Senior Programme Manager, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation

@louisa_cgf

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is an international charitable foundation with cultural, educational, social and scientific interests, based in Lisbon with offices in London and Paris. The UK Branch is particularly focused on building coalitions to tackle complex global problems, helping to create the conditions for change by connecting across borders of all kinds – national, cultural, organisational, disciplinary and social.

I lead on the UK Branch’s environment work, developing and funding programmes to increase public and political understanding and engagement on conservation issues. Over the last few years, this has focused on increasing collaborative action for marine protection and how to communicate the value of the ocean more effectively. Key initiatives include the Marine CoLABoration, supporting a diverse group of NGOs to work together to explore new approaches. I’m interested in some of the big questions of philanthropy like how to address root causes, how to change systems from within, how to establish effective learning and evaluation processes. I feel ambitious for a world which nurtures people, creativity and sustainability, and through these, equality and prosperity for all. I have previously worked in publishing, communications and education (including in rural Japan).

"I bring knowledge of funding programmes and initiatives which are trying to take a 'systems change' approach."

What are you most excited about in your current work and why?

The potential to shift the narrative on conservation and to build effective, inclusive solutions through collaborative and values based approaches.