City, where he is most happy experiencing the colorful diversity of Jackson Heights. http://www.dienvo.info

South Africa

Jessica, born and raised in South Africa, is passionate about our (one) Earth and all things nature. With a background in conservation, she has a PhD in environmental governance and is currently based at the University of Cape Town. Observing the devastating effects of industrial agriculture, resource extraction and fossil fuels on nature and the gross inequity hegemonic, neo-colonial capitalism has wrought on the Global South, has led her to seek a radical revolution in economics to a post-growth world. Jessica loves being in nature away from the city where the wild things are.

USA

Tyler is a non-profit administrator based out of Portland, Oregon. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Population Health Management, Tyler applies a systems-thinking mindset to implement sustainable programming within his community. His education, experience directing teams and projects, and passion for organizational development support his drive to support likeminded leaders making an impact with their neighbors. He also focuses on individual health and wellness through his personal training business, Harris Fitness. Tyler enjoys hiking in the sunshine, having fun with positive people, and learning how to better himself and his environment.

Sweden

Lina is just about to graduate from an MSc in Ecological Economics at the University of Leeds, having obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Circular Economies. She is passionate about the evolution of climate justice and strongly believes that a thriving and healthy society that fits within ecological limits is possible. She was born in Norway but has lived all over Europe since the age of 12, currently residing in Berlin. When not reading and engaging with post-growth ideas, she can be found at the stables or out in nature with her horse, Atlas.

France

Arnaud received his PhD in Prospective and Economic Modelling from Paris Dauphine University, where he designed new programs for Economics Studies. Working for the Scientific Mission of the French Consulate, he undertook a study on GMO in the United States for the European Parliament. At the same time, he became involved in the social and solidarity economy and degrowth projects. Since 2000, he has supported sustainable development education programs in Bénin, Burkina Faso, Niger, Togo, and the Republic of the Congo. Recently, he developed research at the local level, helping citizens in rural areas to produce their own energy, organic food systems, and soft mobility.

UK

Marianna is a mechanical engineer turned design researcher. She holds multiple degrees in engineering, economics, and design, including a PhD in Design Science, and is currently a postdoctoral researcher working on making field trials more participatory, with the goal of working towards decolonizing the field of engineering for global development. After finishing her PhD and finally having some time to think about something other than her thesis, she became fascinated with degrowth and low-tech approaches as a path towards justice. Born in France, Marianna can be found in the UK, Michigan, Greece, and France, depending on the time of year.

Philippines

Kia holds a BSc in Information Technology. A tech-savvy person who always craves learning, she chose to become a Virtual Assistant and has been pursuing that career passion for almost six years. Just through observing the current situation, she developed an interest in post-growth economics and an understanding of the importance of improving our economy. She was born on a suburban island in the Philippines, where the sweetest mangoes are to be found, and enjoys listening to Christian music in her quiet times.

USA

Priyanka is a facilitator and community organizer. They completed the Offers and Needs Market Facilitator Training as part of a cohort with Kola Nut Collaborative, and continued their facilitator journey by joining the PGI Team in 2021. Priyanka has a working background in healthcare, tech startups, and the international nonprofit space. During a fellowship at iHeartMedia, their research deepened their learnings about the colonization of the internet. Encouraged by their experiences as an immigrant from northeast India and having lived in multiple US states, their community organizing focuses on popular education events and restorative justice.

USA

Priscilla, as a communicator and food activist, is dedicated to an ecological future. Understanding the energetic underpinnings of globalized systems, she is drawn to work that is decolonial, regenerative, and intersectional. Priscilla believes cultural narratives are key and that post-growth offers an alternative to current forces shaping existence. Through involvement at the PGI and food sovereignty scenes, Priscilla directs her energy on many scales in preparation for transitions in this lifetime. She currently resides on Očhéthi Šakówiŋ lands (Minnesota, US) and when not working, can be found near a body of water, in the kitchen, or bopping to music.

Italy

Elisa holds an MSc in International Development Studies and Global Studies. She researched post growth during her studies and became passionate about civilizational transition discourses and human flourishing. She is now eager to build her professional path. After two years in Denmark, she returned to Italy where she was born and raised. There, she spends part of her time growing veggies and cooking with love. Elisa likes to do and learn all sorts of things, especially those related to food and nature. She likes taking care of her plants, spraying them patiently to keep them happy and hydrated.

USA

Jasmine holds a MSc in Climate Change, Development, & Policy from the University of Sussex and is currently working as the Community Programs Manager for a local environmental justice nonprofit, Verde. She is also an artist and long-time painter and designer (jasminecoart.com). Jasmine discovered post-growth literature during her master’s dissertation and is excited to help communicate and cultivate a regenerative economy that truly serves the wellbeing of both human and natural ecosystems. She is currently residing in Portland, Oregon and loves all things movement — from dancing to yoga to climbing to trail running.

USA

Gabriela is a recent graduate passionate about regenerative economies, embodied social justice, and using grief as a tool for connection and transformation. She found out about the PGI through an internship with SOCAN, where she created the Businesses Taking Action Survey to measure the social and environmental impacts of local businesses. She wants to help shape a world where economies and social systems work for nature, not against it. She was born and raised in Ashland, Oregon and is currently living on Ohlone land also known as Santa Cruz, California. When she’s not working she enjoys laying in the sun, walking in the forest, and dancing.

Netherlands

Alex is an organization scientist by trade and gained experience as a business consultant. He’s passionate about learning, games, and equality. Alex gained interest in the Post Growth Institute as a result of discovering how the current economy works and looking for alternatives. He now hopes to contribute to a different economy, such as revitalizing the commons. Alex was born in the southwest of the Netherlands and is currently located in Valencia, Spain. He has hitchhiked 6000 kilometers in Europe, really likes cinnamon, and once stole a bolt from the Eiffel tower (je suis desolé).

Hungary

Vera enjoys learning more than anything: she recently completed her Master’s in human ecology in Sweden, where she had the opportunity to research Indigenous food systems in Latin America. She is most interested in finding connection points and bridges between traditional knowledge around the world and Western scientific knowledge about sustainability. Over the past five years, she worked and volunteered for various youth-led organizations, with whom she organized conferences, facilitated youth peace talks, and created sustainability workshops for schools in Eastern Europe. Currently she is based in Vietnam, where she enjoys catching the sunrise with a cup of coffee and an interesting read before the city of Hanoi starts buzzing.

USA

Ryan is a seasoned business management professional, with multiple years of experience building software and services products at Fortune 500 companies, where he began questioning the idea of endless growth on a finite planet. He is now excited about demonstrating post-growth business alternatives modeled on the natural world. Small-scale organic farming and food forestry are also passions. Ryan currently resides in the unceded lands of the Duwamish in present day Seattle, and he loves hiking and backpacking throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Argentina

Julia is a lawyer specialized in public international law, having graduated from the University of Buenos Aires. She is passionate about gender and climate justice, with an emphasis on the Global South perspective of class and inequality. She became interested in post-growth theory through academia and people in her life. She is passionate about youth leadership and participation, and believes it’s the key for the bold transformations we’ll need in years to come. Julia lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina with her family, and can be found often in Ottawa, Canada with her partner. She enjoys reading, crafting and watching fútbol (go Boca Juniors!).

Peru

Sandra is a community economic development specialist with a degree in Administration and a passion for developing and facilitating learning processes related to financial literacy, savings groups, youth entrepreneurship, and women’s economic empowerment. She became interested in post-growth economics as the best strategy to promote community economic development, incorporating a new point of view for sustainable economic development. Born in Trujillo, Perú, she now lives in Lima and enjoys traveling, cycling, and trekking.

USA

Aviva is a community economic development specialist with a degree in Administration and a passion for developing and facilitating learning processes related to financial literacy, savings groups, youth entrepreneurship, and women’s economic empowerment. She became interested in post-growth economics as the best strategy to promote community economic development, incorporating a new point of view for sustainable economic development. Born in Trujillo, Perú, she now lives in Lima and enjoys traveling, cycling, and trekking.

Germany

Svenja is a graduate student of the European Master in Global Studies with an interest in Food System Governance, particularly concerning food and seed sovereignty. She was introduced to post-growth, post-development, and post-colonial perspectives in her studies and is passionate about translating academic knowledge into lived practice. Svenja grew up in a small town in northwest Germany, but she has a deep appreciation for learning with people from other backgrounds as she studied and volunteered in the USA, India, and various European countries. She is currently based in Ghent, Belgium, and loves biking, cooking, and sharing food and conversations.

Turkey

In her university years, Aynur developed a keen interest in the adverse effects of growth-oriented economies on society and the environment. While working in export finance, her enthusiasm for research and learning helped her further her studies, and she got her PhD in Economics with a thesis on Türkiye’s energy consumption structure. She hopes growth-oriented economic policies will evolve into “alternative” models considering planetary boundaries and human values, and is exploring ways she can contribute to this transition. Originally from Türkiye, she now lives in Norfolk, UK; her family is at the center of her life and she strives to balance her mind, soul, and body through yoga, aikido, and caring for her cats.

USA

Farzin Farzad is an Organizational Justice practitioner with experience in higher education, trade associations, local government, and the private sector. Holdinggies for equitable workplace environme two master’s degrees in international affairs and diplomacy as well as a certificate in conflict resolution skills, Farzin leverages his unique academic background, extensive travel experience, and experiential knowledge to provide comprehensive, thought-provoking local and global approaches to his work. Farzin is also a seasoned project manager in developing stratents and government services, as well as internal capacity. Farzin founded Critical Equity Consulting, LLC, a boutique Organizational Justice consulting firm focused on helping organizations rebuild with a primary focus on creating equitable outcomes and seeking justice.

Uganda

Suzan is a community advocate who is passionate about collaborative actions to support the wellbeing of people and the planet. She recently founded The Fireplace, a network committed to bringing about emotional healing and economic independence amongst women in Lira, Uganda. Familiar with post-growth thinking under different names and guises for some time, Suzan recently took part in the Post Growth Entrepreneurship Incubator, which reaffirmed her commitment to non-extractivism. She consults regularly for civil society, INGOs, social movements, and international grant-making organizations, as well as grassroots community projects in East Africa. Most importantly, she enjoys dancing and playing hide-and-seek with her kids—her best hiding spot is in the sweet potato garden!

Morocco

While pursuing an MS in Sustainable Development at the U. of Sussex, Hajar developed an appreciation for alternative economies and a profound reverence for indigenous cosmovisions. She has been supporting initiatives that advance grassroots innovations and environmental regeneration, and is a fervent believer in the boundless power of storytelling in helping us unlearn hegemonic ways of being. She is a systems thinker, Climatebase Fellow, and Kincentric Leader who aspires to weave science-based knowledge with indigenous wisdom to co-create thriving and resilient eco-communities. Originally from Casablanca, Morocco, she has been a digital nomad for the past few years and enjoys surfing, writing poetry, and stargazing with her puppy!

USA

Emily is an educator, activist, and economics enthusiast who holds both a Bachelors and Masters of Science in Economics from Texas A&M University, where she specialized in finance. She first fell in love with post-growth economics while reading the book “Small is Beautiful” by E.F. Schumacher during her graduate studies, and her passion for post growth has only flourished since. She hopes to continue deepening that passion with the PGI and create more transparency within corporate and global finance. Emily is based out of Dallas, TX; when she’s not teaching classes as an economics professor, she enjoys doing yoga, drinking matcha tea, and reading paperback books.

Italy

Anna holds a BSc in International Relations and Organisations and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree. She developed an interest in Post Growth as she was writing her thesis on climate politics, and she hopes to bring its values into action to help build a more sustainable future. She grew up in a beautiful alpine valley in Northern Italy, and is currently based in Barcelona where she is continuing her studies. She enjoys biking, modern dancing, yoga and all sorts of teas.

Ireland

Shane is a facilitator and systems thinker with experience working across design, strategy, operations, and social innovation. He is passionate about guiding teams to develop innovative and inclusive experiences that move us towards a happier and healthier world. He believes that climate communications and the stories we tell can help us collectively envision a post-growth future that people want to run towards, not away from. Originally from Ireland, he now lives in Canada on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, or Vancouver. Shane is at his happiest in water – either floating in a lake, relaxing in a hot tub, or singing in the shower.

Chile

Felipe is an Industrial Engineer with a Diploma in Social and Cultural Anthropology who’s been professionally involved in a broad spectrum of approaches to tackle the worst effects of the climate and ecological crisis: organizational, business, academia, and activism. There’s multiple conceptions of what reality is or means, and Felipe advocates to understand and value them all in their diverse richness. He became obsessed with the concept of degrowth at Extinction Rebellion’s 2019 KlimaCamp near Leipzig in Germany. Originally from Chile, he’s lived in South America, Europe, and Asia, is a bread enthusiast, and loves live music, mountains, and clouds.

Indonesia

Heira is an enthusiastic co-operator, she spent more than 25 years working with cooperatives whether as an employee, in management or board of directors. She is highly skilled in non-profits organization, cooperatives and social enterprises, women empowerment and youth development. With her expertise, she works on various projects with the government, NGOs and the community. She is a co-founder of MyCoolClass.com a teacher-owned learning platform coop based in the UK, staying at home and cuddling with her family is her favorite moment.