January 2024 - The Wellbeing Project

Alejandra Mejia

Fundraising Coordinator

San Salvador
El Salvador

Connect with Alejandra Mejia :

Alejandra launched her professional journey in the social sector as a Marketing and Communications Coordinator at the Art Museum in San Salvador. In 2008, she earned a degree in Communications Integrated Marketing from Escuela de Comunicación Mónica Herrera.

In 2010, she ventured abroad to participate in a cultural exchange program in Michigan, US, where she immersed herself and studied Intercultural Communications. In 2011, continued her studies and earned a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from San Francisco State University in California.

Returning to El Salvador in late 2011 with a clear commitment to contribute to her country, Alejandra played a key role as part of the founding team at ConTextos, where she served as an Assistant Director and Development & Communications Director for over seven years.

From 2019 to 2021, Alejandra worked closely with entrepreneurs based in the US and El Salvador, where she explored roles as an admissions officer at an innovative private school and as a marketing director at an immigration law firm.

In 2020, Alejandra became a mom and that led her to take intentional time off between 2021 – 2022, to focus on passion projects and inner wellbeing.

She started teaching Entrepreneurial Thinking and Empathetic Thinking at her Alma Mater in 2023, for students of Marketing, Communications, and Strategic Design.

At the end of 2023, Alejandra reconnected with the social sector, assuming the role of Fundraising Coordinator at The Wellbeing Project, where she can balance her roles as a mom, teacher, and fundraising professional while continuing to work on her inner wellbeing.

What does inner wellbeing mean to you?

Inner wellbeing, to me, can be encapsulated in a single word: “balance.” I believe that every person embarks on a distinct healing journey, and healing is a singular and personal adventure. Inner wellbeing involves discovering how to approach daily challenges with purpose and equilibrium.

How would you define wellbeing in one word?

Balance

Are there any rituals or practices you use to enhance your wellbeing?

1. Meditation every night has proven to be a powerful tool.

2. Lighting a scented candle, savoring a cup of tea, and journaling, are some of the rituals that help me calm and reflect.

3. Expressing gratitude for every payment I make: It helps me with having an abundance mindset.

4. Yoga and regular gym workouts to stay active and energized

5. Regular check-ins with my therapist.

Why is it important that we prioritise individual and collective wellbeing?

It is important to prioritize individual and collective wellbeing because big changes begin at the individual level. By prioritizing wellbeing, we can break generational cycles of trauma, become more present, and act with greater intentionality. This, in turn, allows us to spread healing and wellbeing throughout all levels of society.

Do you have any favourite books, podcasts, or articles that you believe support, promote or educate on wellbeing and related themes?

Podcast: Life Kit from NPR

App: Insight Timer for meditations

Books: Real Life, Sharon Salzberg Good Morning Monster, Catherine Gildiner Real Self-Care, Pooja Lakshmin, MD Rest is Resistance, Tricia Hersey

Regional Wellbeing Summits 2024Regional Wellbeing Summits 2024

Expanding The Global Wellbeing Movement

The Wellbeing Summit Dhaka 2024 The Wellbeing Summit Dhaka 2024

Regional Wellbeing Summits

PARTICIPANTS

ORGANISATIONS

NATIONALITIES

SPEAKERS & ARTISTS

ABOUT THE SUMMIT

“Projonmo theke Projonme: Generation to Generation”

Connecting land, language, and life: Bangladesh hosted the first regional Wellbeing Summit in Asia! The Wellbeing Summit Dhaka brought together 230 changemakers together over two monumental days to activate a culture of inner wellbeing in the local social change sector. With a driving focus to explore wellbeing for all – from Projonmo theke Projonme, or Generation to Generation – this exciting gathering convened diverse actors, creating a platform to enable transformative action in Bangladesh.

Changemakers were invited to join this transformative event which will help them connect their inner wellbeing with their work as actors for positive social impact. Inspiring talks, storytelling, the arts, therapeutic workshops, and classic chayer adda – tea-time talks – insightfully explored themes such as feminism, financial wellbeing, human flourishing, nutrition, and intergenerational trauma. Attendees were able to practice a diverse range of activities to activate their inner development and wellbeing. A compelling arts programme also invited them to approach these topics through the emotional and intellectual language of the arts. The Wellbeing Summit Dhaka share a common message: if we can ensure wellbeing, we can perform better – because wellbeing inspires welldoing.

Connecting the Land, Language, and LifeConnecting the Land, Language, and Life

Relive the Spirit of the Summit

DAY 1 Highlights

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Une publication partagée par The Wellbeing Project (@thewellbeingp)

DAY 2 Highlights

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Une publication partagée par The Wellbeing Project (@thewellbeingp)

TWO DAYS, ONE CENTRAL FOCUS TWO DAYS, ONE CENTRAL FOCUS

Explore the programme

How Do We Reach Wellbeing for All, From Generation to Generation?

The programme took changemakers on a journey between individual and collective wellbeing, exploring themes such as:

Feminism, gender equality, and gender-based violence
Intergenerational trauma in Bangladesh, including historical trauma from the 1971 Liberation War
Cultural celebration and preservation
Childcare and parenting
Rest, relaxation, and healing
Physical health, nutrition, and exercise
The national Special Initiative for Mental Health

Projonmo theke ProjonmeProjonmo theke Projonme

EXPLORE STORIES FROM THE SUMMIT

A Special Celebration of Feminism

The Wellbeing Summit Dhaka opened on International Women’s Day, bringing a special celebration of feminism to the event. Sessions and art performances reflected on women’s empowerment and the role of women in Bangladeshi society. Delegates were also invited to wear quinsentially Bangaldeshi sarees in purple, the color of Women’s Day, to mark the occasion.

The theme of celebrating feminism also extended a tribute to Mother Earth, with the entire event designed sustainably. Hand-made, upcycled, and second-hand materials — including banners and ribbons made from the cloth of recycled sarees — all of which were designed for circularity, decorated the lush green setting of Bangla Academy, inviting an down-to-earth atmosphere to the gathering.

KEY SPEAKERS & ARTISTS KEY SPEAKERS & ARTISTS

THE WELLBEING SUMMIT DHAKA THE WELLBEING SUMMIT DHAKA

In The News

Read and watch local coverage of the first Regional Wellbeing Summit in Asia.

HOSTED BY

Innovation for Wellbeing Foundation

WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO THESE GENEROUS SPONSORS, FUNDERS, AND PARTNERS

4MTV USA, BRAC University, Heroes for All, Liberty Media Group, MAP Photo Agency, Quazi Consultants, and The Wellbeing Project

CONNECT WITH TWBS DHAKA

Don’t miss a beat! Stay up-to-date with The Wellbeing Summit Dhaka.

FOLLOW AND JOIN OUR JOURNEY!

MORE REGIONAL SUMMITSMORE REGIONAL SUMMITS

Discover the Wellbeing Movement in AsiaDiscover the Wellbeing Movement in Asia

Meet and hear stories from the changemakers championing the wellbeing movement in Asia.

2023 Regional Wellbeing Summits2023 Regional Wellbeing Summits

Igniting The Global Wellbeing Movement

Adriana Romero

IDP Coordinator at The Wellbeing Project

Mexico City,
Mexico

With over 9 years of experience as a dedicated project manager, she has refined her skills in comprehending clients’ precise needs and seamlessly communicating and coordinating projects with diverse and talented teams.

Her journey as a designer and visual artist complements her professional path, enabling her to infuse projects with attention to detail, strategic analysis, and creative problem-solving.

In the realm of self-discovery and personal growth, and aligned with the principles of The Wellbeing Project and The Inner Development Program, Adriana strongly believes that uncovering tools to nurture inner peace and self-awareness is essential in navigating the complexities of the world.

What does inner wellbeing mean to you?

Taking action into cultivating your inner-peace.

How would you define wellbeing in one word?

Wholeness

Are there any rituals or practices you use to enhance your wellbeing?

Practicing gratitude on a daily basis and being mindful of my inner dialogue through meditation, long walks, journaling, and painting. Additionally, observing and learning to stay present through Paco, my cherished dog and favorite companion.

Why is it important that we prioritize individual, organizational and societal wellbeing?

I believe it all begins with self-awareness, and developing this powerful skill has an impact on all aspects of life.

Do you have any favourite books, podcasts, or articles that you believe support, promote or educate on wellbeing and related themes?

Diego Perez / @yung_pueblo and James Clear Newsletters, All about love, The creative act: a way of being. Mel Robbins podcast, The Diary of a CEO.

Kate Barranco

Network & Storytelling Coordinator at The Wellbeing Project

Madrid,
Spain

Kate Barranco is the Network and Storytelling Coordinator at the Wellbeing Project, where she focuses heavily on the partnership with Georgetown University research efforts (Intergenerational Trauma and Ecological Belonging). She is a recent graduate from the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, where she studied Culture & Politics and cognitive science, with a focus on equity-centered design and leadership. Through her work at the Red House at Georgetown University, she had the chance to collaborate with the Wellbeing Project on the intergenerational trauma work and attend the 2022 Global Wellbeing Summit in Bilbao. Outside of work, she enjoys boxing, watercoloring, trying new foods and recipes, going to see live music/arts performances, and traveling. She is incredibly grateful to be a part of the Wellbeing Project team!

What does inner wellbeing mean to you?

While wellbeing is personal for everyone, it encompasses finding balance, resilience, fulfillment, and purpose in the everyday. For me, I feel most rejuvenated when I am interacting with or doing art.

How would you define wellbeing in one word?

Rejuvenation

Are there any rituals or practices you use to enhance your wellbeing?

Attending live music performances, exploring new hobbies, reading

Why is it important that we prioritize individual, organizational and societal wellbeing?

The individual, organizational, and societal wellbeing are all intricately interconnected. We are shaped by our environments, and our environments shape us. Prioritizing wellbeing across these levels is not just important, it’s ethically imperative, as it is a fundamental right to lead a fulfilling and healthy life.

Do you have any favourite books, podcasts, or articles that you believe support, promote or educate on wellbeing and related themes?

Anything by Brene Brown (books, podcasts, or otherwise), My Grandmother’s Hands by Resmaa Menakem, https://2030.vice.com

Connect with Kate Barranco :

Raquel Vicedo

Regional Summits Director at The Wellbeing Project

Madrid, Spain

Connect with Raquel Vicedo on social media :

Raquel has extensive experience as a Project Manager in multicultural and multilingual contexts, and has worked both nationally and internationally at private and public institutions, such as the A. P. Moller – Maersk Group, the Spanish Ministry of Culture or the Hay Festival of Literature & the Arts.

Naturally interested in people and current affairs, she is passionate about learning and about personal and organisational development, and truly believes in the power of listening, listening, listening. In her thirties, she came across a poem —”Wild Geese”, by American author Mary Oliver— that literally brought her back to life and forced her to regain connection to that thing that used to keep her going and had somehow lost. After a year-long sabbatical, she finally managed to turn that out-of-tuneness into a yearning, and redirected her efforts so that her professional life would be aligned with her personal wish to find that place of encounter which her inner self was craving for.

Sociable and dynamic, her main motivation is to help implement instruments that can generate sustainable social and economic development for communities and individuals, as well as to contribute in a broad sense to making our society more human-centered, sustainable and fair.

When she’s not working, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, go for long walks with her dog, travel or read a book (yes, she’s an avid reader).

What does inner wellbeing mean to you?

Acceptance, compassion and empathy towards oneself and the rest of fellow creatures.

How would you define wellbeing in one word?

Interconnectedness

Are there any rituals or practices you use to enhance your wellbeing?

I meditate three times a week and practice pilates regularly. I also try to walk everywhere! Walking is an amazing practice that helps to stay fit, bot physically and spiritually.

Why is it important that we prioritize individual, organizational and societal wellbeing?

Because as my dear Mary Oliver says: “Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting —over and over announcing your place in the family of things”.

Do you have any favourite books, podcasts, or articles that you believe support, promote or educate on wellbeing and related themes?

“The Art of Contemplation” and “Tao: The Watercourse Way“, by Alan Watts

“Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver“, by Mary Oliver

“Mysticism for Beginners“, by Adam Zagajewski

“Minase Sangin Hyakuin —A Poem of One Hundred Links Composed by Three Poets at Minase”, by Sogi, Shohaku

Socho (or any other good poetry book —the healing power of poetry is immense!).

Wellbeing Tracks, Sessions & Partner Events Wellbeing Tracks, Sessions & Partner Events

Tracing The Journey Through Our Footsteps One Happening At A Time

Following our mission to advance a culture of wellbeing at individual, societal, organizational, and planetary levels, The Wellbeing Project supports leading events by curating a Wellbeing Track.

2023 EVENTS2023 EVENTS

OTHER EVENTSOTHER EVENTS

State of Well-Being for ImpactState of Well-Being for Impact

The Track’s Opening Panel

SOCAP kicked off the Well-being for Impact track with an Opening Panel! This opening panel discussed the most current and urgent challenges that guided our experts in curating the Well-being for Impact track for SOCAP23. The content track’s Content Curation Council member’s shared their perspectives on the state of the field examined through global and regional perspectives.

Session Objectives

Main points and insights

INSIGHT # 1:
Give the audience an overview/insights of what brought us to this moment where well-being is sharing the stage with topics like climate and social entrepreneurship at SOCAP

INSIGHT # 2:
Preview the track’s sessions:
Each speaker shared information about each of the sessions that made up this track.

INSIGHT # 3:
The speakers shared some concrete examples of well-being for impact and addressed the limitations and challenges. Why is this so hard for a field that is focused on social impact?

Founder Well-Being and the Success of Social Enterprises

This session shed light on how founder and organizational well-being significantly impact the achievement of social enterprises, delving into the critical role of well-being in driving success, exploring the ways in which the mental health of founders and organizations shapes their ability to create positive social impact.

Core Insights

Mental health differences are normal for entrepreneurs

Founders have specific personality and psychiatric issues that can contribute to both their success and failure

Data can be used for policy and program purposes, and for helping individual entrepreneurs

Questions:

What is wellbeing? “Wellbeing” is a flexible term. Let’s devote a few minutes to unpacking the various connotations and what’s most important for our audience to understand about the term from your various perspectives.

What is the connection between wellbeing and founder success? We- and undoubtedly, the people in this room- read/hear a lot about the connection between wellbeing and founder/leader success. What does your work tell you about that connection?

What can we do to strengthen wellbeing practices? In this room, we have entrepreneurs, investors, policy/advocacy leaders. What’s one priority you’d like to see everyone here adopt?