Catalyst 2030 Team in Focus: Chapters (Part One)

Susana is a Colombian economist, passionate about the social sector and te social innovation. Before joining the Catalyst 2030 team around three years ago, she worked in both the public and private sectors in her country, in the area of international trade. But with the objective to follow her real passion and redirect her career to the social sector, she decided to move to France and do a Masters in Development Economics. That was when she learnt about Catalyst 2030 and immediately knew that she wanted to join the team. She has been with the network almost from its inception; working with the local approaches of the movement and working closely with the members in different countries and regions around the globe to support them in their local Chapters.

She is convinced of the power of collective action and the fact that Catalyst 2030 brings together true changemakers and people who not only believe in transformation, but also do good for the community and for the world.

In her daily work in Catalyst Susana works closely with the members in the country and regional Chapters and the team of regional coordinators of the Secretariat to support the creation of community at the local level and tp spark initiatives and collaborations in the network in all around the world.

Outside Catalyst, she enjoys human connections, the beauty of nature, outdoor activities, and exploring new destinations and experiences. She firmly believes that life is to be celebrated and enjoys the good moments that the every day brings.

Q and A

What do you enjoy most about Catalyst 2030?

I enjoy having the privilege to work closely with people from all around the world who are doing incredible work in their communities, being able to learn from them – from their lives, work and experiences. Through Catalyst 2030 we are able to connect them with other people, around a topic that they are all passionate about, and see the power of the collective in action.

Why is systems change work close to your heart?

I truly believe that the world is a wonderful place, full of people with the best intentions to do good. But as humanity we also have a great many challenges that can only be addressed through collective efforts and with a real systems change approach. Each good individual action counts. But in order for society to overcome the great challenges of this world, we need to work on changing the systems that have brought us here.

What is your dream job?

For me, a dream job is where I know I am adding something good and meaningful to society, where I can use my abilities for a common purpose that serves a greater goal. I believe that is what I have in Catalyst 2030 through working social impact innovators and teaming up with our members from across the world to advance initiatives that will have a positive impact and will contribute to change the current systems.

Mehdi Akerzoul is an inquisitive individual who values knowledge and seeks to deepen his understanding of various subjects. Curiosity fuels his interactions as he does his best to engage in meaningful conversations. His open-mindedness and receptiveness enable him to consider diverse perspectives and empathise with others. Striving for personal growth, he actively seeks opportunities to broaden his horizons and challenge his existing beliefs. With a penchant for problem-solving, he approaches challenges with a logical and analytical mindset, often exploring creative and pragmatic solutions. My dedication to self-improvement is matched by my determination and perseverance, allowing me to overcome obstacles and achieve my goals. Beyond his intellectual pursuits, friends would say that he possesses a genuine warmth and compassion, demonstrated through his willingness to help others. His respectful and considerate nature fosters an inclusive environment where ideas can thrive. As he navigates through life, he embraces new experiences and the unknown with a constant sense of adventure. He hopes that his enthusiasm and zest for life inspire those around him, as much as theirs inspire him.

Q and A

What do you enjoy most about Catalyst 2030?

I find great joy in Catalyst 2030’s collective effort for positive change, connecting with like-minded individuals, exchanging ideas, and learning from diverse perspectives all around the globe. The emphasis on innovation and the opportunity to contribute fresh solutions fuel my passion for making a meaningful impact. Engaging in discussions and initiatives within Catalyst 2030 powers my passion for being the change I want to see, as I recognise the efficiency of collective action in driving systemic change.

Why is systems change work close to your heart?

There’s a quote from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry that I love, “We don’t inherit the earth from our parents, but we rather borrow it from our children.” I feel like systems change work crystallises this quote beautifully, as it addresses the root causes of societal challenges and the need to create sustainable solutions. In this same spirit, I’m motivated by the opportunity to challenge and reshape existing systems, making a profound impact on a large scale and creating a better future for generations to come.

What is your dream job?

My dream job would be an office job – YES! but not any – one where with associates, we’d all be gathered around the table, brainstorming and discussing various solutions to complex problems. It’s a job in which I’m sure to have contributed to something meaningful and impacted the lives of hundreds around the world, but also one that allows me to discover the world and its perspectives and people.

Mykyta Pobiehum started as an ERASMUS+ intern in 2021, and over time, having proven herself, was was hired as a Membership Coordinator and then promoted to Europe Chapters Coordinator.

Q and A

What do you enjoy most about Catalyst 2030?

The most valuable thing about Catalyst is the people you work with and the mutual respect that comes from teamwork and trust. Because in the end, it is on people that the planet’s future and each of us personally depends.

Why is systems change work close to your heart?

It is due to my nationality. As the Europe Chapters Coordinator, I am able to influence the provision of assistance to the region of Eastern Europe, particularly to Ukraine – my home, which is now engulfed in fire by the most ferocious war since World War II.

And while I cannot directly influence the course of the war, I can support my state and fellow citizens by fighting on the systems change front, most significantly, supporting the shift of the Ukraine economy to the social one.

What is your dream job?

My dream job allows me to balance work and personal space. It also gives me a reasonable salary based on my experience and working capacity.

This work with Catalyst 2030 will allow me to reveal my full potential. It grants me a place to apply all the knowledge I have accumulated at the university and through internships. Altogether, it makes me happy to understand that the time I have invested in training brings cardinal positive changes in the life of society.

Before becoming the MENA Chapters Coordinator Ghufran Abudayyeht worked in monitoring and evaluation, research, international relationships, and project coordination. Her eight years of experience gave her the communication and coordination skills needed for her position. She is a natural listener and a curious individual who’s motivated by new challenges and new learnings.

Q and A

What do you enjoy most about Catalyst 2030?

I enjoy the everyday new learning experiences with Catalyst 2030. I often have to update my theoretical knowledge in ecosystems building, systems change, impact and principles’ evaluation to reflect and assess how our work, down to the simplest tasks, is somehow contributing to changing the world and realising the SDGs. The thing I enjoy the most is when members discover their potential when they start collaborating with others. They start believing in a better world knowing that changing it is possible.

Why is systems change work close to your heart?

Systems change principles gave me the tools to help me think of any initiative or collaboration in the grand scheme of things. Understanding that the problems of the world are caused by the old systems makes it very important to induce systems thinking and practices in any of the solutions produced by the members.

What is your dream job?

My dream job is not to have a job. I dream of owning a small farm where I can plant my own food and take care of a few farm animals. The house on that farm would be built with mud and the farming would be according to permaculture principles. For this to happen, the world will need to change to receive this dream a a normalised and encouraged practice. That is why, at the moment, this job is my dream job.

Salomon, an ASHOKA fellow since 2000, has successfully created the community banking model known as “Bankomunales”, replicating it in multiple countries through strategic alliances with other organisations and social entrepreneurs. His extensive experience has taught him the power of collaboration among entrepreneurs.

After leading his organisation FUNDEFIR for over 25 years and incorporating technology into the Bankomunales model, he felt it was the right time to embark on new initiatives. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with social entrepreneurs globally, recognising that collaborations are crucial for achieving greater social impact. However, he also understands that there is a lack of a collaborative culture in Latin America.

For this reason, he did not hesitate to accept the position of Coordinator of the LATAM chapter in Catalyst 2030, understanding its enormous potential to foster cooperation within the ecosystem. Salomon sees this as a perfect opportunity to fulfill something he had always desired: to use his experience and vision as a social entrepreneur to contribute to promoting collaborative work among ecosystem members.

He devotes some of his time to promoting a new narrative about longevity; highlighting and valuing the contributions of older adults.

Many of his mornings are dedicated to exercising by dancing in a park near his home.

Q and A

What do you enjoy most about Catalyst 2030?

What I enjoy the most about Catalyst 2030 is being able to talk to my fellow social entrepreneurs on how to change society; dreaming together about innovative and disruptive approaches to develop high-impact social projects from a global perspective.
I am fascinated by the enthusiasm of the entrepreneurs when we brainstorm new and collaborative projects in areas such as healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, and more, all while keeping in mind the well-being of the entrepreneurs themselves.

Why is systems change work close to your heart?

This vision is close to my heart because I have devoted a significant portion of my life to transforming an inefficient financial system focused on short-term gains. Through my own work and experiences, I understand that our struggle must aim for change at its core, rather than just addressing its symptoms. For instance, we have spent 40 years focusing on microcredit, and yet the financial system remains one of the biggest obstacles to sustainable societal development. We need to go deeper.

What is your dream job?

At this point in my life, the opportunity at Catalyst 2030 is like a dream come true. However, I am determined to see meaningful collaborations and significant projects materialise. One particular project that I am enthusiastic about working on, alongside other members, is the development of a comprehensive well-being system for social entrepreneurs. The aim is to provide them with long-term, high-quality social security and financial stability.