Edwin Macharia

Co-Founder, Axum

Edwin is Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Axum. He leads work with Heads of State, CEOs, Philanthropists, and Investors, supporting them on strategy, program design and capital deployment.

Prior to starting Axum, Edwin spent 16 years at Dalberg Advisors building the firm’s presence, teams and client work across the world. He left after being elected and serving as the Global Managing Partner of the firm. Before that, he was at the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) and McKinsey & Company.

Based in Nairobi, Edwin currently sits on a range of global boards that reflect his commitment to transforming lives in Africa and beyond: The Nature Conservancy, Mozilla Foundation, Nabo Capital, The End Fund, Prudential Kenya and The Wellbeing Project. He is a WEF Young Global Leader, Archbishop Desmond Tutu Fellow and was listed by Forbes as one of the 10 Most Powerful Africans in 2015. He holds a degree in biology from Amherst College.

David Simas

Managing Director, Research and Impact, Emerson Collective

David Simas is the Managing Director of Research and Impact at Emerson Collective, where he works to develop in-depth research projects and distributes findings and analysis in service of Emerson’s priorities including democracy, immigration, education, and climate.

A native of Taunton, Massachusetts, David was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff to Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick in 2007. He then joined President Obama’s administration in 2009 as a Deputy Assistant to the President, working with senior advisors David Axelrod and David Plouffe. In 2012, he served as Director of Opinion Research for President Obama’s reelection campaign. Following the reelection, Mr. Simas returned to the White House as Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Political Strategy and Outreach. In 2016, President Obama selected Mr. Simas to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Obama Foundation. Mr. Simas holds a B.A. in political science from Stonehill College and a J.D. from Boston College Law School. He is the son of two Portuguese immigrants and lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Shauna, and their two daughters.

Learn more from David SimasLearn more from David Simas

How I Discovered Wellbeing Through the Arts: Rakhe RahmanHow I Discovered Wellbeing Through the Arts: Rakhe Rahman

Stories from the Hearth

Guest post by:

Rakhe Rahman

Community Affairs Coordinator, Heroes for All
🌍 Dhaka, Bangladesh

Rakhe Rahman, Community Affairs Coordinator at Heroes for All, was a key partner of the first regional wellbeing summit for social change held in Asia in March 2024. In her home country of Bangladesh, Rakhe had a transformative experience learning about wellbeing, the arts, and mental health at The Wellbeing Summit Dhaka.

The mission of Heroes for All is to support children and youth to become morally responsible and conscious global citizen by realizing their fullest potential and building a purposeful life through active civic engagement, informed life choices, and global connectivity. Heroes for All envisions transforming communities through conscious, purposeful and engaged global citizens. It promises to engage its youth to become the best version of their selves through developing their moral values and sense of civic responsibilities; believing in their own potentials; and cultivating positive mindset to improve and build their intellectual, emotional, creative and physical abilities.

Read Rakhe’s reflections from the event and the last impact the arts program had on her wellbeing.

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In March 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to attend The Wellbeing Summit Dhaka, a transformative experience that marked my first foray into such an event. My organization, Heroes for All, was a strategic partner, allowing me to engage directly with the summit’s activities and discussions. In the midst of my own struggles with mental health, I felt compelled to reflect on this experience, hoping it might provide some solace.

Mental fitness is a vital aspect of our lives and society, and the Summit emphasized this importance through various activities designed to promote wellbeing. One of my favorite moments was participating in art activities. Despite not being an artist or painter, I discovered a passion for playing with color. This newfound outlet has become a source of joy for me, especially during difficult times. Whenever I feel low, I now turn to colors, and the simple act of creating brings me happiness.

The Summit also featured engaging sessions like an open talk show, where participants shared their stories and insights. These conversations were enlightening and fostered a sense of community, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles.

Despite not being an artist or painter, I discovered a passion for playing with color. This newfound outlet has become a source of joy for me, especially during difficult times. Whenever I feel low, I now turn to colors, and the simple act of creating brings me happiness.

A highlight of the event was the folk song performance during the final segment. I danced with all my heart, embracing the joy of movement and connection with others. Those two days were filled with learning and exploration, significantly impacting my perspective on life and wellbeing.

I sincerely hope The Wellbeing Summit Dhaka becomes an annual event. It has the power to bring people together, foster creativity, and inspire a collective commitment to mental fitness. Reflecting on this experience has helped me navigate my own feelings, and I encourage everyone to seek out moments that uplift and rejuvenate them.

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Dive Into Stories From Around the World

Discover the Arts and Wellbeing FurtherDiscover the Arts and Wellbeing Further

Meet and hear stories from the changemakers exploring social change through the arts.

Building Relationships Is the Key to Creating Wellbeing: Birima FallBuilding Relationships Is the Key to Creating Wellbeing: Birima Fall

Stories from the Hearth

Interview With:

Birima Fall

Senior Program Manager, Tostan
🌍 Dakar, Senegal

The first regional wellbeing summit for social change in Africa, hosted by Tostan in Thiès in 2023, was an opportunity to reflect on wellbeing from a perspective rooted in African values. The conception that one can have of wellbeing differs from one place to another, from one culture to another; it is therefore important to hear the African perspective on the different aspects that affect well-being.

According to Birima Fall, Senior Program Manager at Tostan, although the notion of wellbeing encompasses a holistic dimension, one of its main foundations according to Tostan’s approach lies in relationships. It is thanks to an approach based on the relationships that communities are able to discuss, work together and make important decisions in order to accomplish their vision of an ideal of wellbeing.

Watch the interview below.

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Dive Into Stories From Around the World

Discover the Wellbeing Movement in AfricaDiscover the Wellbeing Movement in Africa

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

A Plastic-Free Future for Senegal: Modou FallA Plastic-Free Future for Senegal: Modou Fall

Stories from the Hearth

Interview With:

Modou Fall

L’Homme Plastique (The Plastic Man)
🌍 Dakar, Senegal

In this interview, meet L’Homme Plastique (Modou Fall), a former soldier as he shares his journey after his military service, and how he became aware of environmental issues in his country. He highlights the urgent need to raise awareness about reducing plastic waste and adopting more sustainable lifestyles. Modou’s campaign of wearing a dress made from collected plastic bags highlights the devastating impact of discarded plastic waste and the importance of environmental health for the wellbeing of all, which he shared at the first regional wellbeing summit in Thiès.

Watch the interview below.

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Discover the Wellbeing Movement in AfricaDiscover the Wellbeing Movement in Africa

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

Investing in Youth Wellbeing, Investing in Africa’s Future: Carolyn KandusiInvesting in Youth Wellbeing, Investing in Africa’s Future: Carolyn Kandusi

Stories from the Hearth

Interview With:

Carolyn Kandusi

Regional Program Officer, Segal Family Foundation
🌍 Arusha, Tanzania

In this interview, meet Carolyn Kandusi, Regional Program Officer at the Segal Family Foundation, as she discusses the importance of empowering African leaders, addressing wellness and mental health, and fostering trust-based philanthropy to drive social change in Africa. As a member of our Funders + Wellbeing Group, Carolyn took the stage at Hearth Summit Nairobi to discuss new approaches to philanthropy to better enable the wellbeing of grantee changemakers.

The Segal Family Foundation is a social impact funder and advisor backing local African leaders with huge potential to transform society and help progressive donors do the same. The foundation invests in early-stage, local leaders with big visions, and its grantmaking team is 100% African, working with local experts to identify visionaries with the potential for great social impact—including those at the beginning of their journey.

Watch the interview below.

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Discover the Wellbeing Movement in PhilanthropyDiscover the Wellbeing Movement in Philanthropy

Meet and hear stories from the changemakers championing the wellbeing movement in philanthropic and funding organziations.

Wellbeing is Community and Inclusion: Okong’o KinyanjuiWellbeing is Community and Inclusion: Okong’o Kinyanjui

Stories from the Hearth

Interview With:

Okong’o Kinyanjui

Founder and Executive Director, Queer African Network
🌍 Nairobi, Kenya

In this interview, meet Okong’o Kinyanjui, Founder and Executive Director of the Queer African Network, as he shares how wellbeing inspires welldoing in his work to support the queer Pan-African community. Okong’o joined the first regional Hearth Summit in Nairobi to discover intergenerational wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion.

The Queer African Network is the only social and professional mobile application currently in existence that is built by and for LGBT+ people of African heritage to safely form meaningful connections, access opportunities, fundraise, and find life-saving information. QAN currently serves 2000+ members from 18+ countries. Our goal is to be the most secure primary mobile application used for resource sharing and mobilization on LGBT + needs across the African continent.

Watch the interview below. Please be advised this interview features references to trauma, suicide, and self-harm.

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Discover the Wellbeing Movement in AfricaDiscover the Wellbeing Movement in Africa

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

Regional Hearth SummitsRegional Hearth Summits

Wellbeing Inspires Welldoing in Europe

Calling all European changemakers to the Hearth! The regional Hearth Summits in Europe are nurturing a whole new culture of social change as they bring changemakers together to champion, experience, and celebrate wellbeing.

These gatherings speak to the heart of a growing movement for changemakers to embrace wellbeing in their work. With deep discussions, moving art experiences, and embodied practices and activities, they are inspiring both sustainable change and sustainable changemaking in Europe.

Our European partners — betterplace lab, Impact Hub Athens, Pioneers of Change, and TheMerode Club — are thrilled to welcome you at their Hearth Summits.

Join a diverse group of participants — from activists, policymakers, business leaders, students, academics, artists, and more — to co-create the future of social change in Europe!

Or

Explore the regional summits

Taking place in 2024 & 2025

OCT 31 – NOV 01, 2024

NOV 11 – 14, 2024

NOV 20 – 22, 2024

FEB 27 – 28, 2025

The Regional Summit ExperienceThe Regional Summit Experience

Relive the first regional summit in Europe, hosted in Brussels in November 2023 by TheMerode.

Dive Deeper Into More StoriesDive Deeper Into More Stories

From the European Hearth Summits

Testimonials Testimonials

From Our Attendees

“The Wellbeing Summit for Social Change in Bilbao was the most transcending and grounding gathering I’ve ever attended, with one touching, inspiring, and motivating talk and artistic performance after another from around the world.”
Sennay Ghebreab - Professor, Program Director and Founder Participant at The Wellbeing Summit for Social Change 2022
“The Wellbeing Summit for Social Change in Bilbao was the most transcending and grounding gathering I’ve ever attended, with one touching, inspiring, and motivating talk and artistic performance after another from around the world.”
Sennay Ghebreab - Professor, Program Director and Founder Participant at The Wellbeing Summit for Social Change 2022
“The Wellbeing Summit for Social Change in Bilbao was the most transcending and grounding gathering I’ve ever attended, with one touching, inspiring, and motivating talk and artistic performance after another from around the world.”
Sennay Ghebreab - Professor, Program Director and Founder Participant at The Wellbeing Summit for Social Change 2022
“The Wellbeing Summit for Social Change in Bilbao was the most transcending and grounding gathering I’ve ever attended, with one touching, inspiring, and motivating talk and artistic performance after another from around the world.”
Sennay Ghebreab - Professor, Program Director and Founder Participant at The Wellbeing Summit for Social Change 2022
“The Wellbeing Summit for Social Change in Bilbao was the most transcending and grounding gathering I’ve ever attended, with one touching, inspiring, and motivating talk and artistic performance after another from around the world.”
Sennay Ghebreab - Professor, Program Director and Founder Participant at The Wellbeing Summit for Social Change 2022

A Space for ExperiencesA Space for Experiences

Discover the World of Wellbeing and Welldoing in Europe

Read stories of how European changemakers are gathering at the Hearth Summits to explore key issues through their unique regional lens:

Empowering Kenyans Through Justice: Chief Justice Martha Koome on Wellbeing in Kenya Empowering Kenyans Through Justice: Chief Justice Martha Koome on Wellbeing in Kenya

Stories from the Hearth

Reflections from:

Her Ladyship Chief Justice Martha Koome

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Kenya
🌍 Nairobi, Kenya

Her Ladyship Martha K. Koome assumed office as Chief Justice and the President of the Supreme Court of Kenya on May 21, 2021.

Prior to her appointment as the 15th Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya, she was a Senior Judge of the Court of Appeal. During her stint as an Appellate Judge, she headed the Criminal Division of the Court and in addition, chaired Committees which developed the Court of Appeal Practice Directions in Civil and Criminal Appeals as well as the Registry Manual that standardized the registry experience at the Court.

At Hearth Summit Nairobi, the Chief Justice was chair of the pillar on restorative justice, providing deep insights on the role of formal and informal justice in societal wellbeing. She also spoke about the need to support the wellbeing of actors in the judicial system, like judges.

Read her reflections below, originally published on her blog, and watch her exclusive interview with The Star Kenya.

“I have the immense honour to co-host the Hearth Summit Nairobi, 2024 alongside Archbishop Anthony Muheria, Archbishop of Nyeri, Kenya, Wanjira Mathai, Managing Director, Africa and Global Partnerships, World Resources Institute and Edwin Macharia, Partner, Axum Kenya; The Wellbeing Project’s Advisory Board.

The Hearth Summit, hosted by local communities of changemakers, advances a hopeful vision of individual, collective and ecological wellbeing for all – catalyzing a culture of wellbeing for changemakers and in changemaking everywhere.

At this critical moment in our country and planet, wellbeing in all aspects remains core to our survival. At the Judiciary, we are focused on nurturing restorative justice which will heal the justice system by reshaping it through the lens of our innate, empowering age-old reconciliatory systems.

We are deliberately deploying green justice to ease remand and prison congestion and encouraging parliament to review our penal laws in alignment with the Constitution and post-independence state.

By investing in alternative justice systems, we acknowledge that justice is not only found in the formal court system but in homes, communities, places of worship and markets hence the need to have multiple ways of resolving disputes.

We will continue to nurture cohesion through justice and to find uplifting homegrown ways to ensure that the justice system holds safe and sacred the fabric of our society. As we protect the wellbeing of our nation, we also seek your support to nurture and protect the wellbeing of our exceptional judges, judicial officers and staff.

It is not the structure of the systems we build that guard our humanity, it is the humanness of those systems that make our lives dignified and worthy.”

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

BMW Colombia Presents: Stories From the Hearth With Daniel Truran BMW Colombia Presents: Stories From the Hearth With Daniel Truran

Stories from the Hearth

Interview with:

Daniel Truran

Director General, ebbf (ethical business building for the future)
🌍 Madrid, Spain

Presented by BMW Colombia — partner of Hearth Summit Bogotá 2024

Daniel Truran is a renowned motivational speaker, impact strategist and innovator, with over two decades of experience dedicated to co-creating some of the most influential impact communities. His passion lies in inspiring and cultivating communities and movements capable of creating a more prosperous, sustainable and just future. He is the General Director of ebbf.org (ethical business building the future), a B Corp Ambassador in Europe, and a Partner at NOW.Partners.

At Hearth Summit Bogotá, Daniel was a keynote speaker, offering a closing session on conscious leadership in the age of modern business. Watch his reflections below (in English).

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Discover the Wellbeing Movement in Latin AmericaDiscover the Wellbeing Movement in Latin America

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