“Hope is definitely not the same thing as optimism. It is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out.” Chapter 5: The Politics of Hope
Anant is a Research Fellow who works on understanding how we can improve the value of healthcare services by optimizing resource utilization, improving population health and by addressing social determinants of health. Prior to his position at the University of Oxford, Anant worked in Europe and the Middle East to help healthcare systems within these countries to focus more on value-based healthcare. Anant has a PhD in immunology from Yale University.
Chiyedza Heri is an inter-disciplinary professional with experience spanning biodiversity conservation, carbon markets, sustainability reporting, policy advisory and innovative financing mechanisms. Her work focuses on helping governments, financial institutions, businesses and development partners mobilise capital for climate-resilient, nature-positive and inclusive economic development across Africa.
Chiyedza is the Founder and CEO of Ubuntu Alliance, where she works with public and private sector partners to improve sustainability data, reporting and access to alternative finance for environmental and social outcomes.
Her experience includes policy and advocacy leadership with BirdLife Zimbabwe, where she supported nature and climate-policy alignment, ecosystem-restoration finance and stakeholder capacity building; and service as Vice Chair of the Zimbabwe Carbon Association, where she contributed to carbon-market coordination, regulatory benchmarking. She has also facilitated carbon-finance learning for conservation practitioners, policymakers and finance professionals through Africa Leadership University.
Chiyedza brings practical knowledge of TNFD, TCFD, carbon-crediting programmes, impact measurement, biodiversity-finance planning, ESG-related standards and the interlinkages among the Rio Conventions. She has contributed to Zimbabwe’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and has engaged in major regional and global policy forums, including UNFCCC COP28 and 30, UNCBD COP16, UNCCD COP16, Ramsar COP15, the Africa Climate Summit one and two and the 2024 UNEP FI Africa Regional Roundtable.
Zsófia Ságodi is an International Relations student at Leiden University with experience in business development, policy research, and data analysis. She is interested in international political economy, sustainability, and using research and data-driven insights to support strategic decision-making.
William Morrissey is an environmental science and policy professional who thrives at the intersection of climate, finance, and policy. As an Associate at Responsible Alpha, William leads the US federal and state contracting effort, liaising with federal partners, identifying public partnerships, and opportunities for growth. He also assists on contracts, using his project management, natural resource management, and scientific research experience.
With 5+ years of experience as a natural resource biologist, William has worked across sectors to solve complex environmental problems. At Versar Inc., he had the opportunity to contribute to many environmental projects, such as freshwater habitat surveys and IDDE inspections. He has managed environmental and wetland permitting for the Maryland State Highway Association and served as a field biologist for the MD Department of Natural Resources.
Recently, he obtained his MPA in Environmental Science and Policy from Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs, where he studied climate science, environmental policy, and sustainable finance. In his undergraduate career, he studied Biology at the University of Delaware with a primary focus on ecology.
Outside of the office, William spends a lot of his time with his family, traveling abroad or to the New Jersey shore, and cooking delicious vegetarian recipes.
Raj Soni advises enterprise leaders on capturing AI value. Over twenty years Raj has launched and scaled B2B SaaS and enterprise products globally and built teams across four continents. He works with leadership on the decisions that matter, which workflows to redesign, how to structure adoption, and how to measure and deliver against the AI value promise.
Mr. Soni has held director of product development and similar roles at Gartner, Glasswing, SEQR, and European Union Delegation to India and South Asia. He has worked at firms including Tata Consultancy. He also participated on product, delivery and engagement leadership roles with Bank of America, Boeing, JPMorgan Chase, National Bank of Greece and ABN AMRO on enterprise launches.
Career highlights include:
Raj graduated with an MBA from the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan.
Dr. Tom Achoki, M.D., Ph.D. is a seasoned physician executive with over 15 years of global experience leading innovation in healthcare and social impact initiatives. His work spans strategic partnerships across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, driving transformative change in health systems and development programs worldwide. He is a co-founder of the Africa Institute for Health Policy, a leading research organization based in Nairobi, Kenya.
Tom is a medical doctor and has completed a PhD from Utrecht University in the Netherlands and an MBA from the M.I.T Sloan School of Management, where he focused on finance and healthcare innovation. He did his post-graduate training at the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington where he also held a faculty position. He brings deep expertise in corporate venture investing and operational model design to advance business goals while creating shared value and mitigating risk. He is a recognized thought leader in global health, digital transformation, research, and data analytics—leveraging evidence to inform strategic decisions and execution.
Dr. Achoki’s work is grounded in a commitment to equity, sustainability, and measurable impact—making him a trusted advisor in shaping the future of healthcare and social innovation.
Francisco Lizcano Bazaldúa is an impact investing professional with a background spanning venture acceleration, institutional finance, and sustainable technology-enabled supply chains across Latin America. He holds an MSc in Astrophysics from UNAM — where he developed advanced skills in statistical modelling, quantitative data analysis, and evidence-based reasoning — which he brings to investment analysis, ESG research, and sustainability advisory. Experienced structuring blended-finance mechanisms and advising early-stage impact enterprises on capital readiness and scalability, he has worked across the full capital stack from seed-stage ventures to institutional products. His supply chain traceability work at BanQu deepened his practical understanding of ESG compliance frameworks, sustainable sourcing standards, and the role of data integrity in credible sustainability reporting. Francisco is currently a Fellow of the New England Impact Investing Initiative (NEI3), deepening his expertise in sustainable finance and impact measurement across emerging markets.
Ruonan (Cara) Li is passionate about sustainability and global development, with a interdisciplinary background in public administration, economics, and policy studies. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in International Relations at Johns Hopkins University SAIS Europe in Bologna, she focuses on how data-driven insights and policy innovation can advance sustainable growth and international cooperation.
Julianne Zimmerman is a social justice investor and systems-change leader with more than 30 years of experience putting technology and capital to work for the greater good. She currently serves on the Trust Stewardship Committee for Ona Perpetual Purpose Trust and previously served as Co-CEO of Adasina Social Capital. Julianne has held leadership and advisory roles across impact investing, energy, biofuel, water purification, aerospace, and technology.
She previously served as Managing Director at Reinventure Capital, investing in US-based companies led and controlled by BIPOC and/or female founders. She is actively involved in advancing racial, social, and gender equity and serves on the board of the Criterion Institute and as an Ambassador for Global InvestHer.
She also mentors entrepreneurs and emerging leaders through organizations including MIT VMS, WPI, and Majira Project. Julianne holds two SB degrees from MIT, an MS in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland, and an executive certificate in Sustainability Management from Presidio Graduate School. She is a 2020 Conscious Company World Changing Woman and a 2022 Forbes 50 Over 50 honoree.
Isabella Manzione-Dearborn is a graduate student at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies pursuing a Master of Arts in International Affairs. Isabella currently serves on the project team as an analyst and works extensively with the Business Development and Marketing Team.
Throughout her education, Isabella cultivated a strong interest in climate and sustainability issues, integrating global sustainability themes into her coursework and study abroad experience. Her professional background includes internships with the Department of Defense and the International Rescue Committee, where she supported federal operations and refugee resettlement efforts. Isabella’s interdisciplinary perspective and commitment to the environment align with Responsible Alpha’s mission to advance climate-conscious financial strategies.
With over two years of study-abroad experience, Isabella demonstrates strong global citizenship skills. In addition to her passion for travel, Isabella enjoys training for half marathons and collecting many plants.
Jimena’s management role includes project tracking and management, team coordination, online marketing, and supporting RA’s participation in working groups and partnerships. She is also an analyst who conducts research and assists in writing reports and deliverables for client projects.
Jimena has previously interned at A Wider Circle (a social support nonprofit in the DC/Maryland area), and at the Chronicle of Philanthropy (a publication covering philanthropy and nonprofits in the US and worldwide). She has also worked as a summer camp counselor and as a state lead in Virginia for a voter turnout campaign in 2020.
Jimena attended the College of William & Mary and earned a Bachelors degree in Sociology with a concentration in Social Problems, Policy, and Justice. She enjoys studying intersections between social dynamics, environmental patterns, and economic trends, and using iterative research processes to create lasting solutions that bridge gaps between sectors. She is passionate about translating technical information into clear, compelling narratives.
Jimena has lived in Mexico City, DC, and Virginia, and is now based in Nairobi, where she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the city, trying new foods, meeting people from around the globe, and bonding with her cat.
Dr. Mike Kroll is a risk management and quantitative finance specialist, combining advanced technical capability with deep financial services expertise. Holding a doctorate in Physics from Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, he delivers credit and operational risk frameworks, regulatory compliance programs, and ESG/climate risk solutions for banks, insurers, and institutional investors across Europe, North America, and emerging markets.
His work spans quantitative management advisory and climate risk modelling, underpinned by proficiency in programming languages and quantitative analytics.
Mike operates at the intersection of risk methodology and data-driven implementation as he translates technical requirements into operational delivery.
Monique Aiken is a strategist, systems thinker, author, founder and podcaster with nearly 25 years of experience in finance and impact.
Justin who is a CFA holder and leads the ESG research function in an alternative investment firm. He has extensive experience in the financial services ranging from investment banking to asset management and venture capital funds management. Justin has worked on building up business units, ran global business change programs, and built ESG businesses up for multiple asset management. Justin has almost a decade of experience in sustainable investing.
Peter is a New York Times best selling author, global thought leader focused on climate change investment and the Energy Transition for many decades. Since Earth Day 1970, he has been focused on energy & environmental issues that enhance economic development & human health through innovative clean energy technology. He is passionate about ESG & impact investing, particularly in carbon emissions reductions. He has been involved in several cleantech startups as an Advisor, Judge in the Cleantech Open for the Northeast, & Entrepreneur-in-Residence for Columbia Tech Ventures.
Gwen Bridge is an Indigenous consultant specializing in Indigenous-led conservation, natural resource management, and policy development. A member of the Saddle Lake Cree Nation, she brings a deep cultural perspective to her work, emphasizing the advancement of Indigenous knowledge within a transforming Western legislative context.
Gwen has worked with Tribal Nations in the US and First Nations in Canada and with national and international environmental NGOs to advance Indigenous led natural resource management projects and policy development. Gwen is the co-founder of the Indigenous Engagement Institute, an initiative to share knowledge and skills with those seeking to improve indigenous relations.
Musa has been engaged with a broad range of sustainable finance and development, climate resilience, and related thematic areas for the bulk of his career. His sustained commitment traverses his lengthy tenure with the World Bank Group overseeing a multi-billion-dollar portfolio of diverse sustainable development projects to U.S.-based entrepreneurial and green bank endeavors across diverse asset classes at the intersection of climate finance, renewable energy, real property, and impact capital.
Additionally, the following highlights some of his unique contributions and capabilities based on relevant leadership roles in diverse organizational contexts:
Inclusive Prosperity Capital -- as CIO and a core member of IPC’s leadership team, roles included oversight of all capital formation, investment strategy and transactions, risk-portfolio management, team expansion and a $10M OpEx budget, for a ~$350M blended finance investment platform.
Montgomery County Green Bank and MD Clean Energy Center -- MCGB roles include BoD, Investment Committee, and Fin-Ops Committee; MCEC roles include Advisory Council (Governor's Office Appointment) and Energy Innovation Accelerator Exec-in-Residence.
Quantified Ventures -- led teams in an entrepreneurial culture to deliver environmental impact bond and fund solutions resolving climate resilience, water quality, and sustainable land use.
World Bank Group -- led numerous multidisciplinary teams for a multi-billion dollar portfolio of diverse sustainable development and Global Environment Facility programs delivering long-term impactful results.
High-Level Professional Network -- cultivated an extensive network of government, business, banking, NGO and academic leaders in the U.S. and globally who are deeply engaged with an array of renewable energy, climate finance, economic development, and impact investments.
Relevant Academic Background -- includes a J.D. (environmental law), an M.B.A. in Finance, and Harvard Executive Management Program.
Neil Hyman is the General Council at Responsible Alpha and the founder of the Law Office of Neil S. Hyman, LLC, where he practices employment law, commercial litigation and civil litigation. Neil represents workers and employers alike, in state and federal trial and appellate courts. He has argued on behalf of his clients before the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Maryland Commission on Human Rights and the Montgomery County Office of Human Relations. He provides legal counsel to clients who wish to reduce their liability as employers. In service of this goal, he can draft protective contracts, employee handbooks, noncompete agreements and other documents that help shield employers from potentially damaging litigation.
Steve Zwick produces the popular Bionic Planet podcasts and serves as director of media relations for standard-setting body Verra. Before this, he served as chief business correspondent for TIME Magazine from 1998 to 2006.
He built Ecosystem Marketplace into the world’s leading provider of freely available news and analysis on payments for ecosystem services covering all aspects of environmental finance – including carbon markets, but also mitigation banking, green bonds, and performance-based payments. He launched Bionic Planet in 2016 explicitly to break down information asymmetries among those on the front lines of the climate challenge.
Previously, he was the radio host and producer at Deustche Welle Radio reaching over 20 million listeners, a contributing writer to Time Magazine, and a futures trader and broker in Chicago.
Ashley Fritz has over 15 years of experience in the asset management industry, focusing on sustainability, global markets and data analytics.
Most recently, she was a Senior Investment Analyst on the Emerging Markets Debt investment team at Loomis, Sayles & Company where she helped develop, implement and execute the team’s sustainability framework covering the investable universe. Her work included aggregating relevant third party data to evaluate current and prospective holdings for portfolio inclusion as well as meeting with portfolio company management to learn more about sustainability efforts. She constructed several portfolios aligned to the International Energy Agency (IEA) climate scenarios using both current and projected industry relative carbon emissions.
Prior to this, she was a Vice President and Senior Portfolio Analytics Specialist at FactSet Research Systems, where she served as a subject matter expert in portfolio level products across the system. Her responsibilities during this time included assisting large asset managers, endowments and foundations create and analyze custom sustainability reports on the platform.
She is passionate about sustainable investing and has written several frequently cited blog posts detailing her work.
Ashley earned a BS from Bentley University. She is a CFA® Charterholder and holds a certificate in Sustainable Investing from the CFA Institute. She is active in her community and serves on the Board of Directors for her town’s Green Committee.
Chris thrives at the intersection of sustainability, communications, and business development—helping companies and investors grow, fund, and demonstrate their impact. With 20+ years’ experience across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, he excels at translating complex climate, sustainability, and ESG requirements into clear, compelling strategies that secure financing from investors and contracts with Fortune 500 companies. His track record includes $50 million in contracts and funding across corporates, governments, and investors.
Chris' core strengths:
Chris has an MBA (ESCP Business School) and Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Business (Columbia × MIT).
Peter Graham is a Director at Responsible Alpha, where he focuses on climate transition, nature-based solutions, sustainable finance, and ESG risk and opportunity. He supports clients and partners in developing strategies that enhance valuation, reduce risk, expand market opportunities, and contribute to a resilient, nature-positive circular economy.
Peter has more than 20 years of experience across government, international NGOs, consulting, and multilateral climate diplomacy, including roles with Climate Advisers, WWF, Natural Resources Canada, and Verdant Futures LLC. His work has focused on forest and land-sector climate policy, carbon markets, climate finance, corporate sustainability, nature-related financial risk, REDD+, and international negotiations, including chairing UNFCCC negotiations that produced the Warsaw Framework for REDD+.
Peter holds a Master of Forestry (Economics) degree from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Science in Forestry (Forest Resource Management) from the University of New Brunswick. He has authored and contributed to peer-reviewed publications on forest carbon, climate policy, REDD+, nature-based solutions, and the role of forests and land use in climate mitigation.
Liesel D’Souza is a seasoned Risk Management and Sustainable Finance Strategist with over 20years of experience spanning global financial institutions and regional markets. She has held leadership roles at Standard Chartered Bank in Singapore, including Regional Director for ESG & Climate Risk, and previously worked at Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank in New York and London.
Liesel graduated from New York University with a degree in Finance and International Business and is certified by the Global Association of Risk Professionals in Sustainability and Climate Risk. She is passionate about enabling organizations to navigate the evolving sustainability landscape, and excels in driving Sustainability Policy, ESG Governance and leading cross-functional teams to deliver complex Decarbonization Strategies, Climate Scenario Analysis, and Regulatory engagement aligned with TCFD, ISSB, and Net-Zero frameworks.
Liesel D’Souza is a Managing Director at Responsible Alpha, where she leads Energy Transition and Natural Capital advisory work focused on climate riskand supply chain resilience. She guides corporates, investors, and financial institutions on integrating climate and social risk into decision‑making, shaping resilience strategies, and mobilizing capital toward high‑impact outcomes. Her work spans risk diagnostics, portfolio‑level analytics, and executive‑level narrative development for clients across global markets. She previously served as Head of Climate and ESG Risk at Standard Chartered Bank, where she built and implemented operationalized frameworks across multiple jurisdictions and asset classes.
Her broader career includes deep Asia‑Pacific experience in banking, policy, and sustainability, with specialization in climate‑related financial risk, transition finance, and impact‑aligned capital allocation. She has advised multinational corporates, asset managers, and development institutions on risk transmission, regulatory alignment, and long‑term value creation. Liesel holds degrees in Finance and International Business from New York University, along with certifications in Sustainability and Climate Risk management.
Her academic background reflects a focus on financial systems, development, and environmental governance. Outside of work, she is engaged in community‑focused environmental initiatives and enjoys travel, contemporary art, and exploring nature across the Asia‑Pacific region.
Yame Nkgowe is an inter-disciplinary professional whose work spans continental policy advisory, national technical assessment, and systems governance—bringing together circular economy transformation, sustainability standards, people-centered AI governance, and place-based shared agendas to advance climate-resilient, nature-positive, and inclusive economic development across Africa.
Yame is the Founder and Executive Director of the Africa Place & Equity Cities Foundation (APECF), where he leads pan-African Place-Based Shared Agendas that use AI to provide relational territorial governance and coordination intelligence across fragmented, multi-country transformation processes.
His broader career includes deep experience across circular economy, climate ambition, social enterprise ecosystems, systems innovation, and AI-for-good governance. He has contributed as an expert on projects advising the EU Commission, AU Commission, and UN-Habitat on continental circular economy policy, people-centered smart cities guidelines, and civil society digital governance, and has represented Locals. Global at the UN Environment Assembly and the African Circular Economy Network in Chatham House's Stockholm+ 50 process. Yame is a Pan-African Expert on the AU Commission's Africa AI Council and a Botswana National Technical Expert for the EU Switch-2-Circular Economy Programme (2026–2029).
He holds a BSc in Chemical Engineering from Missouri University of Science & Technology. His executive training includes climate negotiations, governance, and innovative business models through the African Group of Negotiators Expert Support (AGNES-Africa); sustainable finance, AI for sustainable finance, and transition planning through Oxford's Smith School; AI for civic and green tech through Climate Collective; and AI for social good through the PoliSync Center for International Policy Engagement.
