Bilbao 2022
Ljubljana 2025
Speakers
Arts
Asia 2028

Diego Ruete

Fooducator, Fooducation for all – Petit Gourmet

Connect with Diego on social media:

Connect with Fooducation for All (Educocina Para Todos) on social media:

Connect with Petit Gourmet on social media:

Diego Ruete is a 49-year-old cook, preschool teacher, and Ashoka Fellow from Uruguay, with over 20 years of experience. He developed the concept of Fooducation by uniting his paths in food, education, and social change. A father of three, surfer, and passionate gardener, Diego sees cooking not just as a skill, but as a powerful, transformative practice.

His work places the use of local, seasonal vegetables at its core—fostering conscious food choices that nourish people, respect nature, and strengthen communities. He is the author of Hoy cocinamos nosotros (2016) and Educocina (2019), two books that reflect his commitment to learning through food and with purpose.

Bilbao 2022
Ljubljana 2025
Speakers
Arts
Asia 2028

Roy Jacob

Trainer and Conflict Mediator, Conscious Communication Academy

Connect with Roy on social media:

Connect with the Conscious Communication Academy on social media:

About Roy Jacob

Roy Jacob is a facilitator, trainer, and conflict mediator. He grew up in the U.S. and worked as a software engineer before finding his true calling in 2003 and coming to India, where his family is from.

In India he explored alternatives including permaculture and living on the land, and has been facilitating retreats especially for young changemakers since 2011. He is the founder of the Conscious Communication Academy (https://consciouscommunicationacademy.com/) and also facilitates retreats for YES! (https://yesworld.org/) and for other NGO’s and companies. He believes in the transformative power of ‘slowing down’, especially through situations of conflict. In his spare time he enjoys floating in water, playing frisbee and watching the stars at night.

Bilbao 2022
Ljubljana 2025
Speakers
Arts
Asia 2028

Lisa Mikkelsen

Partner, People (OR) Head of Global Human Capital, Flourish Ventures

Connect with Lisa on social media:

About Lisa Mikkelson

A seasoned HR executive, Lisa is passionate about engaging with fintech founders on the topics of leadership, wellbeing, and talent management. At Flourish, she is Head of Global Human Capital where she architects the future of the firm’s distributed workforce and oversees its global HR strategy, its strong inclusive work culture and ongoing people development. She works across all facets of human resources strategy and people development on a global scale for Flourish as well as its portfolio companies helping align their business goals with people development, remote collaboration, and company culture and strategy.

Recruited for the founding team of Flourish Ventures, Lisa was instrumental in creating and building the culture of the rising early-stage global fintech venture capital firm that backs mission-driven entrepreneurs. Prior to Flourish, she helped build the Human Capital team at Omidyar Network for 8 years. She started her career recruiting and developing teams for two high-growth Silicon Valley startups. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology/Human Development from UC-San Diego.

Bilbao 2022
Ljubljana 2025
Speakers
Arts
Asia 2028

Pedro Tarak

Co-Founder, Sistema B; Co-Founder, the Regional Impact Trade Alliance (RITA); and Co-Founder, several B Corps

About Pedro Tarak

Pedro has dedicated his life to the creation of national, regional and global organizations that integrate systemically societal dimensions in the DNA of leadership in civil society, government, business, markets and the economy. With an academic background in international comparative environmental and sustainability policy and law, he became an entrepreneur focusing on the evolution of business and markets for holistic value creation and material solutions responsive to people, communities and the planet participating in companies (eg. Guayaki, Emprendia, Impact Trade, Origen) and in catalytic organizations such as AVINA, Sistema B or RITA.

In fact, he currently fosters inter regional impact trade led by provinces, cities, towns and small nations driven by their international unique selling position for the common good, economic innovation and multi party co creation of solutions. His passions include the power of individual and collective callings, regeneration of ecosystems and of the sense of communities and democratic institutional development.

Bilbao 2022
Ljubljana 2025
Speakers
Arts
Asia 2028

Dr. Dalal Abu Amneh

Neuroscientist and Artist, Center for Healthy Minds at University of Wisconsin Madison, Sitti Foundation

About Dr. Dalal Abu Amneh

Dalal Abu Amneh is a renowned singer, neuroscientist, therapist and activist. Her work explores the powerful intersections between music, neuroscience, spirituality, social identity, and well-being. Dalal delves into how melodies and rhythms can profoundly influence emotions, cognition, and behavior on both individual and collective levels. She investigates the transformative potential of community music therapy and collective singing in reducing stress and fostering social cohesion.

Through her music, Dalal aims not only to foster intellectual dialogue but also to break cultural barriers, using the universal language of music to inspire and motivate change. With a strong background in neuroscience, including extensive research on neural systems in both health and disease, Dalal brings a unique and interdisciplinary perspective to her work.

Internationally acclaimed as a Palestinian singer, she has spent over two decades preserving and performing Palestinian, Arabic, and Sufi musical traditions while also creating her own distinct style of spiritual and healing music. One of her most notable projects includes incorporating the voices of Palestinian and Arab grandmothers into her music, preserving cultural memory and elevating the wisdom of the divine feminine.

Dalal’s holistic approach to healing and human flourishing integrates her expertise in neuroscience, music, psychology and energy healing. This transformative method offers new pathways for mental and emotional well-being, extending far beyond academic spaces to touch the lives of individuals and communities in profound and lasting ways. Through her artistry and activism, Dalal continues to inspire change and unite people through the timeless power of music.

Bilbao 2022
Ljubljana 2025
Speakers
Arts
Asia 2028

Professor Mala Kapadia

Director, Anaadi Centre for Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Anaadi Foundation

Connect with Mala on social media:

Connect with Anaadi Foundation on social media:

About Professor Mala Kapadia

Prof. Mala Kapadia is a highly accomplished scholar and practitioner with a distinguished career spanning research, education, journalism, human resources, and consulting. She is a passionate advocate for integrating ancient Indian wisdom with modern approaches to wellbeing, leadership, and organizational development. Wellbeing and Happiness, Sustainability – Individual and Planetary Flourishing and Indigenous Psychology are some of the areas of teaching and research.

Dr. Kapadia is currently the Director of Centre for Indigenous Knowledge Systems, at the Anaadi Foundation and the Principal Investigator for a Ministry of Education (India) Indian Knowledge Systems Research Project on Wellbeing and Happiness based on Ayurveda. Grateful to Gurus- an initiative by Indica Academy selected Dr. Mala Kapadia as one the Guru in 2023, for inspiring young minds in ancient wisdom. Dr. Mala is member of the Advisory Council of Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems at Chanakya University, Bengaluru, India. She was Professor & Director, Centre for Wellbeing & Wellness, Rashtram School of Public Leadership, Rishihood University, Sonipat. Dr. Mala Kapadia has been an Associate Professor, People and Performance with SPJIMR in 2005-2006. She continued her career as Adjunct Professor with SPIJR 2007-2010. Dr. Mala has also been an Adjunct Professor with S. P. Jain School of Global Management at Dubai, Singapore, Sydney, and Mumbai campuses from 2005 to March 2020. Her specialized contribution was in designing and teaching Leadership, Organizational Behavior and Managing teams.

Dr. Mala was a Convenor, IKS Sources, Theories, Concepts and Practices, Rashtram School of Public Leadership and AICTE IKS Division, November 2021. Convenor of Faculty Development Program Gender Studies, CPDHE, Delhi University, February 2022. AyuManasa 2022 was designed and curated along with AVP Research Foundation in July 2022. First of its kind program on Psychology and Ayurveda. Chairperson, Ayurveda Conversations, in association with IKS Division MoE, GOI, Ashirvad Health Trust and Punarnava Trust, 2023 & 2024. Resource Person, IKS FTP UGC Sponsored and facilitated by IKS Division and Malviya Mission Teachers Training Centres at Nagpur, Varanasi, Srinagar, and Guwahati. She has participated in many National and International Conferences and Symposiums.

Some of the Publications: Kapadia, M. (2019). Practical Spirituality: Dabbawala Case. In: Giri, A.K. (eds) Practical Spirituality and Human Development. Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-3687-4_10 Kapadia, M., Dagar, C. (2022). Understanding Self and Well-Being Based on Ayurveda: Implications for Indian Management. In: Pandey, A., Budhwar, P., Bhawuk, D.P.S. (eds) Indigenous Indian Management. Palgrave Studies in Indian Management. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-87906-8_6 Kapadia, M. (2024). Toward a New Dharma of Peace, Health, and Global Well-Being. In: Giri, A.K., Varghese, S. (eds) Towards a New Dharma of Peace Building. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-6066-8_9 Books- Heart Skills-Emotional Intelligence for work and life, 2008 Sukha Sutra- Wellbeing and Happiness for Flourishing, 2025

Bilbao 2022
Ljubljana 2025
Speakers
Arts
Asia 2028

Connect with Falu on social media:

FALU

Artist, Grammy-winning singer and songwriter

Known for her astonishing melodic range, vibrant approach to song lyrics and uncanny ability to blend genres and styles, Falu is a GRAMMY Award® winner and four-time GRAMMY® nominee. She has released seven albums to critical acclaim and her evocative vocals have been featured on dozens of other musical recordings.</span>

In 2022, she was featured at the GRAMMYs® pre-telecast ceremony and then became the first India-born singer/songwriter to win the award for Best Children’s Album. Falu was nominated in 2023 in the Global Music Performance category for a song about world hunger that featured Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Among her music partners are world-famous artists like Yo-Yo Ma, Wyclef Jean, Philip Glass, Ricky Martin, Blues Traveler and A. R. Rahman.

In 2023, Falu appeared at the largest stadium in the world and sang to 132,000 attendees, while another 1.7 billion around the world watched on television. She has been invited to sing at festivities honoring India at the White House by both President Obama and President Biden. Since 2006 Falu has served as Carnegie Hall’s Ambassador of Indian Music. She has performed to sold-out crowds at Carnegie Hall as well as headlining at other landmark venues including the Grand Ole Opry, Monterey Jazz Festival and Wolf Trap.

In 2015, she was recognized by the Economic Times as one of the 20 most influential Indian women in the world. She has served as a music educator and thought leader through her work with Carnegie Hall. Recently named as one the top 50 Global leaders from India in Business and Arts by the Business Standard alongside Indra Nooyi, Satyaji Ray and Pandit Ravi Shankar. The multilingual singer/song-writer has touched millions of hearts by communicating so completely the melodies, rhythms and words that spring from her soul.

Watch Plenary Recording
Bilbao 2022
Ljubljana 2025
Speakers
Arts
Asia 2028

SUMMIT HOST

Shadille Estepan 

Senior Communications Manager, Born This Way Foundation

CONNECT WITH SHADILLE ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

CONNECT WITH BORN THIS WAY FOUNDATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Shadille Estepan (she/ella) is a storyteller, digital communication strategist, and mental health advocate dedicated to fostering a kinder, braver world through research-driven communications. As Senior Communications Manager at Born This Way Foundation, she brings over a decade of experience in strategic storytelling, media relations, and public health advocacy to amplify youth voices, destigmatize mental health, and expand access to critical resources.

Shadille has led high-impact partnerships with local, federal, and international organizations, ensuring that research-backed mental health resources reach young people and their communities. She has curated and facilitated hundreds of conversations–both online and in person–on mental health, youth wellbeing, and community building, amplifying the voices of young changemakers and policy leaders alike.

As a Dominican who immigrated to the United States at a young age, Shadille saw firsthand the gaps in culturally responsive and accessible mental health resources. This experience shaped her commitment to ensuring that all young people have the support they need to care for their well-being. Through her work, she translates research into compelling narratives that drive action, ensuring mental health conversations are inclusive, empowering, and reflective of diverse communities.

Her journey with Born This Way Foundation began in 2012 as a member of its inaugural Youth Advisory Board. Since then, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s messaging and outreach strategies. She remains dedicated to leveraging storytelling as a tool for social change, ensuring that young people have the platforms, resources, and support they need to thrive.

 

Bilbao 2022
Ljubljana 2025
Speakers
Arts
Asia 2028

Connect with Brown Rice Family on social media:

Brown Rice Family

Brown Rice Family is today’s freshest world roots band jamming towards global solidarity and organic happiness. Guided by a strong belief in the natural flow of things, BRF provides the masses with a distinctively organic World Roots Music, which encompasses reggae, hip-hop, dancehall, afro beat, jazz stylings, rock, brazilian, Latin, and funk. The band was formed while its members were attending the City College of New York.

Initially, BRF started off with two members, Yuichi and former member Joe Jang, who both shared the belief that one should live in a healthy environment and eat naturally grown food. While flirting with their organic approach to living and music, they came across brown rice—one of the healthiest foods for human consumption. The band began to grow and is presently comprised of eight members hailing from all over the world—Japan, Jamaica, Haiti, Nigeria, South Africa and USA.

Giselle Rouvier

Madrid, Spain.

Manager of Strategic Partnerships and Community engagement EB

Connect with Falu on social media:

Hi, I’m Giselle—a mother, a lifelong learner, and someone who asks a lot of questions. Originally from Brazil, I’ve lived in a few different countries, always fascinated by how people live, what they value, and the rhythms that shape their lives.

I started out in architecture, thinking I’d design spaces that helped people heal faster, learn better, and feel more connected to nature. But when I found myself designing spaces meant to sell more rather than support people, I knew I needed a different path.

That search led me through social innovation, yoga, women’s health, and community work. I studied at the Amani Institute, trained as a yoga teacher in the mountains of Santa Catarina, and eventually landed in Madrid—just in time for the biggest transformation of my life: motherhood.

I had just done something as monumental as creating an entire human being, yet I felt invisible. Taking a break from work made me realize how little space society holds for life’s biggest transitions. And so, the questions came—Why is birth so medicalized? Why do women disappear from the conversation when they become mothers? Why do we know so little about menstrual cycles and the female body? Why are we taught to push through and override our natural rhythms instead of working with them?

I went down a rabbit hole of learning, and once I knew, I couldn’t not share it. I started small—mum and baby yoga in the park, women’s circles, workshops, writing content—doing everything I could to reach as many women as possible. And through all of this, I saw how deeply our internal rhythms mirror the rhythms of nature. When we start paying attention to them instead of shutting them down, everything shifts.

Now, at The Wellbeing Project, I bring this perspective to my work in Partnerships & Community Engagement, helping to build collaborations that bridge personal and collective transformation. I work on Ecological Belonging, which, to me, is about remembering—that we are not separate from nature, from each other, or from the cycles that shape our lives. And when we start seeing ourselves as part of something bigger, we don’t have to push so hard. We can move with life instead of against it.

What does inner wellbeing mean to you?

Connecting with my inner rhythms and respecting them. Knowing when to move, when to rest, and when to stop forcing things that don’t align.

How would you define wellbeing in one word?

Balance.

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

  • Yoga (but in a what feels good today? way, not a rigid routine)
  • Taking care of my plants—some thrive, some don’t… much like life
  • Traveling, because new places always shift something inside
  • Beach days, because “I know a cure for everything: sweat, or tears, or the salt sea.”
  • Slow mornings with my family, where time actually feels like ours
  • Holding space in women’s circles, because storytelling and shared wisdom are medicine

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

Because one doesn’t exist without the other. As a mother, I know you can’t give from an empty cup.

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

Cradle to Cradle shaped how I think about cycles—how everything in nature, including us, moves in rhythms. Wild Power deepened that understanding, showing how working with our inner rhythms rather than against them changes everything.