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Business Development, Environmental Justice, Financial Engineering, General Management, Marginalized Communities, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching, Public Speaking, Social Economy Innovation, Social Entrepreneurship, Spiritual Direction, Strategic Planning, Teaching, Theater + Performance, Youth Empowerment

2009

Philippines

Hotel Maya; Philippine Council for NGO Certification; Xavier & Associates; Circuit Solutions Inc; Ateneo Graduate School of Business; Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary; TESDA Women Center; Del Monte Philippines; Solarsolutions; Teatro Tomasino Alumni Association; University of Asia and the Pacific; TED Conferences; Ateneo de Manila University; Institute of Social Order; University of Santo Tomas; Bell Pepper Inc; Society of Jesus Social Apostolate; Land Bank of the Philippines Foundation; St. Paul's School; Working Hands Foundation

Xavier & Associates (XAA) is an innovation-centered business consulting firm led by Xavier Alpasa (aka Professor X). They work with top executives to design processes and decisions for real business transformations. XAA advises on Discovering Purpose, Developing People, and Driving Profit, offering a unique collaborative approach called Process X. They customize solutions for various clients, from multinational corporations to start-ups, focusing on innovation and transformative solutions. XAA's team of experts provides industry knowledge and experience to guide clients towards better business standards and sustained growth. // TED Fellow (Pioneer Batch, Oxford TED Conference, UK) Ingenuity Coach passionate about Development - Personal, Organizational and National, listed by Esquire Philippines as One of the Country's Best and Brightest for 2011. Rockefeller Bellagio Residency Fellow (Lake Como, Italy) invited as a recognized Practitioner having founded and mentored various social enterprises including multi-awarded Rags2riches, Heroic Leadership, Solarsolutions, Kawiltours and Fennel, among others. Cordes Fellow (Opportunity Collaboration, Cancun, Mexico) and ICNC LIN Fellow (trained through Tufts University, Massachusetts, USA) forming talents through Graduate Studies in MBA of various Business Schools, delivering Keynote Speeches/Talks, Seminar-Workshops locally and internationally. Serial Entrepreneur. Spiritual Trekker. Social Innovation Shaker. Now, publicly introduced as Professor X. // Owned and administered by the SPC Sisters // Advertising Agency // The First and Only ALL-Filipino Renewable Energy Company // One of the largest Filipino Tech Companies. // DELIVERING TRANSFORMATIVE SOLUTIONSDiscovering Purpose, Developing People, Driving Profit // Advertising Agency // The First and Only ALL-Filipino Renewable Energy Company // One of the largest Filipino Tech Companies. // The FIRST and ONLY Eco-Tourism Social Enterprise Hotel in the Philippines, HOTEL MAYA aims to save the poorest Jesuit Mission School, the Loyola College of Culion (www.loyolacollegeculion.com) and simultaneously advocates with a passion for ecological conservation. // Pioneer. One of 25 Fellows chosen to talk on Ideas Worth Spreading in Oxford and gave an extra talk at TED University. // Advertising Agency // The First and Only ALL-Filipino Renewable Energy Company // Handled Regis Executive MBA Leadership Course and Regular MBA Business Ethics while practicing Social Entrepreneurship, conducting seminar-workshops, retreats and giving talks. // Only accrediting institution for NGOs in the Philippines. // Society of Jesus social apostolate // Yuppeace-supported poverty-alleviation foundation helping out-of-school youth become agents of change // Network of Philippine Jesuit NGOs/POs and Institutes involved in Social Apostolate // Leadership formation based on the bestseller book Heroic Leadership by Chris Lowney. // Social Technopreneurship // Eco-tourism Social Enterprise // Hotel Maya; Philippine Council for NGO Certification; Xavier & Associates; Circuit Solutions Inc; Ateneo Graduate School of Business; Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary; TESDA Women Center; Del Monte Philippines; Solarsolutions; Teatro Tomasino Alumni Association; University of Asia and the Pacific; TED Conferences; Ateneo de Manila University; Institute of Social Order; University of Santo Tomas; Bell Pepper Inc; Society of Jesus Social Apostolate; Land Bank of the Philippines Foundation; St. Paul's School; Working Hands Foundation // Xavier Alpasa, known as Professor X, is a serial entrepreneur, ingenuity coach, and social innovation shaker with a passion for personal, organizational, and national development. He has founded and mentored various social enterprises, including Rags2riches, Heroic Leadership, Solarsolutions, and Fennel, among others. Xavier has been recognized as one of the country's best and brightest by Esquire Philippines and has participated in prestigious fellowships such as Rockefeller Bellagio Residency and Cordes Fellow. With a background in business and social entrepreneurship, Xavier delivers keynote speeches, seminars, and workshops globally, shaping talents through graduate studies in MBA programs. His work spans across diverse sectors, from advertising agencies to renewable energy companies, showcasing a commitment to transformative solutions and social impact. // I wake up, sleep and will die dedicating my life for Social Justice through the use of business for the fullness of life of the marginalized. // Xavier Alpasa, also known as Professor X, is a seasoned entrepreneur, innovation coach, and social innovator dedicated to fostering personal, organizational, and national development. As the leader of Xavier & Associates (XAA), an innovation-centered business consulting firm, he collaborates with top executives to drive real business transformations through a unique approach called Process X. With a focus on Discovering Purpose, Developing People, and Driving Profit, Xavier and his team customize solutions for a diverse range of clients, from multinational corporations to start-ups. His extensive experience in founding and mentoring social enterprises, coupled with recognition from esteemed publications and participation in prestigious fellowships, underscores his commitment to transformative solutions and social impact across various sectors. // Priest + entrepreneur // Father Xavier Alpasa is a Jesuit social entrepreneur of Philippine society in the fields of social enterpreneurship, governance and academia. He has organized national movements, especially during elections, on national issues such as agrarian reform, constitutional change and key leadership posts. Known as an unconventional bridger of extremes, he founded the multi-awarded Rags2Riches, a social enterprise connecting prominent personalities from high-end fashion and the corporate world with the marginalized sector from the garage dumpsite capital of the county. He helped connect the most powerful figures in government and business to settle one of the most controversial land reform issues in Philippine history. Xavier has won many awards in local and international competitions, on top of an Outstanding Alumnus Award from Asia's oldest existing academic institution - the University of Santo Tomas where he also served as the President/Artistic Director of the university-wide theater guild that produced prominent celebrities. Representing Rags2riches in the global Business in Development (BiD) Challenge in Netherlands, he grabbed the over-all championship besting 8,000 entries from all over the world. He has given countless local and international keynote speeches and seminars. In 2010, he joined the pioneer batch of Cordes Fellows globally chosen to join Opportunity Collaboration in Mexico. In 2011, Esquire listed him as one of the country's Best and the Brightest. He currently teaches MBA while advancing the field of social entrepreneurship through practice, consulting/mentoring and talks. // Social Entrepreneur who founded multi-awarded social enterprise Rags2riches that won as the Business in Development (BiD) Challenge Global Winner in Netherlands besting 8,000 entries from all over the world. Recognized by Esquire Philippines as One of the Country's Best and the Brightest in 2011. Rockefeller Bellagio Resident Fellow, Pioneer Cordes Fellow of Opportunity Collaboration, Learning Initiative Network (LIN) Fellow of International Center for Non-Violent Conflict. Awarded Outstanding Alumnus of Asia's Oldest Existing University of Santo Tomas College of Commerce for Community Development. Given various Keynote Speeches, Seminars and Workshops internationally. Winner of various Toastmasters Public Speaking Competitions. Founded and Mentored various social enterprises and organizations including Heroic Leadership Philippines based on the NYC-bestselling book with the same title, Solarsolutions (Renewable Energy), Kawil Tours (Eco-Tourism), Fennel (Design Social Agency) and Royal Rumble (Community-based Social Enterprise focusing on rug business). Currently the Chief Strategist of Xavier & Associates delivering transformative solutions to various organizations. // Xavier Alpasa, also known as Professor X, is a seasoned entrepreneur, innovation coach, and social innovator dedicated to fostering personal, organizational, and national development. As the leader of Xavier & Associates (XAA), an innovation-centered business consulting firm, he collaborates with top executives to drive real business transformations through a unique approach called Process X. With a focus on Discovering Purpose, Developing People, and Driving Profit, Xavier and his team customize solutions for a diverse range of clients, from multinational corporations to start-ups. His extensive experience in founding and mentoring social enterprises, coupled with recognition from esteemed publications and participation in prestigious fellowships, underscores his commitment to transformative solutions and social impact across various sectors. // Priest + entrepreneur // technology, renewable, financial engineering and business development, land reform, entrepreneurship, education, led, pastoral ministry, tourism, poverty alleviation, job skills training, finance, social entrepreneurship, strategic planning, research, corporate social responsibility, design, spiritual direction, spirituality, leadership, general management, policy, theater and performing arts, marginalized, youth, community development, social justice, public speaking, renewable energy, teaching, standards, ethics, accounting standards, poverty, governance, social economy, government, preaching, energy, justice, ecology, land // Makati City|Manila|Metro Manila|Philippines

Makati City|Manila|Metro Manila|Philippines

AI/ML, Cybersecurity

2011

United States

Housing advocate // Yale Fox has dedicated his career to improving quality of life through data-driven technology innovation. He is a TED Fellow and the founder and CEO of Rentlogic, a building rating system that uses objective data obtained from millions of city records to assess and rank buildings across New York City. Recognized by Gehrson Lehman Group as an Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML) machine-learning experts in the space, Yale is constantly developing unique and exciting ways to integrate AI/ML into everyday use. In 2013, Yale launched Rentlogic: a platform that analyzes millions of pieces of data to generate letter-grade ratings for buildings across New York City. This grading system arms prospective and current tenants with relevant information about the landlord as well as the current condition of the building. This tool was also created to reward those landlords who maintain a standard of excellence and quality of living for their tenants. Rentlogic is the result of Yale’s passion for creating a platform which fosters the transparency this market has typically lacked. Yale has spent years studying and designing systems to monitor social behavior in the context of business development. He continues to publish papers and speak regularly at industry events regarding his research. Using sensors and statistics, Yale has proven his ability to create environments in which humans are inclined to behave a certain way. His conclusions have been leveraged to improve operations within businesses spanning several major industries. In his spare time, Yale experiments AI/ML in fun and innovative ways. His latest passion project involves the build-out of a custom communication system for his dog, Elly. By combining AI with state-of-the-art sound and voice-recognition equipment, Elly will be able to converse with people, ask for food, and offer opinions. // I’m an award-winning technologist who lives to solve hard problems, push the limits of modern technology and redefine state of the art. // I’m an award-winning technologist who lives to solve hard problems, push the limits of modern technology and redefine state of the art. // Housing advocate // technology, research, cybersecurity, data-driven, food, buildings, ai/ml, sensor, monitoring, data, artificial intelligence, machine learning, communication, transparency // New York|United States|USA

New York|United States|USA

Activism, Advocacy, Art for social change, Artivism, Climate justice, Creative campaigning, Education, Environmental policy and advocacy, Government policy, Human rights advocacy and campaigning, Investigative journalism, Job skills training, Media ethics, Nonprofits, Playtivism, Science communication, Volunteerism

2011

Spain

Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski; Yale University; Self Employed; Bulgarian Helsinki Committee; World Economic Forum; Sofia University, Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication; First English Language School, Sofia; University of Oxford - Said Business School; Sofia University, Faculty of Philosophy; Nanyang Technological University Singapore; School of Politics, Bulgaria; TimeHeroes; Capital weekly; TED Conferences; Fine Acts; Harvard Kennedy School of Government

Fine Acts is an organization that focuses on visual framing and creative campaigning to help civil society organizations improve their capacity in fostering democracy and human rights. They collaborate with artists worldwide to create powerful illustrations on various social topics, such as climate justice and the impact of environmental crises. Through projects like "Oracle," an interactive artwork featuring a talking flame, and initiatives like "Illustrating Democracy & Rule of Law," Fine Acts aims to provoke thought, challenge norms, and ignite conversations on critical social issues. Their work is available under an open license on TheGreats.co, allowing for free non-commercial use and adaptation by nonprofits, activists, and educators to promote justice, accountability, and human rights. // Fine Acts is a global nonprofit creative studio for social impact. // The TED Fellows program helps world-changing innovators from around the globe become part of the TED community and, with its help, amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities. Fellows are drawn from many disciplines that reflect the diversity of TED's members: technology, entertainment, design, the sciences, the humanities, the arts, NGOs, business and more. // "This honour is bestowed by the World Economic Forum each year to recognize the most distinguished young leaders nominated below the age of 40 from around the world".http://forumblog.org/2012/03/welcome-to-the-young-global-leaders-class-of-2012/ // TimeHeroes aims to build the bridge over the gap between potential volunteers and organizations, making the process of finding an initiative of interest fast and easy. // Campaign Director (2009-2014) - Responsible for the design, scope, visibility and impact of the BHC's campaigns. The BHC is the largest and most influential human-rights NGO in Bulgaria.Special Advisor (2014-ongoing) Deputy-chair (2016 - 2018)Member of the board (2014-ongoing) // Contributing to publications, on social and cultural issues and human rights issues. Has published at Die Sueddeutsche Zeitung, Germany; Der Standard, Austria; The Guardian, UK; Ablak, The Netherlands; Vreme, Serbia; Belgrade Insight, Serbia; Globus, Macedonia; Dnevnik, Bulgaria; Obektiv, Bulgaria; Balkan Insight, Transitions Online. // Designing and implementing training courses for journalists; author of journalism guidebooks and media ethics codes. 2003 – to date: Frequent lecturer and course leader.August 2005 - February 2008: Head of the Internal Training Program in high professional standards in Capital weekly, aimed at new journalists and interns.2010-2011: Consultant, Bulgarian National Television. // TimeHeroes aims to build the bridge over the gap between potential volunteers and organizations, making the process of finding an initiative of interest fast and easy. // Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski; Yale University; Self Employed; Bulgarian Helsinki Committee; World Economic Forum; Sofia University, Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication; First English Language School, Sofia; University of Oxford - Said Business School; Sofia University, Faculty of Philosophy; Nanyang Technological University Singapore; School of Politics, Bulgaria; TimeHeroes; Capital weekly; TED Conferences; Fine Acts; Harvard Kennedy School of Government // Yana Buhrer Tavanier is a versatile professional with a strong background in campaign management, human rights advocacy, and journalism. With experience as a Campaign Director for a prominent human-rights NGO in Bulgaria, she has demonstrated expertise in designing impactful campaigns. Additionally, her role as a Special Advisor and Deputy-chair has showcased her strategic thinking and leadership skills. Yana's contributions to various publications on social and cultural issues, as well as human rights, highlight her commitment to raising awareness and driving positive change. Her involvement in training journalists and developing media ethics codes underscores her dedication to promoting journalistic integrity. Through initiatives like TimeHeroes, she continues to bridge the gap between volunteers and organizations, facilitating community engagement and social impact. // I run Fine Acts – a global nonprofit creative studio for social impact. We work at the intersections of advocacy, art, tech, and science, and practice playtivism – creating multidisciplinary spaces for play and experimentation in activism. Our work – from public art interventions, through videos, installations, books, board games and illustrations, to experimental formats – is rooted in hope, joy, and openness. Fine Acts’ campaigns and art actions aim to foster public understanding and engagement on a vast range of social and environmental issues; we also work to support and empower organizations across the globe through tailored trainings, open resources, and bespoke creative work. // Yana Buhrer Tavanier is a multifaceted professional known for her expertise in campaign management, human rights advocacy, and journalism. With a background as a Campaign Director for a prominent human-rights NGO in Bulgaria, she has honed her skills in designing impactful campaigns and demonstrating strategic thinking. Yana's commitment to raising awareness on social and cultural issues, human rights, and journalistic integrity is evident through her contributions to various publications and initiatives like TimeHeroes. As the founder of Fine Acts, a global nonprofit creative studio for social impact, she leads a team that leverages advocacy, art, tech, and science to create innovative campaigns and art actions that provoke thought and spark conversations on critical social and environmental issues. Through Fine Acts, Yana aims to empower organizations worldwide by providing tailored trainings, open resources, and bespoke creative work to drive positive change and promote justice, accountability, and human rights. // Creative activist // Social entrepreneur, human rights activist and award-winning journalist. Has dedicated much of the past years to exposing the inhumane treatment of children and adults with intellectual and mental health disabilities in the Balkans. Currently: co-founder and CEO, Fine Acts, bridging activists and artists from across the world to work on collaborative projects. Also - co-founder, TimeHeroes.org, a do-more-good platform; member of the board and Special Advisor, Bulgarian Helsinki Committee, the country's most influential human rights group. BA in Mass Communications and MA in International Political Relations, Sofia University. TED Senior Fellow; Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum; Founding Curator, Global Shapers Sofia Hub; named one of 50 people who will change the world in WIRED's Smart List 2012. // TED Senior Fellow Yana Buhrer Tavanier is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Fine Acts, a global nonprofit creative studio for social impact. Yana is a creative activist and a social entrepreneur, with a background in investigative journalism. In her work, she explores human rights innovation and looks into the intersections of activism and art, tech, science, and their potential to instigate change. She is the author of the concept of Playtivism, celebrating the value of experimentation and multidisciplinary creative play in activism. Yana is also Co-founder and Board Member of TimeHeroes.org, the largest volunteer platform in Bulgaria. Her educational background includes BA in Communication and MA in Political Science from Sofia University; and Executive Education at Harvard (Kennedy School of Government), Oxford (Saïd Business School), NTU-Singapore, and Yale Universities. Yana is a 2018 TED Resident, 2019/2020 Fulbright Scholar, WEF Young Global Leader, Allianz Foundation Fellow, Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and was named one of 50 people who will change the world in WIRED’s Smart List 2012. // When you're feeling burned out as an activist, what's the best way to bounce back? TED Senior Fellow Yana Buhrer Tavanier explores the power of "playtivism" -- the incorporation of play and creativity into movements for social change. See how this versatile approach can spark new ideas, propel action and melt fear. // Yana Buhrer Tavanier is a multifaceted professional known for her expertise in campaign management, human rights advocacy, and journalism. With a background as a Campaign Director for a prominent human-rights NGO in Bulgaria, she has honed her skills in designing impactful campaigns and demonstrating strategic thinking. Yana's commitment to raising awareness on social and cultural issues, human rights, and journalistic integrity is evident through her contributions to various publications and initiatives like TimeHeroes. As the founder of Fine Acts, a global nonprofit creative studio for social impact, she leads a team that leverages advocacy, art, tech, and science to create innovative campaigns and art actions that provoke thought and spark conversations on critical social and environmental issues. Through Fine Acts, Yana aims to empower organizations worldwide by providing tailored trainings, open resources, and bespoke creative work to drive positive change and promote justice, accountability, and human rights. // Creative activist // technology, climate justice, education, investigative journalism, job skills training, adaptation, art, artivism, activism, climate, human rights, design, rights, environmental policy and advocacy, volunteerism, policy, art for social change, playtivism, advocacy, creative campaigning, campaigns, children, standards, ethics, human rights advocacy and campaigning, science, expose, media ethics, accounting standards, law, journalism & communication, accountability, communication, government, volunteering, justice, nonprofits // Bulgaria|Sofia City Province|Sofia

Bulgaria|Sofia City Province|Sofia

Communication, Conceptual change, Electrical engineering, Human security, Justice, Knowledge building, Nuclear security education, Policy research, Public policy, Research, STEM Education, Social justice, Teaching, Technology

2011

Jordan

Dr. Yara Shaban is a senior researcher with expertise in education within the Human Security and Social Justice pillars. Holding a PhD in STEM Education from Tufts University and a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Jordan, she focuses on projects related to preventing violent extremism, the future of education, social protection, and public policy research. Dr. Shaban's research interests encompass knowledge development in learning settings and the influence of language and culture on knowledge construction and communication. // I am curious about how people engage in their thinking processes to build knowledge in formal and informal learning settings. This has led me to think about the propagation of scientific ideas, the role of teachers in scaffolding students' knowledge, and in my current capacity to work on evidence-based programming to ensure human dignity from a human security perspective. // Dr. Yara Shaban is a senior researcher specializing in education within the Human Security and Social Justice domains. With a PhD in STEM Education from Tufts University and a background in electrical engineering from the University of Jordan, she delves into projects concerning the prevention of violent extremism, the evolution of education, social protection, and public policy research. Dr. Shaban's research focuses on knowledge development in learning environments, exploring the impact of language and culture on knowledge construction and communication. Her work also delves into understanding how individuals engage in thinking processes to foster knowledge acquisition in both formal and informal educational settings, emphasizing evidence-based programming to uphold human dignity through a human security lens. // Roboticist // A Jordanian electrical engineer who's working to engage women in technology education and development in the Middle East // Learning Scientist working in a policy think tank in the field of Human Security. Interested in nuclear security education and the role of language and culture in shaping our knowledge and perceptions of the world. // Dr. Yara Shaban is a senior researcher specializing in education within the Human Security and Social Justice domains. With a PhD in STEM Education from Tufts University and a background in electrical engineering from the University of Jordan, she delves into projects concerning the prevention of violent extremism, the evolution of education, social protection, and public policy research. Dr. Shaban's research focuses on knowledge development in learning environments, exploring the impact of language and culture on knowledge construction and communication. Her work also delves into understanding how individuals engage in thinking processes to foster knowledge acquisition in both formal and informal educational settings, emphasizing evidence-based programming to uphold human dignity through a human security lens. // Roboticist // technology, knowledge building, knowledge-building communities, nuclear security education, education, led, electrical engineering, research, travel of ideas, human security, policy, nuclear, women, stem, public policy, construction, teachers, social justice, learning sciences, policy research, conceptual change, communication, stem education, justice // Amman|Jordan|Amman Governorate

Amman|Jordan|Amman Governorate

Imperialism, journalism, migration, refugees, social justice, writing

2018

United States

Black Writers Ink is a platform that celebrates independent journalism by sharing opinions and thoughts on current global issues. The organization aims to provide insightful online content on a variety of topics such as health, fashion, food, events, fiction, travel, and education. Subscribing to their newsletters keeps individuals informed and engaged with their content. // I'm advocating for fairness and justice for Black African people and migrants. Through my writing, I aim to expose imperialistic tendencies, exploitation, and the plunder of Africa. // Yasin Kakande is a dedicated journalist and advocate who uses his platform, Black Writers Ink, to shed light on global issues, particularly focusing on the experiences of Black African people and migrants. Through his writing, he addresses topics such as imperialism, exploitation, and social justice, aiming to bring awareness to the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Black Writers Ink serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking insightful perspectives on a range of subjects including health, fashion, food, events, fiction, travel, and education. Kakande's work not only informs but also inspires conversations around fairness and justice for those often overlooked in mainstream narratives. // Investigative journalist+ author // Yasin Kakande is the author of "Slave States: The Practice of Kafala in the Gulf Arab Region and "The Ambitious Struggle: An African Journalist's Journey of Hope and Identity in a Land of Migrants." // In the ongoing debate over refugees, we hear from everyone -- from politicians who pledge border controls to citizens who fear they'll lose their jobs -- everyone, that is, except migrants themselves. Why are they coming? Journalist and TED Fellow Yasin Kakande explains what compelled him and many others to flee their homelands, urging a more open discussion and a new perspective. Because humanity's story, he reminds us, is a story of migration: "There are no restrictions that could ever be so rigorous to stop the wave of migration that has determined our human history," he says. // Yasin Kakande is a dedicated journalist and advocate who uses his platform, Black Writers Ink, to shed light on global issues, particularly focusing on the experiences of Black African people and migrants. Through his writing, he addresses topics such as imperialism, exploitation, and social justice, aiming to bring awareness to the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Black Writers Ink serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking insightful perspectives on a range of subjects including health, fashion, food, events, fiction, travel, and education. Kakande's work not only informs but also inspires conversations around fairness and justice for those often overlooked in mainstream narratives. // Investigative journalist+ author // author, education, food, expose, refugees, journalist, jobs, justice, land, migration // USA|United States|Waltham|Massachusetts|Africa|Boston

USA|United States|Waltham|Massachusetts|Africa|Boston

Governance, Public Sector Management, Rural Development

2009

India

Yamini is currently Director of the Accountability Initiative. Set up in 2008, the Accountability Initiative aims to promote research, innovations and tools to strengthen accountability and citizen engagement in India’s governance processes. Prior to setting up the initiative, Yamini worked with international development organizations on issues related to improving accountability in basic service delivery. She has worked with the World Bank’s Water and Sanitation Program and Rural Development unit in New Delhi on action research aimed at strengthening mechanisms for citizen engagement in local government. She was a member of the decentralization team at the World Bank that provided policy support to strengthen local governance in India. Yamini has also worked on issues related to decentralization and service delivery at the Ford Foundation with its Governance and Civil Society program. Contact Information India TEDIndia_ // Yamini is currently Director of the Accountability Initiative. Set up in 2008, the Accountability Initiative aims to promote research, innovations and tools to strengthen accountability and citizen engagement in India’s governance processes. Prior to setting up the initiative, Yamini worked with international development organizations on issues related to improving accountability in basic service delivery. She has worked with the World Bank’s Water and Sanitation Program and Rural Development unit in New Delhi on action research aimed at strengthening mechanisms for citizen engagement in local government. She was a member of the decentralization team at the World Bank that provided policy support to strengthen local governance in India. Yamini has also worked on issues related to decentralization and service delivery at the Ford Foundation with its Governance and Civil Society program. Contact Information India TEDIndia_ // research, water, sanitation, rural, rural development, citizen engagement, public sector management, governance, community development, policy, rain water, decentralization, accountability, government, rural community development, water sanitation // India|New Delhi|Delhi

India|New Delhi|Delhi

Community Development, Design Strategy, Fundraising, Marketing & Branding, Project Management, Social Enterpreneurship, Social Media - Digital Activism, Sustainability

2009

Sweden

Digital strategist // Yatin is a social innovator, entrepreneur and TED Fellow, with a focus on technology and design for social change. <p> Originally from India, Yatin's experience ranges from founding two social enterprises in India, working with larger non-profit organizations like Ashoka in USA and several others in India and Europe, and consulting with technology firms like Hewlett-Packard Research Labs, Intel, Nokia and Human Factors to develop innovative technology products for emerging markets. <p> Yatin loves working on the cross-section of technology, design, business and social change and follows an entrepreneurial approach to problems. Some of his recent projects include building a crowd-sourced global map of alternative education schools and resources, developing a local open-governance network to connect academia, industry and public sector, and Art Pitara, an initiative to develop creative potential in underserved children in developing countries. <p> At TED, he's looking forward to collaborate with other TEDsters on new projects globally. <p> Yatin has been educated as an technologist, trained as a user experience researcher and currently learning about Leadership and Organizational Sustainability in Sweden. <p> He is a TED Fellow, an Atlas Corps Fellow, and Swedish Institute Future Global Leader and blogs at the <a href="http://www.yatinsethi.com" target="_blank">The Social Innovation Blog</a>. <p> <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/yatinsethi" target="_blank">http://www.linkedin.com/in/yatinsethi</a> <p> // Yatin is a social innovator, and entrepreneurial project manager, with a focus on technology and social media for positive change in organizations and society. Originally from India, Yatin's experience ranges from founding two social enterprises in India, consulting with technology firms like Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Dell and Nokia to develop innovative technology products for emerging markets, and starting and managing global projects with non-profit organizations like Ashoka in USA, Europe and India. Yatin loves working on the cross-section of technology, design, business and social change and follows an entrepreneurial approach to problems. Some of his recent projects include developing a platform to connect high skilled-talent in Scandinavia, building a crowd-sourced global map of alternative education schools, and Art Pitara, an initiative to develop creative potential in underserved children in developing countries. At TED, he's looking forward to collaborate with other TEDsters on new projects globally. Yatin has been educated as an IT engineer, trained in user-experience research and learning about leadership and sustainability. He has been awarded as a TED Fellow, StartingBloc Fellow, Atlas Corps Fellow, and Swedish Institute Future Global Leader. // Yatin is a social innovator, and entrepreneurial project manager, with a focus on technology and social media for positive change in organizations and society. Originally from India, Yatin's experience ranges from founding two social enterprises in India, consulting with technology firms like Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Dell and Nokia to develop innovative technology products for emerging markets, and starting and managing global projects with non-profit organizations like Ashoka in USA, Europe and India. Yatin loves working on the cross-section of technology, design, business and social change and follows an entrepreneurial approach to problems. Some of his recent projects include developing a platform to connect high skilled-talent in Scandinavia, building a crowd-sourced global map of alternative education schools, and Art Pitara, an initiative to develop creative potential in underserved children in developing countries. At TED, he's looking forward to collaborate with other TEDsters on new projects globally. Yatin has been educated as an IT engineer, trained in user-experience research and learning about leadership and sustainability. He has been awarded as a TED Fellow, StartingBloc Fellow, Atlas Corps Fellow, and Swedish Institute Future Global Leader. // Digital strategist // technology, research, children, developing countries, activism, social enterpreneurship, social media - digital activism, design, project management, education, sustainability, community development, underserved, marketing & branding, fundraising, design strategy // Sweden|Stockholm County|Stockholm

Sweden|Stockholm County|Stockholm

Content creation, filmmaking, interdisciplinary art, storytelling, writing

2020

Kuwait

Zouz Al-Mahdi is an artist, writer, and filmmaker from Kuwait. Their work includes various art forms such as sketches, poems, and storytelling. They have a significant following on social media and are associated with other artists and creative individuals. // Zahra Al-Mahdi is an English Literature graduate from Kuwait University, College of Arts. She is an artist, writer, and filmmaker, known for her debut graphic novel "We, The Borrowed" published in 2016. Currently, she is working on her online miniseries "Bird Watch." // My approach in creating work is always storytelling from a Birds Eye perspective. I think my role in the world is make reflecting over painful/sensitive topics more palatable through edutainment. I take a mundane, day-to-day concept and dig deep into its history, to ask the right questions about its present form. Revealing that all that we are used to is not "natural" in the axiomatic sense. Thereby making sure that we never take "nature" for granted, and keep stirring our comforts with lively questions. // Zahra Al-Mahdi is an English Literature graduate known for her work as an artist, writer, and filmmaker. She gained recognition for her debut graphic novel "We, The Borrowed" and is currently engaged in creating an online miniseries titled "Bird Watch." Al-Mahdi's approach to storytelling involves exploring everyday concepts from a unique perspective, delving into their historical roots to provoke thought and reflection on sensitive topics. Through her work, she aims to blend education and entertainment to challenge societal norms and encourage critical thinking about the world around us. // Multimedia artist // Artist using satire, dark humor and tactile collage techniques to reveal the unintended impacts humans have on their societies and ecosystems. // TED Fellow Zahra Al-Mahdi was raised by screens -- "storytelling machines" like TV and the internet that shaped her sense of self and reality. Now a multimedia artist and filmmaker, she challenges common historical narratives and brings a multiplicity of perspectives to the surface. In this dynamic talk, Al-Mahdi traces her development as a storyteller using satire, dark humor and tactile collage techniques to expand what we think we know about ourselves. // Zahra Al-Mahdi is an English Literature graduate known for her work as an artist, writer, and filmmaker. She gained recognition for her debut graphic novel "We, The Borrowed" and is currently engaged in creating an online miniseries titled "Bird Watch." Al-Mahdi's approach to storytelling involves exploring everyday concepts from a unique perspective, delving into their historical roots to provoke thought and reflection on sensitive topics. Through her work, she aims to blend education and entertainment to challenge societal norms and encourage critical thinking about the world around us. // Multimedia artist // interdisciplinary artist, nature, birds, and filmmaker. , writer, ecosystem // Saudi Arabia|Berlin|Germany|Kuwait|Jeddah

Saudi Arabia|Berlin|Germany|Kuwait|Jeddah

2014

Photographer + storyteller // Ziyah Gafić was born in Sarajevo, where he graduated in Comparative literature. Since 1999 he has been travelling extensively and covered major events in more then forty countries. Gafić’s work was exhibited at many relevant galleries and photo festivals such as: Visa pour l'image Perpignan, Rencontres du photograhie Arles, Fovea Editions New York, Oude Kerk Amsterdam, Tom Blau gallery London, Grazia Neri gallery Milano. Nowdays, he regularly publishes his work in some of the worlds leading publications such as Amica, La repubblica, Time, Tank, Telegraph Magazine, Newsweek, L'Espresso, GEO. His photo essay on Bosnia was published in the book „Tales from Globalizing World“ by Thames & Hudson while his works are included in several overviews of contemporary photography such as „Photography as Contemporary Art“ by Thames & Hudson and „The way people live“ by Gabriel Bauret. Gafić just completed his long term project “Troubled Islam” and "Quest for Identity" SELECTED AWARDS & GRANTS 2001. Ian Parry scholarship 2001. World Press Photo 2nd prize 2001. World Press Photo Masterclass 2002. Kodak Award for Young Reporters at Visa pour l’Image 2002. World Press Photo 1st prize 2002. World Press Photo 2nd prize 2002. HSBC foundation special mention 2003. PDN’s 30 emerging photographers 2003. Grand Prix Discovery of the Year at Arles Meetings of photography 2005. Giacomelli memorial fund 2007. Getty Images Grant for Editorial Photography 2007. American Photography 2007. Photo District News award 2007. Hasselblad Masters award finalist // Ziyah Gafić photographs everyday objects—watches, shoes, glasses. But these images are deceptively simple; the items in them have been exhumed from the mass graves of the Bosnian War. Gafić, a TED Fellow and Sarajevo native, is photographing every item from these graves in order to create a living archive of the identities of those lost.  // Ziyah Gafić was born in Sarajevo, where he graduated in Comparative literature. Since 1999 he has been travelling extensively and covered major events in more then forty countries. Gafić’s work was exhibited at many relevant galleries and photo festivals such as: Visa pour l'image Perpignan, Rencontres du photograhie Arles, Fovea Editions New York, Oude Kerk Amsterdam, Tom Blau gallery London, Grazia Neri gallery Milano. Nowdays, he regularly publishes his work in some of the worlds leading publications such as Amica, La repubblica, Time, Tank, Telegraph Magazine, Newsweek, L'Espresso, GEO. His photo essay on Bosnia was published in the book „Tales from Globalizing World“ by Thames & Hudson while his works are included in several overviews of contemporary photography such as „Photography as Contemporary Art“ by Thames & Hudson and „The way people live“ by Gabriel Bauret. Gafić just completed his long term project “Troubled Islam” and "Quest for Identity" SELECTED AWARDS & GRANTS 2001. Ian Parry scholarship 2001. World Press Photo 2nd prize 2001. World Press Photo Masterclass 2002. Kodak Award for Young Reporters at Visa pour l’Image 2002. World Press Photo 1st prize 2002. World Press Photo 2nd prize 2002. HSBC foundation special mention 2003. PDN’s 30 emerging photographers 2003. Grand Prix Discovery of the Year at Arles Meetings of photography 2005. Giacomelli memorial fund 2007. Getty Images Grant for Editorial Photography 2007. American Photography 2007. Photo District News award 2007. Hasselblad Masters award finalist // Photographer + storyteller // war

Appropriate Technology, Entrepreneurship, Equity, Fundraising, Gender, Hunger, Maternal and Newborn Health, Poverty, Sustainable Development Goals, Women's Health and Wellbeing

2009

United States

Women's health advocate // Zubaida is regarded as a leader in the field of designing and engineering low-cost health products appropriate for the developing world. She has a Master’s in Engineering (product development and design) from Dalarna University, Sweden and an MBA (social and sustainable enterprises) from Colorado State University, USA. With over 6 years of experience in the social sector specifically in innovations in health and commercialization. Zubaida now heads AYZH, a social enterprise aimed at bringing technology solutions to rural women.. Zubaida founded AYZH as a way to increase the income and health of women in rural India by enabling them to be the producers of tools like sterile birth kits, designed to help women thrive. Zubaida’s professional experience, combined with her personal passion for empowering underserved women, led to her being selected as a TED India fellow (2009), Ashoka Maternal Health fellow (2010-2011), and most recently an Echoing Green fellow (2012). In 2011, Zubaida’s design of the flagship AYZH product JANMA the clean birth kit being chosen one of the 61 products globally designed to improve life by INDEX Awards. // Zubaida Bai is President and CEO of Grameen Foundation, headquartered in Washington, DC. She leads Grameen Foundation in its mission to end poverty and hunger by building ecosystems that support women in leveraging their own capacity to contribute to the prosperity of their families and communities. Bai is a social entrepreneur and women's health advocate with more than 18 years in the social impact space. Building on her expertise as a mechanical engineer, product designer, and empathetic communicator, Bai put her passion for bettering the lives of women to work when founding her company, ayzh, (pronounced eyes) in 2009. This women's reproductive health product and services business serving emerging and frontier markets has improved the lives of over 1 million women and evolved into a global enterprise. After leading the organization for 12 years she now serves on its board. Prior to joining Grameen Foundation, Bai was the managing director of CARE Social Ventures where she used her strategic expertise, global perspective, and hands-on Operational and P&L experience to convert locally created philanthropic programs into financially sustainable global social enterprises. She helped organizations assess their feasibility, providing business support such as CEO and Board recruiting, strategic planning, and future business strategy. Bai has served on boards of several high impact social businesses in countries like Bangladesh, Zambia and India. She also stays close to her engineering roots by serving on the Board of Advisors of medtech startups such as SISU Global Health. She is a Visiting Social Innovator with Harvard University’s Social Innovative Change Initiative (SICI) and a member of the Governing Body of SEMA Reproductive Health and the Impact Advisory Council of TOMS Shoes. Some of Bai’s recognitions of note are Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, a Maternal Health Champion by Ashoka, and a Sustainable Development Goals Pioneer (United Nations Global Compact). She has spoken at multiple global forums including the United Nations and TED. Bai holds a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA. She was also conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree by Claremont Graduate University in 2018 for her ability to work at the intersection of various sectors seamlessly, and to energetically bring her unique insights and fresh perspective to the table. // TED Fellow Zubaida Bai works with medical professionals, midwives and mothers to bring dignity and low-cost interventions to women's health care. In this quick, inspiring talk, she presents her clean birth kit in a purse, which contains everything a new mother needs for a hygienic birth and a healthy delivery -- no matter where in the world (or how far from a medical clinic) she might be. // Zubaida Bai is President and CEO of Grameen Foundation, headquartered in Washington, DC. She leads Grameen Foundation in its mission to end poverty and hunger by building ecosystems that support women in leveraging their own capacity to contribute to the prosperity of their families and communities. Bai is a social entrepreneur and women's health advocate with more than 18 years in the social impact space. Building on her expertise as a mechanical engineer, product designer, and empathetic communicator, Bai put her passion for bettering the lives of women to work when founding her company, ayzh, (pronounced eyes) in 2009. This women's reproductive health product and services business serving emerging and frontier markets has improved the lives of over 1 million women and evolved into a global enterprise. After leading the organization for 12 years she now serves on its board. Prior to joining Grameen Foundation, Bai was the managing director of CARE Social Ventures where she used her strategic expertise, global perspective, and hands-on Operational and P&L experience to convert locally created philanthropic programs into financially sustainable global social enterprises. She helped organizations assess their feasibility, providing business support such as CEO and Board recruiting, strategic planning, and future business strategy. Bai has served on boards of several high impact social businesses in countries like Bangladesh, Zambia and India. She also stays close to her engineering roots by serving on the Board of Advisors of medtech startups such as SISU Global Health. She is a Visiting Social Innovator with Harvard University’s Social Innovative Change Initiative (SICI) and a member of the Governing Body of SEMA Reproductive Health and the Impact Advisory Council of TOMS Shoes. Some of Bai’s recognitions of note are Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, a Maternal Health Champion by Ashoka, and a Sustainable Development Goals Pioneer (United Nations Global Compact). She has spoken at multiple global forums including the United Nations and TED. Bai holds a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA. She was also conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree by Claremont Graduate University in 2018 for her ability to work at the intersection of various sectors seamlessly, and to energetically bring her unique insights and fresh perspective to the table. // Women's health advocate // technology, entrepreneurship, appropriate technology, led, menstrual hygine, equity, hunger and poverty, sustainable development goals, design, sustainable development , fundraising, women, women's health and wellbeing, gender, advocacy, underserved, women's health, maternal and newborn health, rural, hunger, poverty, low-cost, ecosystem, income // Fort Collins|United States|Colorado|USA

Fort Collins|United States|Colorado|USA

Business developement, Mobile app development, Product Design and Development, Software Development, Web development

2007

Nigeria

Software developer // web/mobile application developer and creator of the groundbreaking Nigerian Constitution App; co-founder of mobile media company Pledge51 and a social gaming platform called chopup.me // A TED fellow, who passionately believes in the power of technology to promote positive change and create wealth. In 2011, He started an initiative now called Constitution for All which today has enabled over 2,000,000 Nigerians have access to the Constitution anytime anywhere on their mobile phones. He has also served as a consultant to World Bank’s infoDev on its Mobile Innovation Program. He co-founded ChopUp - a mobile social gaming Startup, building locally relevant games for mobile Africa. They have released titles such as Danfo Reloaded II, Table Soccer and Sambisa Assault to name a few. In addition to designing and producing mobile apps, he also helped to build one of Nigeria’s largest information portals, ConnectNigeria.com. Zubair has also worked at Chevron Nigeria and IZY Brand limited. // A TED fellow, who passionately believes in the power of technology to promote positive change and create wealth. In 2011, He started an initiative now called Constitution for All which today has enabled over 2,000,000 Nigerians have access to the Constitution anytime anywhere on their mobile phones. He has also served as a consultant to World Bank’s infoDev on its Mobile Innovation Program. He co-founded ChopUp - a mobile social gaming Startup, building locally relevant games for mobile Africa. They have released titles such as Danfo Reloaded II, Table Soccer and Sambisa Assault to name a few. In addition to designing and producing mobile apps, he also helped to build one of Nigeria’s largest information portals, ConnectNigeria.com. Zubair has also worked at Chevron Nigeria and IZY Brand limited. // Software developer // technology, mobile phones, software development, design, mobile applications, mobile app development, web development, product design and development, software, business developement // Lagos|Nigeria

Lagos|Nigeria

Communication, countering propaganda, disinformation, job skills training, journalism, media, media ethics, misinformation, policy, rumors, social communications

2018

Ukraine

Ukrainian School of Political Studies; Kiivs'kij Nacional'nij Torgovel'no Ekonomicnij Universitet; Self-Employed; StopFake; Nova Informaciya; Kyiv national university of trade and economics (KNUTE); Mohyla school of journalism; IREX U-Media/Ukraine; RIA Media Corp; Mohyla school of journalism

Co-founder of StopFake.org, an independent Ukrainian organization that trains an international cohort of fact-checkers in an effort to curb propaganda and misinformation in the media. Experienced editor with a demonstrated history of working in the media production industry. Watch my TED Talk https://www.ted.com/talks/olga_yurkova_inside_the_fight_against_russia_s_fake_news_empire // Fact-checking website www.stopfake.org // Head of department that covers Donbas&Crimea topics in the weekly "Kraina" magazine, the "Gazeta po-ukrainsky" newspaper and the website www.gazeta.ua // Creating and conducting trainings and workshops for journalists and editors on new media, multimedia journalism, newsroom management, social media for journalists and editors, SEO and SMM for journalists and editors, fact-checking, media standards and ethics.Among the customers of trainings and seminars:‚óè Regional Press Development Institute‚óè Association of Independent Regional Publishers of Ukraine‚óè Publishing house "Burda Ukraine"‚óè A lot of non-governmental organizations and movements, including people with disabilities‚óè University Wisconsin - Milwaukee, University Wisconsin - Madison, the USA‚óè Donbass Media Forum, Mariupol‚óè Tech Camp, Warsaw Conducted a series of public seminars on new media "Facebook +", Kyiv // Full responsibility for the content and informalional policy of newspapers "20 hvylyn", "RIA" and website www.20minut.ua // Ukrainian School of Political Studies; Kiivs'kij Nacional'nij Torgovel'no Ekonomicnij Universitet; Self-Employed; StopFake; Nova Informaciya; Kyiv national university of trade and economics (KNUTE); Mohyla school of journalism; IREX U-Media/Ukraine; RIA Media Corp; Mohyla school of journalism // Olga Yurkova is a co-founder of StopFake.org, an independent organization dedicated to training fact-checkers globally to combat misinformation and propaganda in the media. With a background in media production, Olga has extensive experience as an editor. She has led initiatives covering topics related to Donbas and Crimea in various publications and websites. Olga is also known for her role in creating and delivering training programs for journalists and editors on a range of topics including new media, journalism ethics, and fact-checking. Her expertise has been sought after by a diverse range of organizations, including media outlets, NGOs, and educational institutions both in Ukraine and internationally. // I try to make governments and people in Ukraine and the world resistant to propaganda and disinformation from malicious actors that threaten democracy // Olga Yurkova is a co-founder of StopFake.org, an organization focused on training fact-checkers globally to combat misinformation and propaganda in the media. With a background in media production, she has extensive experience as an editor, particularly in covering topics related to Donbas and Crimea. Olga is recognized for her contributions to creating and implementing training programs for journalists and editors on various subjects such as new media, journalism ethics, and fact-checking. Her expertise is highly regarded by a wide array of organizations, including media outlets, NGOs, and educational institutions in Ukraine and beyond. Through her work, Olga aims to enhance resistance to propaganda and disinformation, safeguarding democracy in Ukraine and worldwide. // Journalist, editor // When facts are false, decisions are wrong, says editor and TED Fellow Olga Yurkova. To stop the spread of fake news, she and a group of journalists launched StopFake.org, which exposes biased or inaccurate reporting in order to rebuild the trust we've lost in our journalists, leaders and institutions. Learn more about the fight against misinformation as well as two critical ways we can ensure we're not reading (or sharing) fake news. // Olga Yurkova is a co-founder of StopFake.org, an organization focused on training fact-checkers globally to combat misinformation and propaganda in the media. With a background in media production, she has extensive experience as an editor, particularly in covering topics related to Donbas and Crimea. Olga is recognized for her contributions to creating and implementing training programs for journalists and editors on various subjects such as new media, journalism ethics, and fact-checking. Her expertise is highly regarded by a wide array of organizations, including media outlets, NGOs, and educational institutions in Ukraine and beyond. Through her work, Olga aims to enhance resistance to propaganda and disinformation, safeguarding democracy in Ukraine and worldwide. // Journalist, editor // trains, public transit, technology, standards, misinformation, ethics, countering propaganda, accounting standards, journalism, policy, social communications, media, communication, disinformation, rumors, job skills training, informal communications // Kyiv|Ukraine|Kyiv city

Kyiv|Ukraine|Kyiv city