Author

Nicolás Chesta is an enthusiastic environmentalist from Chile, dedicated to promoting sustainability and community involvement. With a Bachelor of Science in Administration, he possesses a strong foundation in organizational management and a passion for driving positive change. From a young age, Nicolás has been driven by his concern for the changing climate patterns and droughts affecting his region and country. Recognizing the power of education, he has actively worked to make a meaningful impact in his community. Through his involvement in volunteering initiatives and environmental organizations, Nicolás has orchestrated water conservation sessions in local schools and spearheaded large-scale beach cleanups, garnering support from local politicians and environmental nonprofits. In 2017, Nicolás had the honor of being selected as a Youth Ambassador by the Department of State of the United States, which deepened his understanding of community impact and further fueled his passion for environmental leadership. He also made significant contributions as a member of the Youth Advisory Council for World Oceans Day, actively raising awareness and organizing impactful events. His commitment and exceptional leadership qualities led to his election as a Board of Directors member at EarthEcho International in 2020. As a former Water Challenge Regional Coordinator at EarthEcho International, Nicolás demonstrated his unwavering dedication to environmental education and engagement. He successfully launched and nurtured new partnerships, organized educational events, and expanded program offerings in Spanish-speaking regions, including South America, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Spain. Nicolás\'s adept project management skills and ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders played a crucial role in the growth and success of the Water Challenge program. Nicolás\'s dedication and accomplishments extend beyond his environmental work. He was honored as a hackathon winner in sustainable businesses, an experience that granted him valuable insights and the opportunity to travel to Germany. This journey broadened his perspective on sustainable practices and further fueled his commitment to making a positive impact. Driven by his firm belief in the transformative power of education, Nicolás aims to empower young people with the tools and awareness needed to protect their local environments. Through his tireless efforts, he exemplifies a strong commitment to making a significant difference and creating a brighter future for the Latin American and Caribbean region.

Videos of interest to those building a democratic economy rooted in community.

The Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives (CCSC) is an interdisciplinary research and teaching centre located on the University of Saskatchewan campus. Estab­lished in 1984, the CCSC is supported finan­cially by major co-operatives and credit unions from across Canada and the Uni­versity of Saskatchewan. Our goal is to provide practitioners and policymakers with information and conceptual tools to understand co-operatives and to develop them as solutions to the complex challenges facing communities worldwide.

We are formally affiliated with the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy at the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina. The connection strengthens the capacity of everyone involved to develop research and new course offerings dedicated to solving social and economic problems. Our most recent collaborative work has resulted in a new Graduate Certificate in the Social Economy and Co-operatives.

Empowering travelers, artists, and CO-OPs. Together we are in the process of remembering and creating our future.

University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), UK

Manchester Metropolitan University Business School, UK

Dr Silvia Emili is a researcher and consultant with a background in strategic design for sustainability, sustainable business model innovation, energy access, and with experience in several African countries.

Silvia holds a PhD from Brunel University London which focused on developing capabilities of companies and practitioners for designing sustainable energy solutions in low-income and developing contexts. She developed a strategic design toolkit (Sustainable Energy for All Design Toolkit, www.se4alldesigntoolkit.com) that includes tools for mapping, classifying and designing business models for energy access. These tools have been used with over 80 companies, practitioners and experts across several African countries. Her PhD research collects over 50 case studies of companies operating in emerging markets, as well as an extensive catalogue of critical factors and successful examples to support ventures entering in this field.

In parallel to her PhD, Silvia worked on EU-funded and EPSRC-funded projects in collaboration with European and African partners. She has extensive experience in carrying out workshops and training activities with companies and non-profits in Kenya, Botswana, Ghana and South Africa. With a strong background in design for sustainability, her previous work includes research on sustainable mobility for disadvantaged communities in Cape Town. She holds a Masters degree from Politecnico di Milano, Italy.

Mariah Cannon is a Researcher with a Masters in International Development. Her current work focuses on children’s and youth participation in promoting children’s rights and is interested in sustainable, community-led, environmentally conscious development.

She is highly skilled in a range of research activities as well as convening and coordinating logistics of large-scale, multi-stakeholder events. She has two years of overseas experience in Ho Chi Ming City, Vietnam volunteering with UNICEF and teaching with a regional intergovernmental organization which promotes cooperation in education, science and culture throughout Southeast Asia. Previously, she worked for a non-profit in Oakland, CA providing outreach, fundraising and grant writing skills.

We're a business development consultancy specialising in co-operative, mutual and community led businesses. Providing direct advice and support services and engaging in debates to find mutual solutions for challenges being faced by communities. Our Mission? More co-ops, the best option for people and planet. We share videos about our work, our clients and co-operatives, mutuals and communities in the UK and across the globe.

Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Central University of Ecuador, Quito 170521, Ecuador;
valbuja@uce.edu.ec (V.A.C.)