Catalyst 2030 Team in Focus: Membership

Maddalena, or Maddi as most know her, is a political scientist based in Amsterdam. She started at Catalyst two-and-a-half years ago, while doing her Master’s internship and supporting the Chapters team. She studied in Milan and Lund and was awarded a degree in Innovation, Human Development and Sustainability at the University of Geneva.

Maddi loves travelling, reading and doing sports activities. Her new passion is bouldering. What gives her the most energy is serving the communities she is close to, human connection and the sea.

Q and A

What do you enjoy most about Catalyst 2030?

I love the powerful connection that can spark through a simple conversation and the generosity of our members. I think the sense of community and belonging and the constant desire of our members to support each other and accelerate action is what makes Catalyst 2030 this special.

Why is systems change work close to your heart?

The interconnectedness of all the challenges we face is now, more than ever, clear. Urgent action is needed and a systemic approach is the only way for us to accelerate change. Growing up I have always been passionate about learning about what drives inequality and how to ensure that all are given the same opportunity. This requires a shift in the way the system currently works.

What is your dream job?

My dream job is one in which I am able to support the communities I work for and see the impact of our collaboration. What really drives me are my values and the desire to bring about change in the spaces I am in. Working in the food or water sector and serving children and women around the world would really fill my heart.

Maria is a sociology graduate with multilingual proficiency in Spanish, English and Italian. Her skillset encompasses research, analytical, organisational and management capabilities. Her passion is rooted in advancing social development, driving innovation within the realm of systems change and advocating for inclusivity.

She identifies as an intrapreneur and hacker, motivated by a firm belief in dynamic organisations. Her approach revolves around facilitating transformative change in diverse contexts. In recent years, Maria has gravitated towards providing support to social entrepreneurs and innovators, empowering them to catalyse profound change aligned with the SDGs from a global perspective.

Maria loves to dance, do yoga, read and write brief poems for her loved ones. She’s also passionate about travelling and being in contact with different cultures.

Q and A

What do you enjoy most about Catalyst 2030?

I believe in a better world and that there are a lot of amazing people committed to, and working towards, improving things. There’s a lot of individuality and we need to strengthen communities. Catalyst 2030 brings hope by celebrating changemakers and also brings the opportunity of shifting from the individual to the collective, making their ideas stronger and amplifying their impact.

Why is systems change work close to your heart?

Systems change work is closel to my heart because it enables me and the communities with which I work to understand we’re all part of something bigger than ourselves. We’re part of a system and every little thing we do impacts the system in one way or another. Working through an intentional systems change perspective allows us to be aware of our agency and how we are all interconnected.

What is your dream job?

From my perspective, being part of an organisation is being part of a community. Having said that, for me it’s important to believe in the organisation’s mission and vision and resonate with its values. I give my best when I feel trusted and where mistakes are valued since we’re all trying to challenge the status quo and innovate. Also, I need to be able to learn from the people that surround me.

Q and A

What do you enjoy most about C2030?

I enjoy that I get to meet and interact with people from all over the world and experience the different perspectives that people have and share. I enjoy the friendly environment and that everyone is ready and willing to help and definitely the Friday Gardens.

Why is System Change work close to your heart?

I find systems change to be like a ladder. It helps us to move step by step towards achieving our goals and it helps us reach limits that we wouldn’t have without help. I believe that with systems change I would be able to help communities to live in a food secure environments, where all are empowered and ready to change their world and that of those close to them.

What is your dream job?

I’m still on the discovering journey, but definitely in line with social interactions that bring a change in the various people that I come across. I would love to continue working with people from various parts of the world. The different insights and perspectives are great to help achieve different goals.

Q and A

What do you enjoy most about Catalyst 2030?

I love to see the impact of collective efforts. I feel Catalyst 2030 is the perfect place to address common challenges and co-create connections and collaborations across different countries and stakeholders to achieve global systems change. It is incredible to work together with like-minded people towards shared goals and values.

Why is systems change work close to your heart?

I have always advocated for social justice, equity and environmental sustainability by focusing on the root causes and the unintended consequences. Since I joined Catalyst 2030 I have seen how the work aligns with these values by aiming to create a more just and sustainable system.

What is your dream job?

I have no specific dream job, but I have always wanted to work in an organisation where I could have a positive impact on the community built on a set of values that I also shared. As soon as I joined Catalyst 2030, I could see the alignment with my values and purpose and knowing all the members’ work is an inspiration for me.

Originally from Azerbaijan, Mehin is based in Italy where she is completing her Master’s Degree in Economics and Communication. She is passionate about raising awareness around social and environmental issues and human and animal rights. She is eager about volunteering activities which involve cooperation, project managing, leadership, social activity and everything that requires hard work, creativity and empathy.

Mehin has had a volunteering background rescuing animals in need. And that experience was the turning point of her life when she realised what she really wants to do for the rest of her life. That led her to research more and more about the environment, communities and the issues people and animals are facing on a daily basis.

Q and A

What do I enjoy most about Catalyst 2030?

The best part of Catalyst 2030 is the family it creates inside of it and which is the main force of the organisation. I enjoy the opportunity to constantly learn and grow. I’m exposed to new challenges regularly, which helps me develop both professionally and personally. I enjoy being the part of the collaborative community which gives me an opportunity to work with talented and supportive colleagues who make each day filled with productivity and enjoyable moments. The trust I received from my colleagues from day one is the main reason for feeling encouraged. Witnessing the positive impact of my work is fulfilling.

Why is systems change work close to your heart?

Since I joined Catalyst 2030 I have been paying close attention to system change. As a result, I have come to understand that how decisions affect important social, economic and ecological challenges, as well as the areas that require innovation and growth in order to meet our objectives.

To me, systems thinking is considering the entire picture rather than simply its various elements, understanding the crucial connections within and across systems, including many points of view, and continuously learning and changing.

What is your dream job?

Being helpful and continuing to do more for our shared world is my goal for a dream job. Being able to make a difference in the lives of people, animals and communities in need would make me proud of my life’s work and be something I would always treasure.

I care about a sustainable future, thus my dream job needs to always carry that purpose. For now Catalyst 2030 has been the best place to realise both career and life goals and I wish to go further with it by socialising, communicating and collaborating more.