+Acumen Corps Member Profiles

Cheryl Nachbauer
Innovator / Designer
Current City: Milwaukee, WI
From: Cincinnati, OH
A little about me…
Cheryl holds a Masters of Architecture from the University of Cincinnati, and a
Bachelors of Architecture with a major in Spanish from the University of
Kentucky. Her Fulbright research in Chile, South America, focused on refining a
holistic disaster relief strategy that utilizes architecture as a therapeutic
catalyst to catapult both the recovery as well as the reconstruction process of
individuals affected by natural disasters. By identifying the gaps within
government, assistance and mitigation organizations, Cheryl saw an
opportunity to create a framework that not only addresses housing but
accelerates victim recovery, citizen participation and community revitalization.
I’m excited for +Acumen Corps because…
I’m thrilled to connect with like minded innovators who strive to bring social
change to our world. Together we can make a difference.
I believe…
that empathetic design can empower future leaders and ultimately transform
communities.
For fun I…
love to travel, participate in hackathons and scuba dive.
@nachbaca
linkedin/in/cherylanachbauer
http://www.cerroreverde.org

I currently live in Bangalore, India.
I’m from Chennai, India.
I’ve been designing digital product experiences since the past 8 years.
Currently, I work with a startup, Zeta, which is bringing innovations
into payments and corporate benefits. I love what I do and am always
looking for new challenges to improve myself and make the world a
better place.
The book I tell everyone to read is “The Innovator's Solution” by Clayton
M. Christensen
I’m excited for +Acumen Corps because with such diversity and talent, I
wonder what an impact we can make. I look forward to picking up new
skills and learn while doing good :)
I believe that it is the responsibility of every individual to make an
impact directly proportional to their talent.
For fun I love playing any sport. Currently, I play a lot of ping pong.
MUSTAFA QUILON
Digital Product Designer. Autodidact. @mustafaquilon

Elizabeth Pishny
VP, Global Marketing & Development
Esperanza International
LinkedIn
Current City: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (Soon to be Dallas, TX)
From: Kansas City, USA
After 10 years in the corporate world creating marketing strategies and
managing client relationships, I’ve recently made the transition into
microfinance and am working for an NGO providing access to capital
along with healthcare and education for women in the Dominican
Republic.
I’m excited for +Acumen Corps to…
Continue to learn and grow alongside like-minded individuals who want
to make an impact in the world.
I believe that…
Economic empowerment, particularly for women in emerging
economies, is the most sustainable solution to poverty.
The book I tell everyone to read is…
Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall & Denver Moore
For fun I…
Love to cook, travel, swim and do yoga. Hoping to visit my 50th
country
this year.

Wisdom Akari
Country Manager at Swiftbeds
@wysedom75 / linkedin
facebook.com/wakari.oyeni
Current City: Lagos, NG
From: Abua, RV-NG
I believe in positive thinking, knowing that one can not live and strive in isolation. My dream
was to be an Airman, though I worked hard to achieve this but ended up as a Travel Advisor. I
got involved in my new field in 1998 and ever since I have loved it passionately.I love working
perfect holiday for family and planning honeymoon and getaway for newly wedded couples.
This had given me more joy as I have met lots of people and always wanting to climb higher
and create a niche.
being part of the global community to strives to cause and effect positive impact. I
acknowledge the ingenuity in +Acumen Corp Community and would leverage on networking
for positive growth
I believe in…
No one does it better but everyone together would do and bring out the best!!!!!!!

Foch Sylver Makondana Gbomagnako
Financial Administrative Officer
Twitter / Facebook
Instagram / LinkedIn
Current City: Bangui
From: Central African Republic
I have completed a Master in Auditing and Finance. I was an Internal Auditor of a
Bank "Commercial Bank Centrafrique" in Bangui 2008. In addition to my work as
Internal Auditor of Bank, I was teaching as temporary Professor in Private
Universities of Bangui in Central Africa Republic in Finance and Management area. I
was an Assistant in Administration and Finance Department at the United Nations
Development Programme in Central African Republic, Bangui 2012. I am currently
Administrative Finance Specialist at the United Nations Office for the Coordination
of Humanitarian Affairs in Central African Republic, Bangui since April 2015 . in
addition to working within the United Nations Office for the Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs, I am currently an instructor at Pareto University in Italy
2016 in International Economics. I live with my family in Bangui, Central African
Republic.
I’m excited for +Acumen Corps because… it allows me to cultivate myself to talk to
people who are around the world in a record time and share ideas, develop the
search for solutions to social problems for the development of this world for the
better.
For fun I… I like sports, reading, walking, singing.

Current City: Boston, MA
From: Toronto, CA
Emma grew up in Toronto, her tennis brought her to Bowdoin College in the
Maine where she studied Economics and Environmental Studies. Through her
courses and research, Emma grew her knowlege of corporate sustainability,
waste management systems, and realized her passion for creating happy,
sustainabile cities for people (after completing a project on the health benefits
of bikeable cities during her study abroad time in Sweden).
Emma recently spent six months traveling solo around the world on $4,700. She
WWOOFed on five farms in Europe, built an impact website for a
social-enterprise ( _SocialStarters), Couchsurfed, did a Vipassana meditation
course in Cambodia, and researched recycling social enterprises for Akina (a
social enterprise incubator in New Zealand. Emma now works and live in
Boston, Excel and PPT are becoming close friends as she takes on the consulting
world.
I want to team with like-minded people around the world to have impact!
I believe in…
the power of energy and intention. Pure intention = good actions + words
For fun I…
Emma Chow
Business Analyst, Deloitte Consulting LLP
Travel Photo Blog - 175 Moments
linkedin/in/emmachow1

Joackim Karlsson
Investment Manager - UK Pension Fund
Current City: London
From: Sweden
I’m a Swedish finance professional living in London. My professional
background is predominantly in investments (direct and via funds), but I
have always been interested and indeed active in the area of impact
investment (I was part of the original Acumen+London team).
I have studied and lived in New Zealand (Wellington) - where I got my first
taste of international collaboration - and later in China (Shanghai). Both
these experiences have strengthened my view that exposure to other
cultures should be an integral part of school curriculum.
Social entrepreneurship and impact investment addresses one of the most
serious issues with today’s capitalistic and financial system, namely the
narrow & short-term focus on shareholder wealth maximisation and
consequently the misallocation of capital (away from companies that
measure wealth creation from a multiple stakeholder perspective, a focus
which by its very nature is much more long-term).
I want to apply my skills as an investment professional to building strong
social enterprises/corporations as well as contributing to the development
of asset market solutions for these companies.
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/joackimkarlsson

Current City: Mumbai, India
From: Gujarat, India
I am a Chartered Accountant by education and financial and customer experience
consultant by profession. I started writing my blog since 2010 and currently I am
writing at sunilwrites.com I have also written 4 ebooks which are available on
Amazon. One of them is in the area of customer experience and service design.
Two are fiction.
I am inspired by the subject of service design after reading the book Service
Design - From Insight to implementation. I believe a lot can be done if the concepts
of SD and HCD are applied by the Govt and in the social sectors by social
enterprises. .
The book I would recommend to everyone is /are:
1) Service Design - From Insight to implementation 2) Creative Confidence
3) Linchpin by Seth Godin
I can’t wait to see the full potential of what we can do together as a global
community, unleashed!
For fun I…
I love Hindi movies and old songs. Infact I am also writing a movie scripts. I am
passionate about travel and fitness and soon will launch something interesting
in these domains.
Sunil Gandhi

Laila ABOUHALIM
Current City: Fez Morocco
Country, Morocco
Born in Morocco, I studied my master degree in France where I had understood
that we have the capacity to develop if we have the right system and tools. First
in 2015 I discovered social entrepreneurship with Eiréné4Impact in it’s impact
camp, so I decided to promote entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship in
my city, first step was to learn about it, so I took acumen courses and worked
with entrepreneurs from ENACTUS, now I am in my second step, taking a classes
to become qualified trainer in social entrepreneurship (with MCISE) while
working starting my own entrepreneurship and working as a consultant to help
existante companies to develop their process and management system .
I want to develop my netwok and skills and and most important find a
community that have the same objectif and whom I can help maybe just by
ideas.
I believe in…
the crises in all the world start with encouraging social responsibility and
young generation values and helping them to improve their lives while doing
good for others
For fun I…
Travel and interact with other people from other environment, I love enjoying
the beauty of life and discover other people’s ideas
Consultant & auditor in quality management &
trainer in social entrepreneurship
https://ma.linkedin.com/in/lailaabouhalim/en

Carey Lai
Entrepreneur/Community Activist
@Carey
www.careylai.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/careywlai
Current City: Sunnyvale, USA
From: Hong Kong
I was born and raised in Hong Kong. I moved to the United States in 2008 and
have been a resident of Sunnyvale ever since. I am an entrepreneur and a
graduate of the California Program for Entrepreneurship (CAPE) run by the
Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University. Aside from preparing
my own business, I am an active community volunteer. Currently, I serve as
the Vice Chair of the Sunnyvale Library Trustee and Board member of
Leadership Sunnyvale.
I can collaborate with like-minded people to make the world a better place
I believe in…
I am passionate about cultivating diversity in the community and
promoting awareness of social issues including poverty and racial
prejudice. I believe education is the key to eradicating hunger and
injustice.

Current City: Nairobi, Kenya
A little about myself
I am a researcher and an
educator. My area of
specialization is peace and
conflict studies. I also work with
peace museums in Kenya.
Timothy Gachanga

Alfredo Fuentes
Learner and CTO Innovafunding
Current City: Lima PERU
From: Mexico City
I believed in inclusion and transparency that is why a year ago I decided to left
my career in Microsoft after 20+ years and to start the change trough
www.innovafunding.com, a fintech startup that facilitate the access to
financing.
Degree in computer science and a Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence. My
area of interest is help people, organizations and startups to innovate and grow
exponentially with the help of technology using frameworks like Design
Thinking, Lean Startup, Agile, Sprint Design.
Love to know people, increment my network and learn from others while we
help create a better world.
I believe in…
The power of sharing that is why my mantra is “To Know and to Share”
For fun I…
I spent time with my family, love mountain biking, photography and chess .
@alfredof
www.alfredof.com
linkedin/in/alfredofuentes
facebook.com/alfredo.fuentes.e

Dr. Siddhartha Aaran Phukan
Social Entrepreneur I Strategist I Impacter;
Co-Founder - Aaran Smargianaki Enterprises
@AaranSid/ facebook.com/aaransid/Instagram:aaranjournals
LinkedIn: in.linkedin.com/in/sid.aaran
Current City: Mumbai, India/Wellington, New Zealand/ Amsterdam,
Netherlands/ Crete, Greece (P.S.: My work makes me based in many places)
From: Assam, India
Every journey has a story to tell—stories that will not only engage, inform,
surprise, delight, and impact their audience, but that will also deliver on
measurable goals. This is my story. After a decade in multiple business sectors,
wearing different hats as Agriculturist, Consultant and Strategist, now my
passion has led me to launch my dream. My experience in multiple sectors and
various markets globally is now helping me follow my journey in developing a
Social Impact Driven Business we call Aaran Smargianaki Enterprises. My
journey is a long eventful one and full of learning experiences. My journey best
impacts understood over the following:
1. My Beginnings:
www.linkedin.com/pulse/courage-empathy-love-all-takes-phukan-mba-dba-css
bb-cqa?trk=mp-author-card
2. Where I Stand now:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/now-you-see-me-dr-siddhartha-aaran-phuka
n-dba-ph-d-cssbb-cqa?trk=mp-author-card
I share the same vision as Acumen of empowering the global mass as part of
giving back to the world and unleashing the same vision in others.
I believe in… creating solutions for mass social impact.
For fun I… travelling to places, exploring, blending into various cultures and
with my camera in hand I’m in some other dimension.

Hi, This is Tanvir
I am from Dhaka , Bangladesh
I believe, picture says it, I love to be around kids. I was a teacher and was touching these lives. Than life
happened and become a corporate guy. Now i am a Banker. But in my weekend I am still trying to touch these
lives by providing professional development training to their teachers.
I am excited for + Acumen corps because I will have so many like minded people and will get so many ideas to
improve my surroundings.

Monica Fajardo
Industrial designer + social entrepreneur in the making
www.linkedin.com/in/monicongaconga
Current City: Bogotá, Colombia
From: Bogotá
A recently graduated Industrial Designer based in Bogotá, Colombia, Mónica is
an enthusiastic, happy spreading and a bit of a sweet tooth girl. As social
entrepreneur under construction, she sees the potential of design as the way of
changing human interaction and behavior into transformative actions for a
sustainable future. And with her Human - Centered Design approach, she wants
to collaborate in the rewriting of world's stories with heart throbbing,
mouthwatering, and meaningful design worth telling.
I can be part as well as work along exciting and incredibly talented people ready
to change the world.
I believe in…
That good food and good company can lift up a down heart.
For fun I…
Foodie is my second name, I like to bake bread once a week or try out new
recipes. Then I doodle my life away in between time.
facebook
monicongaconga

Alexander Banh
Impact-Oriented Investor
Current City: Toronto, Canada
From: Toronto, Canada
Born and raised in Toronto, Canada. Graduate of Queen's University with two
degrees in finance and social sciences.
I sit on the Board of Advisors of a microfinance program that invests in
high-impact entrepreneurs in Africa and Southeast Asia.
Professionally, I work at the Bank of Montreal's Investment Banking Division,
specializing in Mergers and Acquisitions for natural resources and renewable
energy companies. Previously, I was at Canaccord Genuity in a similar capacity. I
have also worked in equity research (Value Partners in Hong Kong), private
equity (Public Sector Pension Investment Board in Montreal), and have done pro
bono consulting for a variety of clients (Shell Canada, municipal government of
Brockville, MCW Energy Solutions).
I’m excited for +Acumen Corps to apply my training in finance to help social
enterprises grow and scale. I have travelled all over Southeast Asia and hope to
apply my skills to further economic development in the region.
The book I tell everyone to read is “The Pursuit of Happyness” by Chris Gardner.
https://ca.linkedin.com/in/alexanderbanh

Addi Mavengere
Operations Management /Industrial Engineering Practitioner
www.Facebook.com/addimav
Current City: Harare, Zimbabwe
From: Gweru, Zimbabwe
I am an Industrial Engineer and my career to date has been centered around Operations
Management in services based organisations. I have 8 years of experience in project
and operations management and I have worked in the arts and culture, civic society,
and business consulting industries. My passion is in the use of technology to improve
operational efficiency and currently my efforts are on developing a venture to create
and distribute multimedia educational instruction content which will improve the
delivery of high school education in Zimbabwe.
I’m excited for +Acumen Corps because it gives me an opportunity to help in the
development of social enterprises in different parts of the world and learn from those
organisations as I develop my own social enterprise. The opportunity to tap into a rich
skills-pool to develop my social enterprise and to feed into the project that other
members of the +Acumen Corps are working on is also a great opportunity that I am so
thrilled to have.
I believe in continuously acquiring new knowledge.
The book I tell everyone to read is The Ultimate Gift, this is a worthwhile read for anyone
who wants to leave a legacy.
For fun I travel and I enjoy wildlife and nature photography.

Andres Parraguirre (parra)
Dreamer | Idealist | Risk Taker
Changemaker | Entrepreneur
I'm from Veracruz, Mexico
I live in Bangkok, Thailand
A little about me
I'm passionate about social entrepreneurship. I truly believe that we all
have the infinite potential to make this world a better place.
I have been 3 years exploring, creating, traveling and connecting
worldwide in the field of social impact. I'm totally convinced I'm going to
dedicate all my time, energy and resources to make people's lives’ better.
Now looking for the next the next step in this transformational journey.
I'm excited about Acumen Corps because:
It's an amazing opportunity create authentic human relations with like
minded individuals, collaborate, add value and connect in a global
community.
I believe in
Trust, equality, authenticity, freedom and happiness.
For fun I
Travel, meet people from different cultures, read, play sports and video
games.
Webpage, Twitter, LinkedIn

Luisa Sophia Reyes
www.linkedin.com/in/luisasreyes
Luisa is a designer and visionary committed to creating a world that works for everyone. She is a
founding organizer of Roots Rock NJ, a summer camp for girls of color to know what it means to
ROCK - through building a band and embracing cultural roots. At The Future Project, she is part
of an amazing creative team dedicated to unlocking the possibility of every young person and
she leads a project in hands-on making and school transformation. She is a student and
practitioner of traditional plant medicine, energetic healing, life coaching and women’s wellness.
On any given day, she is smiling and developing projects in community and youth empowerment.
Presently, she is drafting her first book and organizing in Newark, NJ.
Design, collaboration, and community change the game!
I believe in…
Each person’s access and capacity to create possibility in their lives. I believe connection - within
and with community - is at the core of this work.
The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz
For fun I…
Dive into creative adventures and experiments where my heart and curiosity take the lead. I love
making, exploring, nature, dancing and learning.
Social Entrepreneur. Designer. Holistic Healer.
Current City: Somerset, NJ
From: New Brunswick, NJ

Kristina Domazetoska
Project Manager, Implementation Consultant &
Social Entrepreneur
https://www.instagram.com/domazetoska/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-domazetoska-bb943420
Current City: Skopje
From: Macedonia
I am passionate Project Manager that loves to create positive results at the end of each project journey.
After spending six years studying and working abroad, I decided to leave the corporate world and move
back home to pursue my true passion. Inspired by the beauty of mentoring and technology, I am currently
working on establishing my own social enterprise aimed towards empowering youth in Macedonia.
I am also working on developing national water study in Macedonia, that further helps me fulfill my
interest in environment and changing social behaviour.
I believe it’s a network of the most passionate change makers that are bonded by the purpose to change the
world for better.
I believe in…
Positive people that have the energy to change people’s lives.
The book I tell everyone to read is...
“The Blue Sweater, bridging the gap between rich & poor in an interconnected world” by Jacqueline
Novogratz
For fun I…
Travel, dance, spend time with people that I love, learn unusual things & sing :)

Muriuki Benson
Management Accountant
Virtual City Limited
From: Nyahururu,Kenya.
About Me: I am curious about everything that surrounds
me.
I’m excited by Acumen corps because:
It has helped me know people who help other people live
better.
I believe in: Teamwork and collaboration.
For fun: I read a lot.

Current City: a bit in Netherlands, a bit in Argentina and a bit in Spain.
From: Córdoba, Argentina
… Well, I’m passionate about politics and International Relations. At the moment, member of
Research Group on Climate Change policies in EU and MERCOSUR, member of Foreign Affairs
Observatory of Argentina and writing mostly about human rights in there. All the time studying
and interested in women's rights, international migrations and security.
… all efforts oriented to peace culture and education for peace are my path.
I believe in…
… the power of education and good examples. The reality of ‘clicks’ on our minds to set a dream
on the and follow it. The intensity of feeling one with each other in the same thing.
For fun I…
… make plans with my friends, drink and eat good things, do sports (A LOT) and enjoy family
time, my family is crazy and I love it :)
ANTONELLA GIORDANO
BA International Affairs / MA Peace Culture, Conflicts, Human Rights
and Education student
*Twitter: https://twitter.com/AAntoGiordano
*LinkedIn: https://ar.linkedin.com/in/antonellagiordano

Current City: Calarca, Quindio -- Colombia
From: Colombia (The Coffee Axis)
Father and happy husband. Enthusiastic of entrepreneurship and of construction of city and
region from the articulation of actors and their contributions. The last year I have served as
mentor young entrepreneurs. 10 years undertaking in technology.
To contribute to the way people around the world confronts the most primary challenges and
look like one big village solutions that lead to fairer and more positive realities.
I believe in…
The force of the word, the power of collaboration and the magic of an intention.
For fun I…
Spending time with my family and friends. Walk and climb mountaintops with my little
daughter and wife.
Diego Mauricio Toro Morales
Electronic Engineer, Startup Management Master
*Twitter: https://twitter.com/diegomtorom
*LinkedIn: https://co.linkedin.com/in/diegotoro

Alessandra Viero (Ale)
User Experience (UX) Consultant - User Research - Usability
http://it.linkedin.com/in/alessandraviero
Current City: Province of Venice (but on mainland) - Italy
From: Many Places, I’m blended
I love my job because it makes things better and life easier for people,
and I’d like to extend its principles to physical products and services.
I’d love to work on big projects, and really improve the world. I’m a
single mom to a wonderful little boy <3.
I strongly believe that putting together people from everywhere who
want to change things for good, unimaginable great things can
happen.
I have already experienced this in my job and (as a student, and then
as a volunteer facilitator), at +Acumen.
I believe in…
People with open minds and warm hearts, blended education and
cultural background, flexibility, honesty, fighting for what you believe
in, real friendship, courage and respect.
I like…
Travelling, cats, dancing, open water swimming, enjoying nature, my
real friends...

Ismail Bellowww.ismailbello.wordpress.com
Blogger, Social Entrepreneur & Youth Activists instagram.com/katsinakt
Current city: Katsina, Nigeria
From: Katsina, Nigeria
A little about me….
I am IT Analyst, Blogger, Political Commentator, Public speaker,
Self-acclaimed writer, Advocate of true federalism and
nationalities a passionate believer in Justice, Equality, Liberty and
common good.
I’m excited for +Acumen corps because….
I will learn, share and collaborate
I believe in….
My determination to succeed, achieve, deliver, ready for any
challenging position.
For fun….
I play games, watch movies and play some gym.

Marica Rizzo
+Acumen Corps Community Animator
@maricarizzo
linkedin/in/maricarizzo
Current City: New York, NY
From: Vancouver, BC
Marica’s journey with Acumen began in 2009 when she joined a group in
Vancouver that launched the Vancouver+Acumen Chapter and set up
Vancouver’s first social enterprise case competition for undergraduate and
graduate business students.
Inspired by her work as a volunteer, Marica left her role as Operations Manager
at skoah and joined start-up social enterprise, Wedu in Thailand to design and
launch Southeast Asia’s first mentorship and leadership development program
for young women. Connecting with her young mentor, and other inspiring
individuals affirmed her commitment to working full-time in social change.
I can’t wait to see the full potential of what we can do together as a global
community, unleashed!
I believe in…
The powerful blend of education and community to drive change.
For fun I…
Tap into my creative side. I love to dance - let’s go to a class together. And I drink
(good) coffee - for fun and function!

Nicolás Almánzar Chiquillo
Industrial Designer - Visual Artist - Serious life player
be.net/nicoalma
linkedin/in/nicochiquillo
From: Bogotá, Colombia
I am an Industrial Designer and Visual Artist, passionate about unlocking the
innate creativity within teams through games, tools, facilitation, spaces, photos
and literally everything. I work at a consultancy firm called Pillow, and
co-founder of LAB1: cultural and coworking space for creatives. Love to draw
and illustrate comics and fantastic beings, sports and spread love all over the
world.
If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together.
I believe in…
The power of people connecting with people in order to accomplish the
impossible
For fun I…
Watch anime, draw people, dance and making poptails (Cocktails in popsicles ).

Olga Ivanova LinkedIn https://ru.linkedin.com/in/olga-ivanova-0919b019
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/olga.iva
Current City: Moscow, Russia
From: Moscow
A little about me:
I started as a finance analyst in a global IT corporation and
eventually found myself in innovation management.
I’m excited for +Acumen Corps because:
it is a nice opportunity to network with people who are dreaming
to change the world
I believe that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single
step
The book I tell everyone to read is Emotional intelligence by Daniel
Goleman

Anshu Mandal
Investment Analyst, Impact Investment
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/a
nshu-mandal-4748368
From: Kenya
I currently work in the social/impact investment sector.
My dream is to one day use my knowledge and skills in to
set up my own impact fund in Kenya, based on a unique
model that can be duplicated in other parts of the world!
Of the opportunity to connect with like minded
individuals on a global scale and be able to share
knowledge, skills, experiences, ideas, concepts…
In my spare time I like to travel, hike, practice
photography.

@lc
www.linkedin.com/lcchiu
Lai Chee Chiu
Productivity Consulting Supervisor EMEA/APR
Current City: Rotterdam
From: The Netherlands
I am a strong believer that everyone is capable of much more than they can
imagine. Ingredients for this; an open mind, inspiration, the willingness to
learn, discover what gives you energy and maybe some encouragement to
turn ideas into action.
This is my discovery tour outside the corporate world. I am sure that I will
meet lots of inspiring people and gain new insights. Together we should be able
to improve the quality of life for many others.
I like to travel, follow workshops (crafts and sports) and enjoy life in general

@angelastalcup
linkedin.com/in/angelastalcup
Current City: Atlanta, GA United States
From: The United States: North Carolina, Iowa, Virginia, Michigan
I have a passion for passion==my own and that of others. Currently, my passion-passion is focused
on two areas: mircroentrepreneurship and grassroots movements. For the last 8 years, I have
worked with microentrepreneurs in the United States and Canada with organizations such as
Ladies Who Launch, NEX Labs, the APEX Enrichment Institute, and the Thank You Small Business
network. In 2013 I added nonprofits to my advocacy work, providing pro bono support to select
startup nonprofits in the Atlanta area.
I am compulsively helpful, enthusiastic to a fault, and never met a microphone that I didn’t want to
grab.
I know the power possible in community, particularly in a community that brings diverse people
together in a spirit of collaboration. Additionally, I completed a MA thesis last year on leadership
in online spaces, so I’m excited to see what can happen using online/social tools.
I believe in…
Shared leadership and collaboration. And good coffee.
For fun I…
Read recap articles of television shows I don’t have time to watch.
Angela Stalcup
Entrepreneurial Advocate; Communications
Strategist

Ysabel
Bombardiere
Appalachian Ziel: Engineering for All
GWC Instructor
BS Industrial ENgineering
MS International Development
@ysabelestradab
Ysabel Bombardiere @ Google+
I live in Charleston, WV in the heart of Appalachia. I came here long time ago via
Caracas, Venezuela.
While I was working in manufacturing and construction projects I always thought
that there were not enough women and minorities. Therefore, I’d like to inspire
the next generations to learn too see engineering and technology as a fun path to
create and innovate.
In January 2016 I started a the girls Girls Who Code Club in WV and I am starting
several this year. My goal is to have kids learn how to make computers work for
them and have fun.
I am excited to be part of Acumen Corps, I’d like to amplify my message and learn
how to make real impact in my community.
I believe that we are all connected in this world, and leveraging this connectivity
will allows us to create greater good.
My favorite book this year is The Door by Magda Szabo and my old favorite is
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, I wish I could convince everybody to read both.
For fun I like to read, travel and learn new things.

Richard Okoe http://it.linkedin.com/in/richardokoe
CEO Community Development Challenge
From Accra,Ghana
A social entrepreneur with the passion of making a significant
contribution to poverty alleviation especially in the rural
areas. Dedicated to building a viable beekeeping industry in
Ghana and supporting rural girl child education in the areas
of mathematics, english, science, and ICT.
Committed to engaging in +Acumen activities to broaden my
knowledge, opportunities and network.
Enjoys travelling and community service. Loves comic books
and action movies especially chinese
movies...Yiaaaahhhhhhhhh.

Batool N. Husain
User Experience Designer
Linkedin/in/batoolhusain
www.batoolhusain.com
Current City: San Francisco/Bay Area
From: Pakistan
A user experience designer for San francisco, I love working with other
talented people to make good, useful products that work.
I have a background in classical and Flash animation, but changed
careers when I found myself yearning for work with more connection
and collaboration.
I enjoy learning new things and brainstorming with other talented
people to generate ideas that we may never have thought of individually.
+Acumen Corps can enable us to harness this power and help impact
social change.
I believe in…
Family. And the power of positivity, hope and a good heart.
For fun I…
Love to doodle and listen to people telling their stories. I find listening to
these in podcast form to be my favorite way to unwind on the train ride
home after a long day at work.

Babatunde Adegoke
Visual and Data Analyst
From: Nigeria
Current City: Abuja
A Little about me:
I am a trained statistician who found love in visuals
and human centered design. I work as a team
leader, a social media evangelist and also a web
designer for an NGO in my city. I love traveling and
impacting people with my different attitude.
I’m excited for +Acumen Corps because
I love being challenged and also love working with
people that made me use my brain. BTW, I love to be
more than I was yesterday.
I believe in
Creating a better world by vibrant youths who are
ready to do the work & walk, irrespective of their
nationalities, race and color.
The book I tell everyone to read is; War of
Art & Richest Man in Babylon
For Fun: I love Traveling and brainstorming with friends
T: @degokay
F: fb.me/amed.yinka
I: @sharru_nada

Johan Juul Jensen
Co-Founder Mobilized Construction & Play it On
twitter.com/johanjuuljensen
linkedin.com/in/johanjuuljensen
From: Copenhagen, Denmark
I am a creative problem solver who is driven by building stuff, by stuff I mean
organizations, projects, social business etc. In the past I have co-founded the
Danish UN Youth Organization, Think Rights - Danish Forum for Human Rights,
Play it On an NGO working on sports for development and my latest love child,
Mobilized Construction. A company that works to improve rural infrastructure
in East Africa, through our proprietary tech platform which applies big-data to
generate smart infrastructure maintenance decisions and allows for much of
the work to be done without heavy and expensive machinery.
I get inspired by working with other passionate people, who works tirelessly to
improve their surroundings. This was exactly the kind of people i was teamed up
with for our initial Acumen+ Challenge. I am excited for meeting and connecting
with the rest of the Acumen Corps, hear what they are working on and more
importantly help each other realise our goals.

Jhefres Reyes
About me:
I am attorney, I passionate about my career, the social leadership is
very important for me, that is why i got my lion club membership and
since that moment the non profit services started been part of my
life. I trust in the free voluntary action on behalf of the unpower
people and the world.
My belief:
I believe in god as universe, in the leadership base in values, in the
team work and in the power of the family.
My hobbies:
Listening music, movies, books, and hang out with friends
jhefrireyes10@gmail.com
Facebook: jhefri reyes
Twitter: JHEFRIR

Ayuma Michelle
Founder & Storytelling Coach, LetS Project
@ayumyum
linkedin/in/AyumaMichelle
Current City: Nairobi
From: Nairobi, Kenya
Michelle’s journey as a storyteller began at the age of 14 years when she stood
up to her bullies in school and read her story. The bullying stopped!
Years later in a Storytelling class during her Social Innovation Management
Studies at the Amani Institute, she connected the dots. The careers, causes and
interests she had pursued had a common link - storytelling. In November 2015,
she gave herself permission to pursue storytelling as her ideal career of
meaning and impact. On June 2016, she decided to focus more on coaching
Women & Girls and Executives. Today, she’s happy to have coached more than
200 changemakers across the globe. Her story continues...
I enjoy active learning through collaboration with people from diverse
backgrounds. Learning never really stops, I might as well be proactive about it!
I believe in…
The power of authentic interactions between people to break boundaries.
For fun I…
Love spending time with friends and family, exploring new foodie experiences
(especially cultural foods), organic gardening/farming and goofing around!

Mamadou Moctar BA
Social Sector Leader
LinkdIn: Mamadou Moctar BA
Current city: Thies
From: Senegal, West Africa
A little bit about me…
I started my career in the social sector in Republic of Guinea. I
collaborated not only with local NGOs but also with international
NGOs as the Association of French Volunteers (AFVP), the Belgian
Technical Cooperation (ACT) and GTZ (German Cooperation). We
worked as team leader, project and program manager. We helped
smallholder farmers to boost production and to take advantage of
their activities I had also the chance to intervene in humanitarian
programs to help Liberian and Sierra Leonans refugees who escaped
the war in their country. In Senegal, where I’m now, I have been
following the same activities by always supporting the disadvantaged
people in the rural areas.
I’m excited for + Acumen Corps because…
The main challenge we face in the non-profit sector is especially
about sustainability. I know + Acumen when I took the course on
Social Sector Leadership with Philanthropy University and I’m
convinced that the social ventures can help us overcome the problem
of impact and sustainability.
I believe in…
The global changemakers community ability to bring a gleam of hope
in the lives of disadvantaged people.
For fun...
I adore travelling to see other communities, cultures and lifestyles. I
like also read and have tea with friends.

Daniela Florentina Gheorghe
Social Entrepreneur in Education in India
Twitter: @ella_gh
linkedin.com/in/danielafgh/
www.vchalk.org
Current City: Bengaluru, India
From: Romania
A little about me: Co-founder and Team Lead of vChalk, a for-profit
edtech social enterprise in India, Romanian born but in love with India.
Ex-Frontier Markets Scout, I have worked in political marketing, PR,
business development and operations. Before starting vChalk, I have
been working with social enterprises in India across four states and
three sectors: rural craftsmanship, rural eye-care and waste
management.
I’m excited for +Acumen Corps because...
I love meeting like-minded people, being part of a global community of
doers, I love Jacqueline’s vision for the world and respect +Acumen’s
values.
I believe I have the audacity to imagine the world as it could be and, in
the same time, the humility to see the world as it is.
The book I tell everyone to read is The Blue Sweater by J. Novogratz
For fun I play table tennis, dance, visit places and try things for the first
time.

Current City: Berlin, Germany
From: Moenchengladbach, Germany
With a background and several years of experience in Project Management,
Human Resources and Learning & Development Consulting, I took a break to
explore the future world of working and learning. And got to know +Acumen,
teaching me lots about online collaboration and cooperation. Now diving deep
into the topics of Design Thinking and UX/User Experience - as these will be
important components to design learning experiences in my upcoming future.
… where else will you get hundreds of smart ideas in 2 hours without anybody
asking “Who’s the boss?” and “What’s in there for me?” So this is the place to
shape the world to a better version - together.
I believe in…
… the power of this crowd!
… “Your brain at work” (David Rock/Nonfiction)
For fun I…
… love to run while sightseeing Berlin, knot myself with yoga, meet friends and
other curious people and learn, learn, learn exciting new things
Martina Pumpat
Interdisciplinary curious lifelong learner
https://de.linkedin.com/in/martina-pumpat-7b8a204
Twitter: martinapp2
Pinterest: martinapp2

Alok Gangaramany
Behavior Architect, Final Mile Consulting
Current City: Chicago, IL
From: India
As a Behavior Architect, a fancy term for a not so fancy job, I have been consulting with
organizations for a significant part of my life. Some of this includes boring stuff like helping
organizations market their products like credit cards or airline services. Fortunately, I have
also dealt with some real issues such as saving lives on the roads, changing sanitation
behaviors in rural parts of the world and improving adherence towards completing antibiotics
regimen.
Having worked with a rural electrification organization that was partially supported by
Acumen, I am looking to interact with high impact companies that are changing the landscape
in which we live in.
I believe in…
Our ability to persevere in arduous times
For fun I…
Entertain myself by engaging in personal projects. Latest one being capturing stories of people
part of my social world
@alokgangaramany
linkedin/in/alokgangaramany
http://alokgangaramany.com/

Chidiebere Anyanwu
Salesman & Change Agent @prince_chidex | princechidex@gmail.com
///
Current City: Enugu, NIGERIA
From: NIGERIA
A little about me:
I have strong Sales and Marketing background in Pharmaceuticals and extensive Social
marketing experience in family planning and Reproductive Health. Currently I work as a
Senior Medical Detailer for a Global Social Enterprise that helps hard to reach women
have increased access to quality & affordable Family planning. I am the Founder of The
Smile Mission International (SMINT) - a Non Profit that is working towards the
eradication of Poverty in my local community. I am also at the point of launching
SaferEVE - a Social Business that will improve access to affordable Health commodities
which will help prevent infections in rural women during Childbirth at resource low
settings.
Through this platform I can network with like minds and exchange valuable ideas that
can help us together to find lasting and better solutions for the numerous problems
facing mankind.
I believe in…Constant personal improvement and taking actions no matter how small
they may be because good intentions are not good enough without ACTIONS
The book I tell everyone to read is…How to get from where You are to where You want to
be. Written by Jack Canfield.
For fun I…Surf the net, Watch some TV, Go shopping and I love to drive…!

Aswini Ramkumar
Global Business Development
aswini.ramkumar@gmail.com
linkedin/in/aswiniramkumar
Current City: Jakarta, Indonesia
From: Chennai, India
Aswini has 10+ years experience in both private and public sectors. She started
her career in corporate America working on strategic marketing, partnerships
and portfolio management.
However, with a deep desire to make social change, Aswini made a career
transition into non-profit sector. In Africa, in Nigeria and Kenya, she helped
start and run social enterprises in cassava, dairy and smoked fish farming. She
developed the value chains by working with governments, NGOs and companies
to set up contract farming. She currently works in Indonesia on coconut sugar
processing by building capacity of farmers, implementing innovative programs
and overseeing production.
I am interested in connecting with other social entrepreneurs looking to
make a global impact.
I believe in…
Empowering people by teaching them how to fish rather than giving
them the fish
For fun I…
I like to travel and hang out at the beach...

Ugo Ikokwu
Investment Analyst, Consultant
From: Great Britain & Nigeria
A little about me
I studied Law and Economics at the University of Northampton.
I currently work for a social Investment Intermediary
managing a mixed portfolio of loans, grants and equity
investments into social enterprises, charities and civil society
organisations.
I co-founded/established a homeless social enterprise which
has evolved its service provision to include an outreach to
prisons and the elderly. I have also setup a non-profit
consultancy helping young people in long term unemployment
that have been excluded from the labour market due to their
background, experience or qualification get back into work.
In my spare time I mentor non-profit/charity/social
organisations. I also chair an organisation which delivers a
crime prevention programme for young people ages 11-18. As
well as being part of the London +Acumen Chapter.
I am excited for +Acumen Corps because
I’m passionate about impact investing as I believe we have the
opportunity to use both investment and grant capital to
develop solutions to global problems. I believe in the power of
capital and it’s ability to create sustainable solutions that may
not have existed in a traditional grant/NGO model.
I believe
The dual scourge of hunger and malnutrition will be truly
vanquished not only when granaries are full, but also when
people’s basic health needs are met and women are given their
rightful roles in society.
https://www.instagram.com/uikokwu/
Twitter : @Ugo1982

Stephanie Battista
Designing and developing consumer wearable devices.
Twitter: Stephiebattista
Instagram: Humanityinnovationlabs
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniebatti
sta www.humanityinnovationlabs.com
Current City: Portland, Oregon
From: Ft. Myers, Florida
A little about me… Peppered with a forward lean in technology and innovation,
dedicated and committed to design and integrating cross disciplinary expertise.15
years of experience in product development, wearable technology, and leadership.
Area of focus: user experience, digital health, behavior modification, and social
interaction.
I’m excited for +Acumen Corps because…interesting opportunity to engage with
designers across the globe. Address and solve social issues in developing countries
and link with other like minded individuals.
I believe in…passion, it fuels you and propels you towards your dreams
The book I tell everyone to read is…Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
For fun I… go listen to live music...climb mountains...cook with friends...travel
overseas...experience new cultures and people...do yoga...take time out to relax and
enjoy the moment….

Marjan P. Tabari
Startup & Business Development Consultant
A little about me:
Former IP lawyer and contract manager; currently a strategy/business
development consultant, and mentor to social impact startups and
women-owned enterprises. Every entrepreneur with whom I work, strives
to make her/his society a better place, and I feel like I am enrolled in the
same mission. Their achievements are my achievements too, and the
failures are invaluable lessons to both of us.
I’m Excited for +Acumen Corps Because:
To be a social impact leader, most of the time, means swimming against the
streams. +Acumen Corps community is where such tough swimmers share
their experience, learn new skills and renew their vows!
The book that I’d suggest is: “The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties
Matter--And How to Make the Most of Them Now.” (Only if someone had told
me about it in MY twenties!)
I believe in….:
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step…
For fun I:
It’s all about music, reading books, and mountains!
@marjan_tabari
www.linkedin.com/in/Mtabari
Current City: Cambridge, MA
From: Iran

NAME: UNIA NALUGYA
COUNTRY: UGANDA
CITY: KAMPALA
JOS: DIRECTOR DIAKCH COMPANY
DIAKCH promotes the use of green charcoal made from
Agriculture waste
Am excited to be part of Acumen corps to meet people of
different cultures and exchange of ideas.
I believe in humanity
The book I will tell everyone to read is Blue sweater
For fun i love traveling and singing

Priscilla Madrigal
UX- Interaction Designer
www.linkedin.com/in/priscillamadrigal
Current City: San Jose
From: Costa Rica
I love working with people and making their lives easier
as part of my day to day job.
I’m excited for +Acumen Corps because I can help with
my skills and learn from other talented people.
I believe that each person can have excellent ideas but
as an individual it’s hard to have a big impact, you can
only make a big difference by working together
The book I tell everyone to read is The Artist Way by
Julia Cameron
For fun I like to read, do triathlons, and play with my
kids who are teaching me every day more than I could
teach them

BARBARA GAGNON
Avid learner | Budding entrepreneur | Change maker
@barbara
Linked In: Barbara Gagnon
Current City: Mombasa, Kenya
I am finding solutions for economically feeding City Dwellers with
affordable, fresh vegetables.
In Mombasa for example, we rely 95% on produce from Central part of
Kenya. By the time food gets here, it's very expensive to buy, of poor quality
and very little.
If I struggle buying fruit and veg, then how much more the people at the
bottom of the pyramid?
And that's how it all began...
Learning through +Acumen has been my greatest adventure and
returning home to Kenya was the best decision ever.
I believe in… PURSUE | PERSIST | PRESS-ON |
Book: New beginnings - David Cerullo
For fun: Like to unwind around family, enjoying love, silliness and
laughter

Rodrick Z. Mwatuwa
A little bout me…
Rural development and agricultural back ground has motivated me to view and
approach various development challenges in many unconventional ways.
I like to learn from simple and sometimes fictitious ideas. I like to try new things, ideas,
and ways of approaching a problem. I am usually a sixth man in a team, who view and
approach a problem from unorthodox point of view.
I am excited for +Acumen corps because ...
I am glad to be part of a global community which advocates for collective and
systematic approach to solving real problems.
I believe in…
The solutions to problems we face are always around us, we just have to think
differently from the known approach to solving problems.
Quality improvement expert |Rural development and
Agricultural researcher
From: Lilongwe, Malawi
Current City : Gainesville, Florida
Research Scholar: University of Florida
Twitter: @zrmwatuwa
linkedIn/in/rodrick-zeno-mwatuwa
Facebook: Rodrick Zeno mwatuwa

Jessica Martin
#Socent Evangelist, Run marketing at +Acumen
@jessmart9
www.linkedin.com/in/jessicabrowningmartin
From: Philadelphia, PA
My career with Acumen started as a volunteer chapter leader with
NY+Acumen. In 2013 I joined the team full-time and built the very first
+Acumen course and co-designed our first Design Kit Course with
IDEO.org, The Course for Human-Centered Design. Now I focus my time
on building out +Acumen’s brand, community and new products.
Prior to joining Acumen, I was an iCats Fellow at Driptech, a for-profit
social venture that makes affordable drip irrigation for smallholder
farmers, where I built out the company’s international business. And in a
previous life, I was a market strategy analyst at U.S. Trust, Bank of
America Private Wealth Management in New York
I can’t wait to see what this group is capable of doing. You are the hope in an
otherwise cynical world.
I believe in…the power of ideas to mobilize people from around the world
For fun I…Travel! Bike, play soccer, host BBQs with friends and search for
the best flea markets in town

Manuel Triana
Co-founder and Director of Education in Ispira y Lidera
@laxo.manu
https://co.linkedin.com/in/manuel-triana-1028b484
From: Bogotá, Colombia
A little about me…As Education Director and Co-Founder of Inspire & Lead, my aim is
to provide professional development to empower elementary school educators to become
agents of change by creating and maintaining a culture of peace in their classrooms,
schools and communities.
I got a Bachelor’s degree obtained at University de los Andes in Cultural Studies and
Pedagogy of Languages with specialization in Bilingual Education. Grant Beneficiary of
the Quiero Estudiar Scholarship at University de los Andes (2006 - 2011), awarded to
students with excellent results in the National Standardized Examinations. Participant
in the first cohort of "Enseña por Colombia", part of the international network TEACH
FOR ALL. .
I’m willing to learn from different perspectives, contexts and expriencies. I think
hearing multiple voices allows innovation.
I believe in…
in education as a powerful tool to close the socioeconomic gap in the world
For fun I…
Read comic books, willing to learn something from fictional heroes and possible
world

What do I do : I am currently looking into wholebeing living which focus on five
dimensions of whole person well being .
These five dimensions of well being are spiritual, physical, intellectual, relational
and emotional.The desired outcomes are:
-leading a meaningful life and savouring the present.
-caring for the body and tapping into the mind/body connection.
-engaging in deep learning and opening to experience
-nurturing a constructive relationship with self and others.
-feeling all emotions, reaching towards resilience and optimism.
This wholebeing model comes from WholeBeing Institute and resonates very
much with me .
Ask Me About : I love to read any inspiring book on personal growth, positive
psychology, EQ+empathy, contemplative practices, storytelling and follow
short mastery video session by Robin Sharma.
John Teo My LinkedIn Profile :
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-teo-5a00916b
My Facebook :
http://www.facebook.com/teo.john

Current City & From: New Delhi, India
Aditya is a technology enthusiast who likes to make professional
acquaintances, runs a technology blog and likes to play guitar in
his leisure hours. In last few years, he has felt a strong inclination
towards entrepreneurship and strong desire to contribute to a
social cause.
Acumen Corps provides an opportunity to bring my ideas to the
global level. Here, i can discuss with people from various
backgrounds and countries. It is a global platform which helps me
learn and grow.
I believe in…
If you can dream it, you can achieve it.
Aditya Sharma
Engineer | Blogger | Entrepreneur
@AdityaTweetedlinkedin.com/in/adityasharma7

Tim Van Roeyen
Forecaster @Danone, economist, chocolate and coffee lover
Current city: Brussels, Belgium
Comes from: Antwerp, Belgium
I currently help teams to develop their long-term business
plans by advising on market trends and making sure factories
will produce what is envisioned. Prior to that, I was responsible
for the distribution chain of a coffee company. It allowed me to
take on a process and frugal mindset.
I am a thinker and I like to discover new fields. I am in my
element when I can freely play with concepts.
I believe that we can alter the building blocks of our economies
to create more social impact.
For fun I watch how my 13-month old daughter is developing
herself, hike, read, indulge myself with chocolate and coffee
be.linkedin.com/pub/tim-van-roeyen/2a/a18/
6bb/en

Tomoko Matsukawa
+Acumen Course Designer
www.linkedin.com/in/tomokomatsukawa
tmatsukawa@acumen.org
Skype: tomomatsu924
From: Tokyo, Japan
Tomoko’s journey with Acumen began in 2010 when she left her work at an investment bank
and had just joined a talent development consultant firm in Tokyo. Her colleague who had
just launched the Tokyo+Acumen Chapter recruited her to volunteer with them. With little
knowledge on what Acumen does, Tomoko decided to go along since the concept of impact
investment (what Acumen was best known for back then in Japan) sounded interseting.
Through her experience serving as a volunteer leader for Tokyo+Acumen and meeting
many like minded individuals from other chapters around the world (like Marica!), she
became more interested in the Acumen community and what it was trying to achive in the
world today..
When she was graduating from her graduate school program (in adult learning) in 2013,
she learned that Acumen was exploring ways to bring their leadership training program
(that they had been providing in person - known as Acumen’s Fellow program) online. She
reached out to Jo-Ann Tan, the Lead Architect of +Acumen for a summer job opportunity.
Became full time staff early 2014 and since then, Tomoko has been designing courses and
constantly learning from the experience and from the course participants.
That is what my work is all about! All of you - the dedicated individuals who somehow found
out about our course and used them as an entry point to meet one another and be part of
something bigger together. My favorite article by Jacqueline, our CEO
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jacqueline-novogratz/how-to-thrive_b_5037607.html

Ejike Emeka E.
Relationship Manager @ Zenith Bank Plc
Current City: Asaba Delta State, Nigeria
From: Anambra State, Nigeria
@dgladiator83
https://ng.linkedin.com/in/emmanuel-ejike
A little about me...with an undergraduate
background in Electrical Engineering, and a
masters in Project management, I have become an
expert in the domains of Relationship management,
business growth initiatives and entrepreneurship.
In my spare time, I write codes for andriod/web
development.
I am excited for +Acumen Corps because it
provides a different kind of experience - learn,
share and collaborate

Max Polwin @MaxPolwin
linkedin/in/maxpolwin
Current City: Düsseldorf, Germany
From: Düsseldorf, Germany
A little about me
I’m excited for +Acumen Corps because it connects like-minded people
around the globe who develop and implement solutions for challenging
problems. The diversity among the members and the readiness to share
ideas and knowledge is inspiring. It provides a great opportunity to
learn.
I believe in the responsibility and ability of every individual to work
toward a better tomorrow. Small changes made collectively on an
individual level come together and trigger wider change. I try to be
guided by a quote which is attributed to Ghandi - “Be the change you
want to see in the world”.
The book I tell everyone to read is “The art of thinking clearly” by Rolf
Dobelli
For fun I like to enjoy specialty coffee, read books esp. biographies, take
photos of nature and architecture, go hiking and running.

Milena Galindo
Customer Success Manager | Responsible Tourism Specialist
@milenagalindo
linkedin.com/in/milenagalindo
Skype: milena.galindo
email: milenacgalindo@gmail.com
Current City: Ljubljana, Slovenia
From: Recife, Brazil
I’m from Brazil, lived for 6 years in Spain and now I live in Slovenia. I have 10+
years’ experience working for the Tourism Industry and 7 years in technology
applied to the hospitality sector.
My first interest on social impact was regarding the Tourism potential to
community’s development and poverty alleviation. And I’ve driven my studies
towards this interest. In the last years, I started reading more about social
impact and social business, and I really want to change career path and
contribute to make the world a better place with my job.
I can learn, share and collaborate to social change
For fun I…
Love to read, to travel, to do outdoor activities and to play with my twin babies!

Yolande Mengila Ndi Kima
Co-Founder Self Help Resource Center - SHREC-CIG Current City: Douala, Cameroon
From: Bamenda, Cameroon
worked for 14 years as Admin Assistant for a higher institute of learning in
Douala and endured serious issues of gender discrimination and faced by a
glass ceiling for all these years.
These challenges inspired me to resign, earned a degree in Human Resource
Management and created an association called SHREC-CIG where i
contribute in my own way in fighting extreme poverty in my community to
pre-empt and proctect victims like me - We promote; College readiness
through career orientation that exposes the youths to low cost high quality
education and employment opportunities by building and financing small
business concepts and soft skill acquisition to create jobs for youths.
It is bringing like minds together with diversed ideas and solutions on how
to create impactful social changes in our communities that contributes on
improving lives.
I believe in…
removing poverty by the actions of human beings because it is man made
For fun I…
love traveling for touristic reasons, fascinated by fashion, love giving tips to
girls/women that would help them uphold their values.
@melc
www.Facebook.com/SHREC.CIG

Sameh(Sam) Zeid
sa_ma_6
A little about me…I am analytic with passion toward problem solving. I like
to help teams creating successful products by first being effective in
working together. Process implementation can be a major mind-shift and
may require significant organizational changes. However, it will payoff!
This change is evolution for organizations and teams to build new
capabilities needed for developing innovative products that solve business
and social problems.
I’m excited for +Acumen Corps because…Acumen reflects a deep desire or
may be dream to have the courage to be myself. Genuine achievements can
only happen if we create novel solutions to solve problems. Despite being a
free platform, the contents are original. I worked with teams from different
parts of the world in productive way.
I believe in…Although planning is important, nothing can replace
embracing uncertainty. Through experimentation, new knowledge and
insights are emerged which are beyond our initial understanding or
imagination. Embracing the mindsets of Human Centered Design can
dramatically change our approach for solving our problems.
The book I tell everyone to read is…Human Centered Design Field Guide.
This book describes the journey to solve problems where the solution
should be addressing non-obvious needs of the people we're designing for.
For Fun….I travel, attend conferences, meet new people, spend time with my
children, play tennis, read, and of course participate with Acumen!
sam.s.zeid samehzeid
Agile Coach- I help product development teams
implement Agile and Lean. Understanding what product
to build occurs in all stages of development.
Detroit, MI
While facilitating HCD workshop in April, 2016
Alexandria, Egypt where I grew-up

Carol Preethi D’Souza
Head - Corporate Communications, Edutel
Current City: Bangalore, India | From: Mangalore,India
A little about me: I’m working for a social enterprise in Education sector as Head - Corporate
Communication. I contribute in multiple State and Central Government funded projects for the benefit
of rural and urban poor children across India. One of the projects is Satellite AIded Education which
reaches about 200,000 students every day for concept building in Mathematics, Science and English.
I was born and brought up in a beautiful remote coastal village and enjoyed climbing hills and
watching sunsets. I am a minimalist by nature. I especially feel called to help the homeless and the
elderly. A cancer survivor since 2009, am extremely grateful to God, who has given me another chance
to be with my mom and to live a purpose driven life. I share my journey of faith at
catholicprayersonline.wordpress.com and have a fb page for the same.
I am excited for +Acumen Corps because: I am in the process of designing a Care Platform for the
homeless in Bangalore. I see + Acumen Corps as THE place where I will get the knowledge and
resources to reach the readiness required for taking the leap of faith. I will also be able to learn from
inspiring people to always stay encouraged and give my best.
I believe in…the power of collaborations! .. the power of leadership!..And miracles!
The book I tell everyone to read is…The Power of Full Engagement by Tony Schwartz, James E. Loehr
For fun I…take solo long walks...very long walks !
https://in.linkedin.com/in/carolpreethi

Kirsten Wreggitt
BloomScript Inc. | Opportunity Cultivator
Twitter: @kirstenwreggitt / @puzzlesforgood
LinkedIn: /ca.linkedin.com/in/kirstenwreggitt www.bloomscript.com
Current City: Calgary, AB Canada
From: Richards Landing, Ontario Canada
A little about me…With a Bachelors Degree in Science, extensive
experience in logistics and inventory, and a keen appreciation for how
goods and customers flow through a business, I have become a trusted
source of support for clients who want to make better decisions and
create more efficient processes. I am an Opportunity Cultivator.
My “side hustle” is Puzzles for Good, where I am linking the fun of word
puzzles with social impact.
I’m excited for +Acumen Corps because we are in need of global solutions
and more human centered design. It is also time for me to give back in
whatever small way I can.
The book I tell everyone to read is “Sacred Economics” by Charles
Eisenstein.
For fun I LOVE to ride my bike - it is so joyful I can’t help but sing while I
ride!

Lewis Liu
Consultant. Dog Owner. Curious Person.
@itsallabt_me
https://sg.linkedin.com/in/lewis-liu-614084
63
From: Singapore
I am a curious person who is always on a lookout for a good story or an
interesting idea. When he was working in the government, he helped
agencies prepare for the future, and build a better relationship with the
public. Now, he is effecting change from the outside – providing advice to
the government through a consultancy firm
(http://www.sequoia.com.sg/).
It’s always awesome to meet like-minded individuals who are interested
in learning, and kickstart a global movement.
I believe in…
Never stop questioning. You know you are on to something when
someone says “It has always been like this…”
For fun I…
I volunteer at Conjunct Consulting (http://conjunctconsulting.org/). I
help them to design workshops, and train facilitators.

Janice Dean
Design and Evaluation Strategist
From: Dallas, Texas
My interest in social impact and social innovation lies in the process - the “how” of
the way we engage our hearts and minds in what we do. I love working at the
nexus of evaluation and design-thinking. In my travels, I am often conducting
ethnographic research to assess current contexts for the pilot of a new initiative. I
am interested in the question: how do we use research and behavioral science to
inform how we design social impact projects? Most of my previous experience has
been in the non-profit world implementing and evaluating education programs for
different populations - from resettled refugees, primary school children in
developing countries, to low-income residents of Chelsea, Manhattan and
meditation courses for children.
I am trained as an International Development Practitioner from Columbia
University and I strive to continuously learn and teach.
I’m excited for +Acumen Corps because… I can be continually inspired by
like-minded people of various backgrounds and get to practice cool skills like
design-thinking.
The book I tell everyone to read is… Reinventing Organizations by Frederic Laloux
For fun I… read, travel, consume and produce art.

Cristina Gallegos
Philanthropy Strategist / Social Entrepreneur
@CristinaingerG / www.ggsociety.net
linkedin/in/cristina-gallegos-117a567
www.skylarkstrategies.com
Current City: Los Angeles, California
From: Bucharest, Romania
A little about me… I work with family foundations and community-based agencies in
Southern California, strengthening their capacity to create more of the type of change
they are looking for - and do so faster. I work with a lot of founders and leaders of
nonprofits because leadership is a barrier to scale and I believe in supporting leaders
in doing what they feel they should be doing in the communities they serve. I am very
interested right now in how trends impact the field of non-profits and what is coming
(from the slow dissolve of grantmaking to the massive explosion of new ways of raising
and creating social capital). Oh, and I am a geek.
I’m excited for +Acumen Corps because… I am at a point in my personal and
professional life where I am interested in large scale impact in the social sector. I can’t
be in a hundred places at once, but through the power of networks and collaboration, I
can be part of something that is in a hundred places at once. I am also excited to meet
you all.
I believe in…miracles of the non-religious kind AND in quantum physics - which is
kinda the same thing.
The book I tell everyone to read right now is…”Pitch Anything” by Oren Klaff
For fun I… Travel, Bake and Boogie board

Francis Okeke @franco4real
Co-Director of Field Operations, InvestED PBC Linkedin
Current City: Accra//Kumasi, Ghana
From: Anambra State, Nigeria
A little about me………
Francis is a Co-Director of Field Operations at InvestED, PBC. He is a Social Entrepreneur, very
passionate about Education and E-learning in sub-Saharan Africa. He works with InvestED team
to build an App that houses an animated curriculum that teaches grassroots entrepreneurs to be
more profitable; connecting Education to Micro-Investment.
I’m excited for +Acumen Corps because……..
I believe it will be a great platform to connect with fellow changemakers, innovators and social
workers; who are actively engaged in solving most challenging problems in the world. This
would promote shared ideas, teamwork and success stories in social innovation and may then
serve as a place to learn//innovate.
I believe in…….
Africa Rising, Africa of opportunistic , access to quality//affordable and practical education for
all.
For fun I……..
Love to: Run, walk, play keyboard, bike, farm and Enjoy cooking.

Bonette Valdez Cruzada
Co-Founder, ReadPhilippines Toronto
Donations Coordinator, Victoria University in the U of T
Current City: Toronto, Canada
A little about me - I laugh, love and adore my two daughters and the one and only God. I
exist for the one who unconditionally loves me, for great works of art, engaging books,
french vanilla out of a paper cup. Single mom, two-year cancer survivor, a
self-proclaimed philanthropist, a pro-life, passionate about ReadPhilippines Toronto’s
advocacy on education and literacy which I co-founded in 2005, a community servant
and an ardent supporter of social causes.
I’m excited for +Acumen Corps because…I believe +Acumen’s mission and vision which I
would like to be a part of. I am also excited with the idea of collaboration with
like-minded individuals as it stimulates critical thinking, improves the ability to view
situations from others’ perspectives and creates an environment where people can
develop leadership skills.
I believe that to be given an opportunity is sometimes much more important than any
material provision. For millions of children living in poverty an opportunity is what they
need, a step up to see and explore what could be out there and what they could be.
For fun I…
spend time with my daughters, play guitar and piano, write my sentiments, read,
connect with friends, go outdoors, arts and crafts, swim, think of happy thoughts, walk
barefoot in the grass, look at my daughters’ baby books.
@readphiltoronto
www.facebook.com/readphilipines.canada
readphilippines.wix.com/readphiltoronto

Erik Jensen
Design Engineer || Engineering2Empower
Design Strategist || SAP
@erikjnsn
linkedin/in/erikjensen3
ejensen.myportfolio.com
Current City: Notre Dame, IN
From: Bismarck, North Dakota
I started my career as a 6-year-old building birdhouses in my dad’s shop. My
hometown still has many of my creations in parks across town -- though not so
popular with the birds. In the time since, I have refined my craft of building
ideas and am now a design engineer for a housing organization in Haiti called
Engineering2Empower. I use human-centered design to create paths forward for
aspiring homeowners.
My work as an engineer has taught me to be obsessed with building solutions
that are actionable and have real outcomes; my work in design has taught me to
relish complexity, to crave for insights, and to demand a generative mindset.
I believe in the power of design to build solutions to the world’s most wicked
problems. I am thrilled to be part of a global community which exists for the sole
purpose of being collective, generative, and to dig into any challenge.
I believe in…
always taking the window seat.

M. Michelle Derosier
Founder, Pivot; Writer.
@mmderosier
linkedin/in/mmichellederosier
Current City: Brooklyn, NY
From: Made in Haiti; Bred in Brooklyn.
I make the greatest long-term impact when I nurture, train, and support people, as well
as when I create systems, that bring opportunities to the disenfranchised. I’ve done so
in several ways including: helping sexual assault survivors reclaim their power and
their voice; bringing supplemental educational services to struggling students; and
leading the team that connects caring mentors with at-risk teens in need of college and
career guidance.
I’m continuing my mission by creating Pivot; its goal is to prepare under-resourced
women and minorities to pivot from dead-end low-paying jobs to careers at successful
startups. Pivot will be a crowdfunding incubator to deliver practical and financial
support in the form of full-time training, education, mentoring, networking, and
internships.
I am looking forward to leveraging the courses and leadership development support to
do good and do well.
I believe in…
Making a difference in my world for Christ.
For fun I…
Hike, write, read, learn to code, travel, eat . . . . did I mention eat?

Current city: New Delhi, India
From: Calcutta, India
I am a strategist by profession, an educator and musician by passion. I want to
catalyze educational access for the millions in our world who are deprived of
that opportunity
I am inspired by design. I believe in the power of technology as a driver of social
change. I aspire to become an entrepreneur (and a singer-songwriter!), travel
the world and write a book about it
It stands for the power of collective intelligence and action towards a shared
vision of a better world, an idea very powerful in today’s fragile and
fragmented world
I believe in…
A sense of possibility, and, drawing inspiration from every moment life throws
at me
For fun I…
Cook, compose music, learn to code, and discuss ideas and experiences (would
love to hear your story!)
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Shayan Roy Chowdhury
Analyst @ Bain & Company || Educator @ Music Basti

David Isaacs
Founder - www.RE-PC.org, www.brandspaceadvisory.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidisaacm
Current City: Singapore
From: Singapore
David cares deeply about product innovation, brand strategy and their impact on business strategy.
To him, this means acquiring a deep knowledge of customer needs and combining that knowledge
with iterative and incremental product development. In 2014, David made his first successful exit
after growing a company’s revenue 400% in 5 years. In 2015 he completed both the Stanford
Graduate School of Business-National University of Singapore Executive Programme in
International Management as well as the NUS Executive Education Strategic Management
Programme. In 2016, he founded RE-PC.org, a charity initiative renewing old laptops for
distribution to the children of low-income families in Singapore and SEA. In his day job at
Brandspace Advisory, he consults and provides brand strategy, growth strategy and
fundraising services for startups and SME's. In his spare time, David is a startup mentor for 2
university incubators as well as the DBS Hotspot Pre-Accelerator programme & Startup
Weekend 2016.
It’s amazing to connect & collaborate with other people in social entrepreneurship, doing good &
sustainable innovation!
I believe in…
Tapping into emotions to drive change for good and inspiring people
For fun I…
Collect vintage watches & love vintage cars

Current City: Mwanza, Tanzania.
From: Ghana, West Africa.
My professional journey started in 2013 when i joined Deloitte Tanzania as a
Business Analyst. From then I decided to explore other fields and ended up
working with a Social Enterprise in India then my current company in Tanzania
helping its expansion project across Africa.
I’m passionate about entrepreneurship and have co-founded about four(4)
companies (for profit and Nonprofit) since 2012 with one(1) failing. My interest
in social entrepreneurship led me to take courses on Acumen and other
institutes to be better equipped . I also provide consultancy services to startups.
I can work with others to impact social enterprises across the globe!
I believe in…
Empowering young people and using entrepreneurship as a tool for economic
development of every nation.
The book(s) I tell everyone to read is “How Google Works” and “The Fortune At
The Bottom Of The Pyramid”.
For fun I…
I like to travel and see new places.
Michael N.Y Nimoh
Business Development Consultant | Entrepreneur
linkedin.com/in/michaelnimoh
www.kudi.co.tz

Muhammad Saad Arshad
Implementation Consultant @ Adam Smith International
twitter
linkedIn
facebook
Current City: Chakwal, Pakistan
From: Chakwal, Pakistan
My journey with social work started when I joined LettuceBee Kids, a startup
social enterprise mandated to bring street children back into the society. From
making them brush their teeth to teaching them basic literacy and numeracy,
having lunch together and seeing them off in the evening, made me realize their
immense potential and the dignity with which they carried themselves.
Since then, I have decided to work for the betterment of society by improving the
most accessible resources to them, that are public/ government institutions.
Pursuing the same dream, I am currently working with a reform project
targeting the public education system of the largest province of Pakistan,
Punjab.
I believe the synergies that can be created through this portal have the potential
to actually change the world.
I believe in…
the goodness of people, and that real change always comes from within a
system.
For fun I…
watch a lot of tv series, read some books, cook an exotic omelette, go on an
adventure trip or pretend to be batman.

Hillary Strobel
President/CEO, The Flyways, Inc.
Current City: Los Angeles, CA, USA
From: All over the world
A little about me…A content single mother, fierce learner and teacher, ardent lover of
life, and ass-kickin’ President and CEO of a Benefit Corporation, The Flyways, Inc., a Social
Impact Story Publishing House. Story projects are interactive and highly creative, and
25% of company profits are donated to various social justice causes around the world.
I also run a consultancy for businesses and organizations seeking to meaningfully build
their social impact programs from the ground up. This includes: designing outcomes and
developing goals, measuring impact and creating a universal metric, and quantifying
results to the public.
It’s so completely thrilling to marry my two passions: storytelling with social justice.
I’m excited for +Acumen Corps because… There are no limits to the things we can
achieve together.
I believe in… Love.
The book I tell everyone to read is… Find the most interesting, most compelling, most
engaging, most empathetic one, and then read it repeatedly until the covers fall off.
For fun I… Indulge in very nerdy activities. Hang out with my daughter. Find new outlets
for social impact (because, yes, I do that for fun). Write books, read books, collect books,
visit bookstores and libraries, and then read more books.
Website
Instagram
Facebook
linkedin/in/hillarystrobel

Paul Campillo
Storyteller @ Typeform
Current City: Oakland, CA
From: Seattle to Barcelona
I spent 15 years in nonprofit sector in workforce development/social
work with incarcerated and reentry youth and adults before jumping to
the tech sector. I started Wake Up Smiling to help individuals and now
(2015) businesses create better stories for themselves or their brand.
Clients include private individuals, nonprofits and schools, SaaS
companies, freelancers, and small businesses.
Collaboration around social impact is the future. Learning by doing or
project/skills based learning. It’s challenging to solve big systemic
problems.
I can contribute…
Ideas to a project, copywriting, strategic planning, graphic design
Whatever book I think will benefit them the most.
For fun I…
Travel, read, write, dance, dream, make love, hang out in wide open
spaces.
Twitter: @paulcampillo
https://www.facebook.com/paul.campillo
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulcampillo
paulcampillo.com / wakeupsmiling.com [in progress]

eidAlix ROQUES-GENEZ
Director/Screenwriter/Director of photography
https://twitter.com/RGAlix
Current City: Toulouse, France
From: Toulouse
A little about me… I am currently making a leap. The direction still looks
very vague, but I am shifting from creating corporate videos as a
freelancer to something closer to a startup/social enterprise. My current
obsession is to try to fund a film by creating a media company with an
expiration date. That is, writing everything I know on the subject of my
film during the production phase, selling ebook/online courses,
proposing challenges to my audience, and using the revenues generated
to finance the film. When the film is released, I move on to the next
subject.
I’m excited for +Acumen Corps because… I really feel that my current occupation
lacks a social aspect, and I think it will be a great asset for me to discover what
kind of people I am the most able to help.
I believe in… the fact that there is not a conscious mind and an unconscious one,
but that the mind has a lot of layers, each one being further away from
consciousness than the previous one.
The book I tell everyone to read is… Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!
For fun I… go to gravel pits on Sundays ; these are stunning locations. One day,
I’ll make a film only shot in gravel pits on Sundays...

Marianne O’Kane Boal
Curator and Writer on Art and Architecture
twitter @mariannejok
ie.linkedin.com/in/marianne-o-kane-boal-45401137
Current City: Donegal, Ireland
From: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
I am a writer and curator. I have been writing on art and architecture for 17 years. I have
curated over 45 art and architecture exhibitions in Ireland. I am an Expert Advisor on Art for
the Ministerial Advisory Group on Architecture and the Built Environment since 2013. I am also
a member of the Placemaking Leadership Council.
I am a dedicated community animator and facilitator. I enjoy working with groups and the
public through cultural means and via civic stewardship. I enjoy working with all people but
particularly children.
I find collegiate working a remarkable force for engagement. The recent group challenge
demonstrated the potential and energy of collaboration. I cannot wait for more..
That they may face the Rising Sun by John McGahern
I believe in…
The importance of education; an emphasis on sharing; the potency of place; and children - the
inspirational key to our future.
For fun I…
Walk by the sea, read as much as possible, particularly Charles Dickens and American
literature, read stories to our daughter, cook, bake and enjoy all my work!

Ross Pedersen
Innovation Project Manager
Current City: Atlanta, GA and Palm Springs, CA
From: Fargo, ND
I’ve worked in the packaged food industry for 25 years and currently work as a project
manager, responsible for launching new products in the US market. I have a background in
project/program management, logistics, supply planning, demand planning, production
management, inventory management and logistics. I also do some basic web design and
management work.
Working with other talented people around the world to solve issues and learn new skills
can’t be anything but exciting.
I believe in…
The potential of all human beings given the right environment, support and determination.
For fun I…
Read ( a lot), write (for myself), travel and cook. I also manage the business side of an art
studio, so check out www.stardogstudio.com if you’re interested in looking at some cool art.
Twitter: @RossPedersen1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-pedersen-7055485

Current City: Abuja
From: Lagos, Nigeria
A little about me...
I am a Nigerian who presently works with the Federal Government. I am
however seeking to transition to the social sector where I plan to focus on
poverty reduction/eradication for the poor within urban spaces and helping
with organizing relief for vulnerable persons, particularly those affected by
violence in conflict areas within my country. I am a Chevening Scholarship
Alumni and have a Masters of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies from
Brunel University, London. I am currently working on establishing a not-for-
profit project called “GiveitOut initiative”.
I’m excited for +Acumen Corps because….
The Corps would afford me the opportunity to learn from like-minded
individuals from around the world.
“The Richest Man in Babylon”.
I believe in…
Empowering every person with the requisite set skills required to live above
the poverty line.
For fun I…
Sit out with friends over a pint of beer and argue about international and
regional politics. I also watch “Game of Thrones” repeatedly while trying to
figure out the next twist; of course, I am always wrong.
twitter @giveitout_org
Ayomipo Ewuola
Campaign Coordinator, GiveitOut Initiative

Naomi Cherie Lipke
Designing an app for sharing food
Linked in: www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-lipke-b5abb55
Twitter: @naomilipke
Current City: Aarhus, Denmark
From: Hibbing, MN, USA
After finishing Acumen’s course on Human Centered Design in Spring 2016,
I received for an EU grant to make our solution for reducing food waste
through food sharing. I am thrilled to be working creatively with
environmental and social issues.
I recently completed an interdisciplinary master’s program that combined
human and natural geography subjects with economic history to give us a
many-sided perspective on economic, human, and environmental
challenges. I wrote my master’s thesis on participatory governance in a
type of EU innovation space called a living lab.
I’m excited for +Acumen Corps because… It is incredibly inspiring to be
connected to other changemakers who have similar values and goals in a
space where I don’t need to justify working for the common good!
The book I tell everyone to read is… I recently finished “Daring Greatly” by
Brené Brown and find myself referring back to it in my mind constantly. I
am anxious to get back to “Sacred Economics” by Charles Eisenstein,
because every page felt like a revelation.
For fun I… I like learning languages. I have learned four foreign languages
well - Danish, Swedish, German and Tamil.

Cheryl Wong
Design Lead . Storytime
storytime.co.in
facebook.com/strytym
From: Singapore
A series of serendipities led me on an adventure of self-discovery, to make the leap
to use my talents to drive social change.
Restlessness in my soul led me to stumble upon IDEO’s David Kelley TED Talk on
Creative Confidence. Took his advice to try something new. Joined Acumen’s
Storytelling for Change course and met the founder of Storytime there. His
assignments triggered my chucked aside dream of giving back my talents to drive
social change.
IDEO.org’s human-centred design course presented an opportunity to explore and
solve a real-life design challenge for Storytime. That got me fully on board. Flying
solo to India to meet the Storytime team, Teach for India partners and the school we
were setting up a library for was life-changing. Together with the Storytime team,
we are revamping reading environments for under-resourced communities in India.
Connecting with a global community to use our talents for social good.
The book I tell everyone to read is: Creative Confidence by David and Tom Kelley
I believe in…
The power of human-centred design as an approach to creative problem solving.

Allison Pulley
Trip Coordinator, Dominican Republic
Current City: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
From: Los Angeles, CA
I studied International Relations in college and am now using the
degree to pursue my passions for adventure and making the world
a better place. These days I can usually be found traveling, hiking,
or doing water sports. I currently live in the DR but will be moving
back to North Carolina soon.
I’m excited for +Acumen Corps because… I have always loved the
work Acumen is doing in emerging markets and it is so exciting to
have an opportunity to be part of the community!
The book I tell everyone to read is… Harry Potter!!
linkedin.com/in/allisonpulley

Tijana Kaitovic
Social Entrepreneur/Community Builder/Founder
LinkedIn
rs.linkedin.com/in/tijanakaitovic
Current City: San Franscisco/moving to New York City
From: Belgrade, Serbia
A little about me
My life, my voice, and my passion sprouted and have been growing for the past
27 years. The journey of discovering about the world, human behaviour and
about myself, have challenged and inspired my life.
My work includes leading incredible projects: from helping indigenous
communities of Ifugao province to preserve rice terraces and cultural heritage;
developing a grass-root global platform for social changemakers; defining and
shaping gender policies at the UN level; to designing trainings in waste
management, social entrepreneurship and personal development in Serbia,
India and Poland.
Specialties: project management; early-stage non-profit mentorship and
consultancy; values based leadership; communication and stakeholder
engagement; training curriculum development; fundraising; international
experience, work and research in, gender, education, and social
entrepreneurship.
http://www.networkofchange.org/
https://www.facebook.com/YouthEnergySerbia
For fun I…
Finding the best
dessert in the
world… join me
and lets have
some torte!
I believe in…
The power of
kindness
I’m excited for
+Acumen Corps
because…
I want to
collaborate, learn,
lead , empower
and build
communities.

@GunkelNic
www.nicolasgunkel.de
www.linkedin.com/nicolasgunkel
Nicolas Gunkel
Public Policy Student with special interest in Climate Change
Current City: Berlin, Germany
From: Cologne, Germany
Having worked for a social enterprise in Malawi, an evaluation unit within
the United Nations System in Geneva and a public policy think tank in Berlin I
am ever more closely circling in on the issues that I realize I am very
passionate about: climate change mitigation strategies, rural development,
political economy of international negotiations, impact evaluation and
climate change communications.
I believe in…
Getting engaged and listening people from all walks of life, with different
political perspectives and personal opinions together over good-brewed
coffee.
It may actually make this happen (s.above). Please get in touch!

Shane Ernest Create More Good | Design+Branding
Rare Photography | Photography
linkedin/in/shaneernest
I have one of the coolest jobs around: helping remarkable businesses stand out
from the crowd with branding and content that their people love.
Simply put, I'm an on-call creative that loves translating marketing strategy
into visual messages for companies that value people, planet, and profit!
While the industry and intent may vary, each organization has a similar goal:
to make the world a better place through their products or services.
Connecting with and helping other Corps members with their change-making
efforts and sharing space with like minds is invigorating!
I believe in…
Aligning humanity, business, and NPO/NGO’s to make the world a better place.
The book I tell everyone to read is: The Alchemist by: Paulo Coehlo
and The Icarus Deception by: Seth Godin
For fun I…
Love to explore! Love chili peppers. Love to create (painting, design, sculpture)
and I love to try new recipes! Cheesecake, pizza, salsa. Anything!
Helping Social Businesses Stand Out
With Remarkable Branding and Content.
Current City: Boston, MA, USA
From: A little bit of everywhere, USA

Chris Frascella
Software Marketer Moonlighting as a
Changemaker-in-Training
@cfrascl
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-frascella-85246613
Current City: Jersey City, NJ
From: a town you’ve never heard of, NJ
Still trying to find my place in the social impact world. Presently volunteering for United
Rescue, CASA, and Taproot Foundation- but my involvement is equal parts direct service and
observation at how successful organizations recruit, onboard, and retain volunteers.
Grad school dissuaded me from a career in academia, so I shifted focus from philosophy to
education policy. I got recruited by a software company who wanted help researching federal
funding streams that could be used for performance management and social impact
reporting. That company got acquired (more or less), so I moved on. I’m presently working for
a different for-profit software company, but this job lacks the social impact aspect which I
developed an appetite for at my previous job, so here I am.
I believe it will equip me with the confidence, knowledge, and network to effectively lead
change efforts in my community, in whatever form that ultimately takes.
I believe in…
The power of people who consciously choose to make a difference, who don’t stop at good
intentions, don’t let egos get in the way, and don’t quit when called naive or foolish.
The Walking Dead (comic book) - not because of the popular TV show, but because the kids in
the comic have come to accept zombies as the normal state of things. What horrors have you
come to accept as normal?
For fun I…
Volunteer, play tabletop games, read up on US education policy and SIBs, and watch horror
movies.

African Tech Hub | Design
Branding | Music | LinkedInDavid Aduama
A young Communications Professional
with a love for technology.
Current City: Accra, Ghana
From: A child of the universe
I love technology and gadgets, I have a passion for putting a smile on the faces of
people. I am fun, smart with a positive outlook in life. I am always SUNSHINE!
I am a Communications officer working with USAID’s West Africa Biodiversity
and Climate Change. We aim to strengthen policies and regional capacity to
improve natural resource management and maintain healthy, resilient forest
ecosystems in West Africa.
Because I will be learning and making an impact to the world at the same time.
Moreover the opportunities to learn and help with +Acumen are endless!
I believe in…
Honesty, Positivity, Love and Live and Let Live!
For fun I…
Dance, listen to music, experiment with technology, write, read and DANCE!

+Acumen Corps Member Profiles

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Similar to +Acumen Corps Member Profiles

Similar to +Acumen Corps Member Profiles (12)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (17)

+Acumen Corps Member Profiles