Elisa Spampinato

Elisa Spampinato

Elisa Spampinato has recently joined our network of associates and we are thrilled to welcome her. Elisa is a researcher and consultant based in London, with a varied international background. She studied Anthropology and Sociology at the University La Sapienza in Rome and completed her studies with field research in Brazil, focusing on local governance and experiments in direct democracy. Since 2005 her work has included participation at international seminars and diverse research projects in both Italy and Brazil. Elisa…

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The Entrepreneur – Ioanna’s Story

The Entrepreneur – Ioanna’s Story

With the migrant crisis frequently hitting the news headlines, we often forget the human stories behind the people involved. Migrants often face harsh conditions, such as unemployment. However, there are stories that tell us of people who are able to make the most of a challenging situation and create their own opportunities. The story of Ioanna is such a story. Ioanna is originally from Albania who trained a primary school teacher. After immigrating to Greece she was left unable to…

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Discover Eco-Romania – Laura’s Story

Discover Eco-Romania – Laura’s Story

Written by: Danielle Banfield Some people’s dedication to making tourism more sustainable resembles a passion. Laura Vesa is undeniably one of these devoted individuals. The founding leader of Association of Ecotourism in Romania (A.E.R.), Laura focuses on creating partnerships between nature conservation associations and tourism organisations in Romania. A.E.R. has successfully undertaken several pioneering projects, such as creating a thematic path along the Danube Delta which can be explored by boat, or encouraging locals to explore the Călimani National Park by organising an…

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Addressing the Elephant in the Room – Lek’s Story

Addressing the Elephant in the Room – Lek’s Story

Written by: Eve Kanram Sangdeaun “Lek” Chailert was born in the remote village of Baan Lao, just north of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Lek learnt how to care for various animals from her grandfather at a very young age. He was a healer for the local community, who treated both people and animals, and would allow Lek to help him look after any animals that were sick or injured. Although Lek had a deep respect for animals as a child, it wasn’t until she was…

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Travelling, Learning, and Solving – Philile’s Story

Travelling, Learning, and Solving – Philile’s Story

Philile Nzimande, a mentee of Maud Masiyiwa-Wakatama, is a co-founder of the South African based business, Travelingcheapskates. Travelingcheapskates is a black female owned social enterprise that began in 2012. They have been listed on Soul Traveller as 1 of 7 ‘Black Owned Travel Start-ups Changing The Face of South African Tourism’. As well as featuring on all leading South African media platforms, such as SABA News, ENCA, SAFM, RADIO2000, UKHOZIFM, and more. Philile told us that they have learnt a lot through their journey in…

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The Mentor – Maud’s Story

The Mentor – Maud’s Story

A mentorship is a powerful partnership. It allows the mentor to share their knowledge, advice, and resources with their mentees to help them excel professionally. It is also the reason why many women are making it to the top of their careers, and why many local businesses are successful. In South Africa, there are many organisations who actively promote and support these partnerships. Here is a story of Maud Masiyiwa-Wakatama, Managing Director of Capstone Training and Development, and Philile Nzimande,…

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