LIS J. SUAREZ-VISBAL
Utrecht, the Netherlands· +06 26 07 01 46 ·l.j.suarezvisbal@uu.nl· English, French, Spanish, Beginner Dutch
PROFILE SUMMARY
Charismatic and determined system-thinker and sustainability leader with over 15 years of combined experience in circular economy research and sustainable economic development. I have demonstrated expertise in mobilizing stakeholders, managing projects, and driving collective action towards more sustainable outcomes in highly feminized value chains for which I received the ASHOKA fellowship. As a devoted researcher I have shown proficiency in conducting transformative, robust research, fundraising, negotiation, and strategic planning. Convinced in the power of system thinking and deep collaboration, I am committed to promoting inclusive circular economy practices globally.
RELEVANT SKILLS
Strategic system thinker ·Problem solving ·Proactiveness · Interpersonal skills· Communications·Analytical Skills
WORK EXPERIENCE
Researcher- Utrecht University, Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development Sept 2020 - present
Conducted mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) transformative research in inclusive Circular Economy practices in the textile value chain across various countries.
Deliver lectures and master classes on social impact assessment for Circular Economy.
Managed stakeholders' collaboration and research community of practice.
Developed robust methodologies for social impact assessment.
Mobilized partners for systems change acceleration & coordinated a multicultural research team.
Initiate, co-develop application and secured half a million euros for 4 years research project
Partner, Circularity & gender Equality Consultant -Loopness, Utrecht, The Netherland Sept 2018 - present
Formulated and conducted research on circular economy opportunities for private sector and NGOs in developed and developing countries, focusing on waste management and economic development.
Co-founder & Director ETHIK Eco Design Hub, Montreal, Canada 2013-2018
Developed partnership with academic institution to research portable textiles sorting technologies.
Instigated and mobilized value chain stakeholders to create MUTREC the first interdisciplinary research consortia of Montreal with both academic, civil society organizations, industry association and the government to tackle textile waste at the city level with a circular approach.
Designed and implemented Circular Economy teaching series for business partners.
Initiated and coordinate publication of Canada’s first sustainable fashion market research.
Founder and Director - FEM International, Montreal, Canada 2005 - 2018
Raised over 1.2 million CAD through grant writing with governmental and non-governmental agencies for sustainable development projects.
Developed and facilitated multilingual sustainable entrepreneurship tool kits and training programs for women entrepreneurs in the USA, Canada, Mali, Thailand, India, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, and Equateur.
Represented the organization at international conferences covering sustainable development, circular fashion, and women entrepreneurship.
Coordinated and supervised a staff of 7 employees and more than 30 volunteers.
Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator- Compagnie-F, Montréal, Canada 2006 - 2010
Coordinated training program for women entrepreneurs.
Coached women entrepreneurs and prepare them to apply for micro-loans.
Manage loan circle and find funding partners.
Business Program Coordinator Cross-Cultural Solutions (CCS) Delhi, India & Bangkok, Thailand 2004
Created and implemented small-business training manuals designed to motivate both young female
and women members of the micro-credit program.
EDUCATION
Utrecht University
Utrecht, The Netherlands PhD Candidate Circular Economy
Utrecht University
Utrecht, The Netherlands MSc. in Sustainable Business and Innovation focus on Circular economy
Harvard University
Cambridge, USA Advance degree in management and Administration (CSS program)
Externado de Colombia University
Bogotá, Colombia B.Sc. In Finance and International Development
SPECIALTY AND RELATED COURSES
Futuring for Sustainability Summer program (Utrecht University)
Circular and Bio Economy (Micro-master Wageningen University)
Feminist Prospective on Gender and Development (Graduate Course IISS, The Hague)
System thinking and practice (Ashoka Globalizers Program)
Sustainable Fashion Business e-course (The Ethical Fashion Forum)
Women leadership and financial literacy train the trainers program
(Women’s Economic Council Toronto, Canada)
Gender and Development e-course (The World Bank Washington D.C., USA)
French culture and civilization (Accord École de Langues, Paris)
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
Fabric of Change Globalizer-Ashoka 2017
ASHOKA fellow Canada 2012
Distinction Award from the Quebec network of women and the environment 2014
Équiterre list of top 12 women working for the environment 2013
Sustainable development practices Special award, Latin American Chamber of Commerce. 2009
Recipient volunteer merit grant to conceptualize and implement a pilot project in Thailand 2004
VOLUNTEERING, INTEREST AND HOBBIES
Current: Dutch CE PhD council member. Energy and resource team lead for Societal impact of the Copernicus Institute of sustainable development. Past: Montreal’s consultative committee on social economy Board. Quebec network of international cooperation association, Women’s and Development committee member. InterPares Board of directors. I enjoy doing contemporary dance, reading and taking walks on the forest with my dog