Purposeful Progress

The Newsletter for Changemakers

Purposeful Progress - the Newsletter for Changemakers

Are you ready to make a lasting impact on the world? My newsletter is designed to help you become a confident and effective changemaker.

Here’s what you’ll get out of it:

  • Tips and tricks for how to make the world a better place.

  • Sustainability news and hacks.

  • Insights on how to be a changemaker.

  • Inspiring stories of everyday heroes taking action.

CHANGEMAKERS SPOTLIGHT

Featured Changemakers

Meet the Featured Changemakers

Paul Steinbroner

I’ve spent nearly 50 years making documentary films, telling stories that matter, and amplifying the voices of others. My passion has always been to use film as a way to connect people, share knowledge, and spotlight solutions that bring hope and progress.

Jacqueline Lloyd

I’m a Sustainability Analyst with experience in environmental compliance, product stewardship, external/internal reporting, eco-design, and lifecycle assessment. I’m passionate about helping organizations reduce their environmental impact through data-driven strategies and transparent reporting.

Leslie Davenport

I’m a climate psychology educator and consultant, passionate about exploring how our inner world—our thoughts, feelings, intuition, and nervous system—connects to our outer world of climate change. My goal is to help people and organizations understand these connections so they can respond more effectively and sustainably.

Robert Cabin

I have a PhD in biology and spent decades working to protect endangered species, restore ecosystems, and reconnect them with human culture. Later, I moved into academics where I taught climate change, ecology, conservation, and sustainable agriculture, inspiring the next generation to care deeply about our planet. My lifelong passion has been protecting the earth and motivating others to do the same.

Patrick Nyongolo

My name is Patrick Nyongolo. I am Congolese, currently living in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya. I lead a grassroots organization called Restore Hope for Street Children, which supports vulnerable children by providing them with food, clothing, education, and training.

I am passionate about giving these children safety, dignity, and the opportunity to dream again.

Donna Guerin

I have spent my career over the past 17 years in Supply Chain and Logistics, and majority in Maritime Shipping.

Last year I joined IPEC to become a professional coach and I'm passionate about Energy Coaching, I've had many different influencers who have inspired me around this topic and this is what I'm leaning into in this next phase of life.

LAUREN GUIDRY

I have spent my career over the past 17 years in Supply Chain and Logistics, and majority in Maritime Shipping.

Last year I joined IPEC to become a professional coach and I'm passionate about Energy Coaching, I've had many different influencers who have inspired me around this topic and this is what I'm leaning into in this next phase of life.

Allen Noble

I’m a systems thinker and problem-solver, most alive when I’m untangling complex, high-stakes challenges. I’ve built solutions under pressure in places like CENTCOM and the IMF, including during active conflict environments where failure wasn’t theoretical.

That’s why I care deeply about designing systems that work for everyone, not just those profiting from keeping the problem alive.

Vanessa Thompson

I’m a keynote speaker, author, and consultant at the intersection of innovation, finance, and sustainability.

My work focuses on helping companies unlock business growth through sustainable strategies, investment intelligence, and data-driven decision-making.

From advising Fortune 500 companies to supporting high-growth startups, I am passionate about turning bold ideas into action and ensuring sustainability is seen as a competitive advantage, not a cost.

Oluoch Were

I’m a renewable energy and environmental conservation practitioner passionate about accelerating climate change mitigation efforts through clean energy solutions that uplift underserved communities.

I've led and supported underserved communities through clean energy projects, carbon reduction strategies, and grassroots conservation efforts, helping to drive equitable access to sustainability and resilience.

Clara Feitoza

I’m an Environmental and Energy Engineer currently pursuing my MSc in Energy Management.

I’m passionate about sustainability, clean energy, and creating real-world impact through data-driven environmental solutions.

Ziad Ballouli

I am a Principal Sustainability Engineer specializing in decarbonization strategies, energy transitions, and microclimatic resilience.

I’m passionate about integrating sustainability into corporate strategies and advancing clean energy solutions that drive measurable impact.

Alex Budak

I'm a social entrepreneur, faculty member at UC Berkeley, and author of Becoming a Changemaker.

I've dedicated my life to helping people from all walks of life develop the courage to lead positive change right from where they are.

Adiza Abdul-Rafiu Mohammed

I’m Adiza Abdul-Rafiu Mohammed, an ocean advocate, environmental storyteller, and founder of the Social Youth Drive Foundation.

I’m passionate about educating and empowering young people through creative storytelling and community-based climate action.

RUI FRANCISCO

My name is Rui Francisco, Portuguese, and I am the founder and CEO of The Sustainability Network (TSN), a company based in Lisbon that offers a comprehensive SaaS platform designed to empower organizations of all sizes in the field of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) reporting and analysis.


My passion lies in simplifying the complex processes associated with sustainability reporting.

NOLAN STEPHENS

I'm the Founder and CEO of Swell Sustainability, and I've helped organizations—from startups to Fortune 10 companies—embed sustainability into their operations.

I'm passionate about advancing corporate sustainability and driving measurable impact.

SHAIK FARDEEN

I’m Shaik Raunaq Fardeen, a supply chain innovator and founder of Blue Ship Sync, a shipping software designed to simplify complex logistics and drive sustainable operations.

I’m passionate about building resilient, tech-enabled supply chains that reduce waste and make logistics smarter, not harder.

Laura Derks

I have been a nature explorer since a very young age and have worked to ensure health and well-being for all people in many professional and avocational capacities.

I am passionate about the restorative power of nature-based experiences and want to ensure equitable access to nature.

Fernanda Torre

I’m a sustainability and innovation strategist passionate about creating value with real-world impact.

My background spans design, business, and systems thinking, and I’ve worked extensively with leadership, especially corporate boards. What drives me most is a sense of responsibility — I believe we should all act as engaged citizens and contribute to improving society at large.

This includes supporting businesses in unlocking the value of sustainability-driven innovation. I believe real change happens when we combine creativity with structure, and purpose with strategy.

Andrew Franks

My name is Andrew Franks, and I got into sustainability through a passion for preserving biodiversity. While I started in the AZA world, I have found my niche in supply chain, where many of the real-world impacts of the economy are decided and executed.

Sustainability does not just happen in the CSR department! I make change by incorporating sustainability principles in my day-to-day work of buying materials and managing inventory levels.

Kimberly Wiefling

Since 1995, inspired by an amazing mentor, I have been committed to transforming Planet Earth for the better for the good of ALL. It seemed ridiculous at the time!

My work, SHOCK Learning Labs, turns managers into LEADERS and groups of people into TRUE TEAMS that can achieve TOGETHER what would be IMPOSSIBLE for any one person to achieve alone. I have a track record of transforming "impossible" to "merely difficult" and eventually INEVITABLE!

Frank Eggink

I strive to be the change I wish to see in the world.

My own journey has been one of deep reflection, transformation, and aligning my values with my actions.

By going through the motions myself—facing challenges, rethinking my priorities, and stepping into a more purpose-driven way of living and working—I’ve come to a place of greater authenticity where I can guide and support others from a deeply genuine space.

Seth Baron

I’m an entrepreneur and creative consultant with experience in marketing, operations, and sustainable travel in Boston, LA, Jakarta, New York, and Barcelona.

I’m passionate about redefining travel and storytelling and endeavor to curate experiences that inspire connection, drive sustainability, and leave a lasting positive impact.

Mahak Agrawal

I’m a climate scientist, urban planner, artist, and sustainability and public policy expert with a deep love for turning complex issues into practical, creative solutions.

As a board member of ITACUS and the founder of All Bits Count—a creative consultancy and initiative—I blend science, storytelling, and strategy to make sustainability something people get and act on.

My goal is to make climate action mainstream

Fahad Jobwala

My name is Fahad JobsWala. I am a student and interview captain at Rehan School Online Academy. I am 15 years old and passionate about AI.

My goal is to become an expert in AI and a successful podcaster.

You can help me by contacting me and being a guest on my podcast! Send me a message on Linkedin here.

I would love to interview your readers..

Pete Kronowitt

I’m an aspiring singer/songwriter. A hopeful humanitarian.

I have organized, marched and sang my way across this land. I founded Face the Music Collective, a guide for creative activists utilizing performances to inspire targeted individual action, and am on the board of Music Declares Emergency US, a climate music industry nonprofit with a mission to activate fans.

musicdeclares.net

Andrea Grieco

I am a communicator and impact manager who is actively engaged in environmental sustainability and human rights.

I collaborate with NGOs and international organizations to lead awareness campaigns and educational projects to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all

My goal is to advance the UN 2030 Agenda, particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), by raising awareness and driving action for environmental sustainability and human rights..

Courtney Bickert

I’m Courtney Bickert—a global social impact leader with a bit of a split personality (in a good way).

On one side, I have my MBA, have built and led 30+ global teams, and raised over $100 million for social impact organizations.

On the other side, I’m a stand-up comedian, trained at Second City, DC Improv, and other fine institutions of funny.

I want to bring humor as a superpower to as many leaders and teams as possible and to have a real impact on the world in that way.

Laughing-matters.com

Shwe Mar

I am a sustainability consultant and the founder of Simple Solutions for Change, a project that promotes sustainable practices and waste management in Yangon, Myanmar.

I am also up for a Climate Champion Award by UN-Myanmar!

https://simplesolutionsforchange.com/

Jenny Morgan

I am a passionate advocate for sustainable change with expertise in Corporate Social Responsibility, social and environmental impact, the B Corp Movement, and climate strategy.

My debut book,
“Cancel Culture in Climate”, explores the dangers of blame, shame, and cancel culture infiltrating climate discussions, which often hinder real progress.


www.cancelcultureinclimate.com

Nadja Muller

I’m Nadja Muller, a coach and facilitator passionate about creating inner and outer peace.

One of my current focuses is building HeartWork’s community, a space for people who want to lead with love and align their work with their purpose.

https://heartwork.earth/

Garik Himebaugh

Fascinated by the question “How do we build a stylish wardrobe that fights fast fashion and only supports brands better for the planet?” I built a platform to help anyone do just that.

Check out the offering here: https://www.eco-stylist.com/sustainable-personal-styling/

Satender Kumar

Hi, I’m Satender Kumar, Co-founder of Grow Billion Trees. I’m passionate about making a meaningful difference in the world through large-scale tree plantation and environmental restoration.

https://growbilliontrees.com/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email+marketing

Simone Fraid

I am a changemaker for our future through the recent publishing of my children's book, Everything We Need, which shares messages of waste reduction and reduced consumption through a magical/whimsical story for kids.

Amazon link here: https://tinyurl.com/EverythingWeNeedBook.