Dela Programme

Sridhar is looking forward to enhancing the impact of IKEA by engaging with more parts of the ecosystems they operate in across the world:

"I would like to learn, contribute and make a difference."

"Working with Ashoka Globalizer is usually a highlight of my year. This program has not only helped me contribute to great social causes but also to learn so much about the social sector, develop a network of passionate individuals and hone my lateral thinking skills. All the Ashoka fellows and their teams I have worked with over the last 3 years were fabulous, and we have kept in touch even after the program."

Social entrepreneurs play a crucial role for many societal and developmental topics. Above all, they allow people to improve their lives themselves independently without creating dependencies. At the same time, they have to manage the balancing act between entrepreneurial thinking and social added value. Working in public development cooperation, I want to contribute my knowledge in structuring and scaling developmental programmes.

"It is important for me to support social entrepreneurs to be able to extend my learning and experience to diverse sectors within the development space. I am hoping to expand my network and contextualize my professional experience to best suit the entrepreneurs' needs."

Cecilia is looking forward to being part of a bigger context and being able to contribute to change in the society, through the network in IKEA and based on her experience: 

"It broadens your perspective and also make you grow as a person."

"It is important to me to be part of the Dela program as I feel that I am living a very priviliged life and I want to give back. I very much believe in Ashoka and its goal of helping social entrepreneurs scale."

As Co-founder, Holon Perspectives and Business Development Lead, Maya would love to connect with the Dela social entrepreneurs and support their organisations in solving complex problems, using a holistic approach. Maya Narayan is bringing to the table a decade of work experience in diverse roles such as Team Leadership, Business Analysis, Multi-sectoral Research, Program Design and Monitoring & Evaluation.

"Social entrepreneurs bring the right harmony of impact, livelihood creation and financial sustainability to ensure impact at scale can be achieved while ensuring sufficiency for those involved in the process. We need many more climate entrepreneurs in every region to tackle their local challenges. I bring my interests in the intersectionality of sociology & climate action, social impact consulting, on-ground community engagement and implementation support to the Dela program."

"I am inspired by Social Entrepreneurs who strive to create a better world for our future generations. I specifically look for opportunities to support entrepreneurs who balance solid understanding of community needs with establishing a scalable business model that can deliver the needed impact in a future-ready manner. I, myself, have been a business builder and an intrapreneur in all my previous professional stints across diverse industry sectors. I am hence looking forward to leveraging my past work experiences, my strategic bent of mind and my ability to structure business problems into actionable frameworks, towards helping SDI Academy scale up to its next level of growth."

"Life is more beautiful and meaningful when you can be part of creating a better everyday life for the many people."

With 5 years of work experience in Education, Decentralised Renewable Energy, Agri value chains & Sustainable Livelihoods sectors put together, Anshul has worked with different stakeholders in project implementation as well as consultancy roles.

Anshul has expertise in applying systems thinking for designing sustainable and scalable solutions to bring about systems change.  They offer systems thinking for problem diagnostics, network analysis, actor mapping, and solution design for tackling wicked problems. Also, Anshul has been experimenting with Agent-Based and Systems Dynamics modelling simulations for scenario planning and data-driven insight generations.

Through Dela, Prateek wishes to be a participant in effecting social change across the world: 
 

"I hope to assist social entrepreneurs by supporting them strategic thinking workshops and helping them express their vision through tangible illustrations."

Mission ICU offers systems thinking for problem diagnostics, network analysis, actor mapping, and solution design for tackling wicked problems. Lubaina has been experimenting with Agent-Based and Systems Dynamics modeling simulations for scenario planning and data-driven insight generations.

"I am very happy to be part of Dela III and support social entrepreneurs because I believe it is the Social Entrepreneurs and all involved People who initiate change and this is what we need for a sustainable future of the next generations to come. I do hope I can contribute with my knowledge and experience of working in various managerial roles in 7 countries for a global corporate business for 3 decades, my fairly good analytical skills and challenging thoughts and ideas."

The system change social entrepreneurs of today is a breed with real chance of impact change on scale. Supporting them supports making a real sustainable positive impact difference. Sustainable change-rings on the water where it matters the most, for groups for whom it matters the most and on SDGs where it matters the most. I hope that I will be able to contribute with dialogue, experience, network and perspective that in one way or another can help contribute in making a positive, concrete, contributing and sustainable difference, however small, for the social entrepreneur and its activities. At the same time through my learning, exposure and participation in the Dela Programme, I hope to contribute to its development and continuation.

"I support social entrepreneurs as a way of leveraging my unique background to contribute in supporting various social and environmental causes that drive nations' development and progress forward. I hope that my skills in data analytics, finance, and general management can help support the fantastic work that Telepak is doing."

"It has been a transformational learning experience for me to work with social entrepreneurs across various sectors in my professional journey. It has been hugely instructive to look at the ecosystem from their lens, and also jointly explore other perspectives and approaches that can expand their impact footprint. I look forward to listening, co-creating strategies that are contextual, nimble, and ambitious, and ensuring that their story is represented in a way that does justice to the excellent work that they are already doing on the ground."

"Linear approaches are passé. today’s challenges need systems thinking to unlock super-linear change, and co-option of the power of the enterprise, led by committed changemakers."

"The Covid pandemic had huge impacts on the world we live in. It affects all segments of the population and particularly detrimental to members of those social groups in the most vulnerable situations in many countries. I hope as a Thought Partner in Dela Program, I will make positive contribute with my IKEA value chain experience, particularly in sustainable growth with ecosystem thinking to support social entrepreneurs to scale up for a bigger social impact. I have no doubt I will also learn and grow as an individual along this journey too. Thank you IKEA Social Entrepreneurship and Ashoka!"

Isabelle Martin is a member of the Ashoka Support Network in France. She has taken part in several Globalizer Programs in France, Bangladesh and India.

The Dela programme is a great opportunity for her to stay tuned with innovative environmental and social projects and to meet extraordinary people.

Her professional experience in strategic thinking and change management has been useful to provide support to the fellows during the Globalizer program.

"It’s great to have the opportunity to apply my professional skills and contribute with my time to support one of the Ashoka fellows, who all aim to change our society and world for the better."

"I believe it's important to support social entrepreneurs because they are the world's future. So many have taken up the reins that have been left dangling by our global leaders to find new innovative solutions to social issues which will create sustainable impact for the communities they serve. I am hoping to contribute to the pool of knowledge, expertise and experience around the table to create an ocean of learning that we can all swim in."

"IKEA's vision to create a better everyday life for the many people is stronger than ever and over the years I have seen how taking social responsibility really creates a change. To be able to support a Social Entrepreneur and at the same time I learn new things is such a privilege and I just want to be a part of it. I hope to contribute with using the experience and knowledge I have gained when it comes to People & Business Development and Social responsibility."

"I’m glad about the opportunity offered by the Dela programme to support social entrepreneurs. They have an essential role in making our world a better one and deserve a wide participation to improve their impact. I look forward to put my business experience and passion at their service while at the same time learn from different ways of driving change."

"As a development professional, I believe in the power of individuals and the importance of taking initiative to solve emerging social challenges of our time. The social entrepreneur ecosystem is flourishing with ground-breaking ideas and I believe we could truly maximise the impact if global multi-disciplinary expertise is pooled in to support social entrepreneurs in advancing their solutions to fruition, through a collaboratively designed system change journey. Given my experience of working in International Development, I hope to contribute strategic and practical elements of system design that are crucial to delivering effective and efficient services with high value for money in complex environments."

"Supporting entrepreneurs to even further increase their societal impact is a chance for me to give back to society - a society where only a few are as privileged as I am. While I hope to contribute strategic thinking and best practices I gained during my job as a management consultant, I strongly believe I can learn a lot from the program as well."

"A better everyday life for the many people is a part of our vision at IKEA and it gives me a lot of energy too. Social entrepreneurship is a way to live our vision in reality. Bring new perspectives and ideas to the organization I will work with is what I aim for, and to learn myself."

"As other Thought Partners, I am privileged to get the education I have and live and work where I do. Changing the status quo is an obligation and supporting social entrepreneurs who have the will and put the "skin in the game" to improve others' lives is a meaningful way to contribute to improve the livelihoods of my peers. Regarding what I am hoping to contribute to the program is to achieve that the solution that the Fellow is developing is scalable and can lead to systemic change, my experience in transformations and new business models hopefully can contribute to that end."

"I believe that all we create should contribute towards a more sustainable future and society. Contributing my experience from a consulting background, I am looking forward to jointly creating a sustainable and realizable strategy."

"Through my current job, I've come to understand the importance of sharing knowledge to help others improve and grow. I'm excited and honoured to be able to share my expertise now with the Social Entrepreneurs that are part of the Dela Programme, who are having tangible positive impacts on the world we live in, changing it for the better."

"I am delighted to have been accepted as a Thought Coach to support Social Entrepreneurs in their important and admirable work to create better conditions for vulnarable people as well as having a positive impact on the environment. I hope that with my experience, competence and critical thinking I can support and positively contribute in the Strategy development phase for the Social entrepreneurs."

"Social enterprises are generally driven by entrepreneurs who have a focus on impact. Their purpose is noble and touches on issues that change people's lives. The commitment is quite often indicative of their resolute beliefs in making the world a better place in the area they are focused on and their success is generally the success of the society at large. How can anybody not want to be aprt of enabling such activity? In joining this programme I hope to bring my skills and experience to make a humble contribution in supporting a leader amongst us in the fellow that has been embraced by the programme. The opportunity to accelerate the good work done to date is one I wish to contribute to making a reality."

Helen Chorlton has been with the Cities and Urbanisation team in PwC Cape Town, South Africa since February 2019, working on Internationally funded cities projects. Working to PwC’s Africa leader for Cities & Urbanisation, Helen is working with the team to support bespoke City improvement initiatives, including supporting cities with their climate and sustainability needs. Helen is also leading on community outreach and is engaged in PwC’s enterprise and supplier development work and internal diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Prior to this, Helen worked as a Senior Programme Manager for a South African based NGO that focused on children and adolescent HIV running a programme on clinic community collaboration. For more information on this, please see: www.teampata.org/C3.

From 2014-16 Helen worked for the Treatment Action Campaign (South African health sector NGO) as their Chief Operations Officer. This position involved leading change to enable the organisation to refocus its delivery in a changing health policy and donor environment as well as enabling the organisation to diversify its fundraising. The role also entailed exercising managerial oversight of operations to effectively implement improvements to policy (and policy implementation) in the health sector for people living with HIV/TB. Before coming to South Africa in 2014, Helen worked for the UK Government (Foreign and Commonwealth office).

Her roles included effectively managing wide ranging UK Government programme and project portfolios across different countries (e.g. managing civilian led programmes in Iraq and Afghanistan; and a large communications campaign in Pakistan). Helen is originally from near Manchester in the UK and has been in South Africa since 2014. In her spare time, she loves the outdoors and spending a lot of time hiking in particular. Helen also loves photography, cycling and travel, most recently visiting Nepal to hike to Everest Base Camp.

"Supporting others on their journey of shaping our society for the better is something that energizes me and gives me great joy – I am hoping to contribute to the team by providing a fresh outside perspective, lots of passion and positive energy, as well as, structured problem solving experience!"

"I have a great concern for social impact and contributing for the future is my dream. I want to contribute to this program with my energy and my passion to make a better world, in a simple way and always through people. I think Dela III comes at the right time in my personal and professional life, after learning how to collaborate in an NGO and after understanding the importance of social entrepreneurship. When motivation and knowledge come together, anything is possible. And if I can be part of it, with a small grain of contribution, everything is better. My life purpose is in line with what I do in my day to day through my leadership, and with what I contribute outside of IKEA as well. This program is one more seasoning for a tasty and nutritious recipe for life."

"I’m hoping to help social entrepreneurs on solving most critical issues they are facing from an external perspective. I have been helping w globalizer for 5 years and find it very rewarding to use my knowledge to help others working on a high impact cause."

"Social entrepreneurs are solving society's most pressing social problems. They are looking where no VC, innovation fund, or big corps are. Resources are limited, they need all the help they can get, I love using my time to help them solve these problems."

"Social entrepreneurs can drive sustainable system changes and as a Thought Partner I hope to accompany Camilo on the way to more impact at scale."

"Meaningful contribution to creating a better world is and has always been an important goal in my life. Ever since I was a teenager this passion translated in engaging in various social initiatives. Creating awareness and advocating for social justice, inclusion and equity are the red thread throughout this journey. Also in my professional career I have always been committed to engage in, or to initiate, social and environmental projects with a focus on creating meaningful and sustainable change in local communities and the society at large. Supporting social entrepreneurs is for me another opportunity to do my part to create that better world. I am eager to listen & learn and to contribute with my knowledge and experience in the area of strategic thinking & planning, organizational structures, stakeholder & government relations as well as a compassionate female leadership approach."

"I believe in supporting social entrepreneurs because their work is inspiring and driving sustainable, systemic change significantly multiplies the impact of their efforts. I hope to contribute through my experience in strategy development and, where applicable, knowledge of consumer products and retail markets."

More information about Daniel can be found here.

"We are interconnected, when we support other Social Entrepreneurs, we support the whole and we then co-create a bigger ripple effect throughout the world. I hope to support Social Entrepreneurs to approach systems change and their strategies in a regenerative way that gives life to all on Earth."

Tie Wang-Jones is an immigrant from Beijing, China who nationalized in San Francisco, USA but is now an expat living in Europe with her wife and their crazy cats. Her values and experiences in life has guided her career calling to the field of equity. She holds a dual PhD in business and clinical psychology, and has worked in many industries from NGOs, to academia, to the private sector doing equity work in primary research and data analytics, consulting, and enterprise strategic planning. During her career in IKEA (Ingka Group), she has helped to establish a combination of 4 centers of expertise (CoE) and company-wide initiatives.

She was on the inaugural Group People & Culture Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion (ED&I) CoE that established the foundational concepts, matrix organisation, and company strategy for ED&I. Now she is spearheading the establishment of the new Group Digital CoE called Inclusive Design, Equity, & Accessibility (IDEA CoE). The purpose of this emerging field is to ensure that we design technology and digital experiences as forces of good that will reduce bias and increase digital inclusion for the many more. Tie believes that organizations must ignite their passion and commitment to fostering ethical business growth around the world to improve the lives of people and the longevity of our planet.

"I want to support the Dela Programme, Ashoka social entrepreneurs to scale their impact more broadly and deeply by bringing my experience in the social and business sector to leverage their system changing strategies into greater impact."

"I am passionate about creating & scaling social and/or environmental impact in the world. I founded my consulting firm, CiTTA Partnership, with that same mission at its core. Supporting an Ashoka Fellow through the Dela Program is another small way for me to share my experiences and apply my skill sets towards making the world a better place."

"The Dela Programme is an amazing opportunity to help scale the positive impact of a social enterprise while learning and co-creating together with a diverse group of people. I cannot wait to be part of the team helping Melissa reflect on key strategic moves for her enterprise to maximize Motion Light Lab’s impact."

"Social Entrepreneurs have an amazing positive impact on society, people and the environment. I consider it as privilege to contribute as Thought Partner with my knowledge, experience and passion to build and implement strategies that they can accelerate their positive impact."

"In my view, social entrepreneurs are the trailblazers that prioritize humanity and social change ahead of corporate establishment to bring a better future for all of us, and in particular for those people and domains that need change the most. It’s a privilege to learn, enjoy the energy and vision, engage and try to give back where I can to empower those who work with little safety net to make the world a better place."

"I have been working for over 2 decades in higher education to develop students into change agents and social entrepreneurs. That work is incredibly rewarding because these students, like the Ashoka Fellows, will be the ones who make the world a better place. For the Dela program, I see myself as learner and partner. I’m excited to learn more about the Ashoka Fellow, her vision, and about the process. I look forward to partnering in ways that help activate new ideas and new plans for achieving her vision".

"Supporting social entrepreneurs, especially involved in systems change, is critical given the myriad of issues facing the world and developing countries in particular. My past experiences with Ashoka were amazing, and I'm looking forward to bringing strategic insights to the brilliant entrepreneurs in the program."

Betinna's vision is a world where all people have the same opportunities no matter which pre-condition they are facing. 

With his 30 years of working for IKEA in 3 continents, in business and people roles, Peter hopes to share his learnings and experience during the programme.

With her 30 years of experience, Jessica believes that we perform, transform and grow with purpose, we have the ammunition to make a difference. 

Paolo considers it a privilege to support social entrepreneurs with his experience of leading major changes, coaching and digital transformation across geographies and cultures.

Ramune is really interested in supporting a social entrepreneur working in her area of expertise and sharing IKEA People experience. 

Carmen deeply believes that the main role of a leader is to develop the people around them, sharing knowledge and experiences.

Elena is contributing to the Dela programme by leveraging her knowledge and passion for the topic to benefit the participating social entrepreneurs.

Cristiana is supporting social entrepreneurs in reaching their goals of both economic and social development towards a fairer world. 

Fredrika hopes to contribute with her knowledge and experience of developing business and people in line with a good purpose.

Doris considers it a privilege to support social entrepreneurs who create value beyond economic purpose. She wishes that her competence and experience in building and implementing strategies will support social entrepreneurship. 

Lars hopes to contribute with dialogue, experience, network and perspective to  help contribute in making a positive, concrete and sustainable difference.

Neetu hopes to add her experience, passion, knowledge, openness and strategic advice to enable good ideas to flourish into impactful actions.

Rob finds it valuable to give back and support social entrepreneurs. He commits to give and take responsibility, renew and improve, lead by example, and care for people and the planet.