Giuliana Lomonaco

Regional Summits Senior Manager

Lugano,
Switzerland

Giuliana is a sociologist, social researcher, and program lead whose work is rooted in a deep curiosity for people’s stories, beliefs, and emotions. For her, working towards social change is both a method and a practice of listening, learning, and co-creating with individuals and communities across diverse socio-cultural, national, religious, and generational contexts. Over the past decade, she has led research-informed design, implementation, and evaluation processes for social and cultural change initiatives in Colombia, Kuwait, and internationally, working with public institutions, NGOs, and civic organizations.

Her work centers on the exploration and reshaping of social norms and cultural narratives, and on the integration of art, play, and embodied practices into systems change and community-building efforts. She has led participatory research and transformative learning programs that advance radical inclusion, inter-communal dialogue, and collaborative resilience, including the Hearth Summit Kuwait.

Giuliana’s understanding of the interconnectedness of individual, collective, and environmental wellbeing is informed by theories emerging from intersectional feminism, politicized somatics, and healing justice. Guided by an anti-oppressive and social ecology lens, she is committed to cultivating spaces where people can reconnect with their bodies, one another, and the ecosystems they inhabit, and where more just, compassionate, and life-affirming futures can be imagined together.

What does inner wellbeing mean to you?

Capacity to feel centered in (and embody) dignity, safety, belonging, and purpose.

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

Contemplative practices, somatic therapy, mindfulness methods, breathwork.

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

Because feeling more at home in our bodies, in our lands, and in our relationships with others helps us imagine more just, compassionate, and life-affirming futures for all.

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

I’m a very big fan of the work of Staci Haines and Adrienne Maree Brown.

Connect with Giuliana Lomonaco on social media :

Sandra Sierra

Leadership Assistant at The Wellbeing Project

Sandra has built her path at the intersection of purpose-driven operations, cultural sensitivity, and experiences that bring people together. She has coordinated multidisciplinary projects, consistently focusing on creating environments where people feel supported, connected, and able to engage meaningfully. She ensures that every process reflects care, respect, and intention. Sandra brings a calm, grounded presence to fast-moving environments, seamlessly combining meticulous organization with an intuitive understanding of what helps others feel supported and at ease.

Her personal values have guided a steady shift toward roles that align with social impact, community wellbeing, and more sustainable ways of working. This journey has strengthened her adaptability, resilience, and love for collaborating with teams that share a sense of purpose. Outside of work, she enjoys quiet routines, nature, family, learning about wellbeing, and moments that help her stay grounded and connected to herself and others.

What does inner wellbeing mean to you?
Being at peace and in harmony with myself.

Are there any rituals or practices you use to enhance your wellbeing?
Practices like mindful breathing and creating special moments for myself with care and awareness.

Why is it important that we prioritize individual, organizational and societal wellbeing
If we don’t take the time to balance ourselves, everything else falls out of order. When an individual is thriving, it becomes a source of wellbeing for others, creating a positive ripple effect throughout organizations and society.

Carolina Juda

P&C Internal Communications & Organizational Development Senior Manager

Portugal

Connect with Carolina Juda on social media :

I believe in our inner light, a light that lives within each of us. When we choose to connect with it, not only do we feel better, but those around us do too.

I love connection. The word connection is broad, and I cherish it in all its forms… Connecting with myself, with strangers on the street, with people I’ve just met, and with my loved ones. I find deep meaning in connection, and over the past few years, I’ve been exploring this area with curiosity and intention.

My career has been anything but linear. With a degree in Business Economics, I chose to follow my curiosity and inner light, transitioning into roles focused on creating environments where people feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are, and invited to grow as a collective.

Before joining The Wellbeing Project, I worked in People Change Management and as a People Program Manager for various international companies. Today, alongside my role at the organization, I’m developing my own project that supports individuals on their journey back to their hearts.

What does inner wellbeing mean to you?

Inner Wellbeing for me is dedicating time and space to connect with myself and with others.

How would you define wellbeing in one word?

Expansion

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

Journaling, meditation, movement, nourishing meals, reading, sharing activities I like with others

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

I believe it is important that we prioritize wellbeing so that we can live a more intentional life, feel more at ease with ourselves and with one another. I believe wellbeing promotes understanding, peace and community.

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

I admire experts like Joe Dispenza and Gabor Maté. I find a lot of value in listening to The Diary of a CEO, as Steven interviews people who are making a big difference and he does it in such a humble and curious way.

Rafael de Sousa

Regional Ecosystems Coordinator at The Wellbeing Project

Caracas,
Venezuela

People call me Rafa, both in the project and in life. With a background in Modern Languages, I’ve built my career in human resources and internal operations, where I’ve enjoyed supporting teams and helping things run smoothly behind the scenes. I’m passionate about traveling, history, and exploring different cultures, languages, and ways of living, and throughout my professional journey, I’ve also discovered a strong interest in creating supportive environments where people can thrive.

As a fun fact, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for design. Before changing my major, I actually studied architecture and design, which continues to inspire my perspective today.

Outside of work, I love immersing myself in movies and series, spending time outdoors, whether it’s a trek in the mountains or a simple walk to recharge, or going out to enjoy food and discover new artistic or gastronomical experiences.

What does inner wellbeing mean to you?

Being grateful and mindful, staying present, and maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle across my work, passions, personal growth, and relationships.

How would you define wellbeing in one word?

Balance

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

Spending time alone, but also with my loved ones. Morning meditations, slow weekend walks, being grateful for my day, regular exercise, or even just resting would help me stay grounded and enhance my wellbeing.

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

They are deeply interconnected, with each creating a ripple effect on the others, beginning with our own wellbeing.

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

Se regalan dudas Podcast or the Insight Timer App, which I use daily for meditations and relfections.

Gordon Lavalette

Chief Financial & Administration Officer at The Wellbeing Project

New Jersey,
USA

Connect with Gordon Lavalette on social media :

What does inner wellbeing mean to you?

It means you are at peace and have achieved balance in all facets of your life

How would you define wellbeing in one word?

Balance

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

I benefit from daily meditation

Hayley Baynard

Corporate Development Director at The Wellbeing Project

Galicia,
Spain

Connect with Hayley Baynard:

Hayley began her career in London in 2005, working in integrated marketing agencies where she specialised in sponsorships and delivered memorable brand experiences for leading global brands. While she thrived in creating impactful experiences and delivering high-level client service, the fast-paced nature of the industry eventually led her to seek something more meaningful — a role that offered purpose and a deeper sense of belonging.

In 2012, driven by a love of travel and adventure, Hayley relocated to Australia and transitioned into a sponsorship role in the not-for-profit arts sector. She quickly found her footing and rose to lead the Development team at Sculpture by the Sea, a renowned outdoor public art festival that attracts over half a million visitors annually. In this role, Hayley worked closely with the Founding Director and some of Australia’s most generous philanthropists, family foundations, and corporate partners, alongside a passionate team that soon felt like family.

While living in Sydney, Hayley also nurtured a growing interest in yoga. Her regular practice led her to complete her first 200-hour yoga teacher training (YTT) in Baja California in 2017. This marked the beginning of a deeper personal journey into wellbeing.

A desire to reconnect with loved ones eventually brought Hayley back to the UK, where she joined the Barbican — one of Europe’s largest arts centres — as a Senior Manager. There, she led sponsorship efforts within the development team, supporting immersive and art gallery programmes and working closely with trustees and directors to embed a culture of fundraising within the organisation. She continued her personal wellbeing journey by completing additional YTTs in Kids Yoga and restorative Yin, finding a renewed sense of growth in the slower, introspective practice of Yin.

In 2022, driven by her growing family, Hayley made a new move — this time to Galicia, Spain. Drawn to its natural beauty and cultural difference, reminiscent of Sydney yet closer to home, she established a remote consultancy supporting business development for not-for-profits, arts organisations, and creative enterprises. Inspired by her new community, she also created a home studio, Yoga Skies, to share yoga in an intimate and grounding way.

Today, Hayley balances family life in Galicia with her role at The Wellbeing Project (TWP), where she leads a new division focused on corporate engagement. In many ways, the puzzle finally feels complete — a meaningful career aligned with purpose, community, and wellbeing.

What does inner wellbeing mean to you?
A balanced self and the ability to quieten the internal noise that the busy world creates.

How would you define wellbeing in one word?
Peaceful

Are there any rituals or practices you use to enhance your wellbeing?
Connecting with family and friends who live abroad
Cooking wholesome food to enjoy with family and friends
Spending time near water – rivers or the beach
Hiking and picnics in nature
Gardening, growing flowers and food and creating new spaces in the garden
Teaching yoga workshops and holding space for others

Why is it important that we prioritize individual, organizational and societal wellbeing?
When we look after ourselves we can show up as a better, happier human. We can be more balanced, healthy, stable, productive and able to share our wisdom with others. For our planet and future generations, our children and families, collective wellbeing will support a flourishing society and nurtured community.

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

Podcasts
Black Earth Podcast
The Science of Happiness
Who Cares Wins

Books
Becoming the One, Heleana Aiyana
The Untethered Soul, Michael A Singer
The Whole-Brain Child, Dr Tina Payne and Dr Daniel Siegal
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before, Dr Julie Smith
The Unexpected Joy of the Ordinary, Catherine Gray
The Awakened Family, Dr Shefali Tsabary

Marlene Ogawa

Synergos

Marlene is based in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she works with cross- and multi-sectoral leaders on the Bridging Leadership project, building collaborative and purpose-driven servant leadership principles. Her work centers on relational leadership and social connectedness, emphasizing personal change, common purpose, and collaborative action.

Marlene partners with clients to design and facilitate processes around compassionate leadership and foster effective intercultural diversity, equity, and inclusion (ICDEI) environments. She designs strategic development processes, leads courses, and consults on and facilitates various ICDEI and organizational development initiatives around themes like race, gender, and social transformation. Marlene’s approach encourages impactful dialogue spaces and focuses on building the capacity of leaders to hold space, lead teams, and model the institution’s vision. She is the author of several publications, including the book, Thriving Women, Thriving World: An Invitation to Dialogue, Healing and Inspired Actions.

Marlene has a degree from the University of Johannesburg and various certificates in project management and ICT. Her experience working with decision makers across diverse sectors, including philanthropy, children/youth services, academia, local governance, and the broader business and development sector, has enriched her work, equipping her with tools from cutting-edge methodologies, including World Café, Open Space Technology, and Appreciative Inquiry.

Paulina Barrios

Development Manager

Mexico

Connect with Paulina: 

Paulina M. Barrios holds a B.A. in Comparative Literature with an emphasis on International Relations from Colorado College and a Master’s in African Studies from El Colegio de México. She has experience in translation, feminist resource mobilization, and has done research on feminist and queer urban literary and performative projects in Latin America and Africa. Her goal is to eventually broaden the connections between academia and activism, as well as show how crucial literature and art are for people’s lives.

GET TO KNOW PAULINA

 

– What does inner wellbeing mean to you?

I think inner wellbeing is feeling at peace with oneself and others, feeling cared for and accompanied by those we hold dear, and having the time and space to explore activities that bring us joy.

– How would you define wellbeing in one word?

Peace

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

Walks with my dogs, calm yoga practice, taking a conscious break for a meal or coffee with my friends or family.

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

True growth and development are impossible without prioritizing wellbeing, both for personal growth and true lasting social change. Societal and environmental wellbeing are crucial to a sustainable future, one where we all have the ability and possibility to pursue life-changing opportunities.

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

One of my favorite books is bell hooks’ “all about love”, wonderful book that pushes us to rethink what love is regarding interpersonal relationships, and also self-love and care.

Eric Mulholland

Dean of Inner Development Program

Whidbey Island, WA, United States

CONNECT WITH SHADILLE ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Eric Mulholland is a licensed mental health counselor, actor, educator, facilitator, and all-around creative person who has worked with groups of all ages for over 30 years. He studied theatre at the University of LaVerne where he specialized in Creative Dramatics and Acting. Professionally, Eric has acted in regional children’s theatre companies and has appeared in over 50 plays. He taught drama in regional acting conservatories, schools, and community programs around the world.

Eric helped launch the international youth program Partners for Youth Empowerment (PYE Global) and traveled extensively as a global trainer for the organization. His interest in somatic awareness and how the body holds trauma led him to study massage therapy at the Port Townsend School of Massage, where he received his massage license. He graduated with a master’s degree from the European Graduate School in Saas-Fee, Switzerland and currently works part-time as a therapist in private practice.

At home, Eric enjoys spending time with friends over a home cooked meal and working with his hands in the garden. Touching the earth regularly keeps him balanced and connected. Hiking, running, swimming, skiing, and travel have all been a routine part of his self-care over the years. Eric loves to explore his creativity in his home studio by painting, dancing, and writing.

What does inner wellbeing mean to you?

Inner wellbeing, to me, is about building a positive relationship with yourself. It’s recognizing that you are your own greatest supporter, nurturing self-compassion, and finding balance within to thrive.

How would you define wellbeing in one word?

Connection

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

Being in nature fills me with peace and connection. It is not uncommon for me sit in silence for long periods of time in the forests or at the seaside near my home. I also enjoy yoga for balance, trail running to strengthen my heart, meditation to smooth the rough edges of my mind, poetry to bring the tears, and cooking delicious food for joy and community.

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

Life comes at us fast and furious most of the time. Most of which we can’t control. Building a practice that supports wellbeing is a tonic for the vicissitudes of life. If I am well, then I can contribute from an empowered place. I can be creative and thoughtful and compassionate. Organizations and societies are made up of individuals so I believe wellbeing starts with me.

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

Poems by Rumi, The Wild Edge of Sorrow by Francis Weller, The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff, and Start Where Your Are by Pema Chödrön