Team

Role: Local Interview Host in English

Country: Spain

"I am someone who is driven and passionate about helping people especially  during these challenging time and focused on achieving results. What I appreciate about the Lockdown Economy initiative and what drives me to be part of it from Barcelona, Europe's biggest startup & innovation hubs, are the new possibilities to develop myself, the global business community  and contribute to a better society for a sustainable future."

Role: Local Interview Host 

Country: South Korea

"I'm a South Korean student studying International Food Business at the Aeres University of Applied Science, the Netherlands. After I was introduced to AlterContacts and Lockdown Economy initiative, I felt motivated to share the experiences and know-how of Korean business owners who are dealing with the COVID-19 crisis. I believe through being part of it, I may learn more about the business situation during COVID times and help those owners who are facing serious challenges."

Role: Transcriber & Local Interview Host

Country: Venezuela

"Soy una estudiante venezolana de Comunicación Social a la que le encantan los idiomas y la cultura. Fui voluntaria de Salud Chacao durante las protestas de 2017 en mi ciudad, así como también formé parte del Proyecto ReconciliAcción de la organización Oportunidad AC. Transcribo y traduzco varios tipos de textos. Estoy aquí porque quiero ayudar a las personas y apotar mi granito de arena haciendo lo que sé hacer. Por eso valoro la iniciativa de Lockdown Economy de apoyar a los emprendedores y empresarios del mundo; además, porque soy de un país en el que emprender es muy complicado (por su crisis económica) y creo que todos se merecen la oportunidad de darse a conocer, para sacar adelante sus sueños. Espero ser de gran ayuda para este equipo."

Role: Local Interview Host in Germany

Country: the Netherlands

"After my graduation in 2018, I have been mostly traveling in Australia, Asia, and France to grow as a person and develop my personal character traits. Now, as a B.A. student at NHL Stenden in Leeuwarden (NL), I am aiming for a more detailed focus on the Leisure and Event industry. I hope to gain a better understanding of the business landscape, develop skills that are crucial for a manager and connect with as many interesting people as possible. With all these things the Lockdown Economy initiative can help me, which is why I am most eager to contribute to this project. Open communication and connecting with different mindsets and cultures are my top priorities. I hope to learn more insight during hosting the interviews with the business owners and contribute to a better connecting network of entrepreneurs and businesses. " 

Role: Local Interview Host

Country: Colombia

"Soy ingeniera  Agroforestal desde hace seis años y  me he desempeñado en áreas estratégicas del mercado como  lo  es el  sector palmero, servicios públicos y sector Académico. Creo que se debe impulsar una economía más verde, con formación desde el emprendimiento en sus unidades de negocio. Mi  principal  motivaciòn es  poder servir  desde  mi campo de acciòn  profesional y como  persona  a  las  empresas  y  profesionales  que  necesitan  de una  mano amiga,  un  respaldo a sus  iniciativas empresariales  y  de negocio, poder  servir  como  puente  para  que  otras  personas  del mundo  conozca al  ser  humano  con sus  debilidades  y  fortalezas."

Role: Local Interview Host 

Country: Indonesia

"I am an university teacher who interested in sustanaible development goals and attempt to contribute in it."

Role: Local Interview Host

Country: the Netherlands

"I moved to The Netherlands from Portland, Oregon during the summer of 2020 as an expat spouse following my wife's job opportunity in Amsterdam. In the US, I had been in banking and financial services for twenty years, most recently in the credit union sector. In looking for a role here in Europe, I learned about the Lockdown Economy while reading an article on the Dutch News website. I was drawn to this initiative through its mission to connect small business owners and entrepreneurs across all borders, providing a platform for sharing best practices to navigate the challenges of running a business during a pandemic while also providing real-time educational materials about entrepreneurship in this new economy to students worldwide."

Role: Transcriber

Country: India

"To a young person hailing from a mediocre family in a desolate corner of the world, the Lockdown Economy inititiative offers the significant opportunity of handling responsibilities & allows one to do something that might help small businesses in the current crisis. These projects are really invaluable. I get to work for a really important cause with which I can't get associated otherwise. It is also a gateway. It fills my heart being useful and being a part of the world and not merely remain an unknown person. I hope to become a small drop in the ocean of people where humans care about humans notwithstanding their backgrounds, race or physical distance and actually take actions to make the world a better place. I'm really happy that Lockdown Economy has offered me that very possibility."

Role: Local Interview Host

Country: Germany

"Anna is a multilingual and multicultural professional. Born and raised in Poland, studied in Germany and UK, worked in USA. She lives and works in Germany, she is married to a Dutch and is a mother of two wonderful children. During her professional carrier at an international travel company, Anna had the opportunity to work with international teams all over the world. She worked in several positions up to executive level. Since Oct’ 20 Anna decided to follow her inner voice and develop her own work environment. She is helping businesses to develop and grow in fields like CX, CRM, business transformation due to corona, business partnerships, personal branding and development. She decided to join the Lockdown Economy initiative as this corresponds to her own values and beliefs: diversity, sustainability, equality, passion and compassion, global knowledge exchange and helping the unheard. She is guided by a motto: If you want the world to be a better one, don’t wait for others to do it, start yourself and act!"

Role: Local Interview Host in Mexico 

Country: Mexico

Business Consultant in Finance and Change Management. CEO of Try Different, Innovation broker.  Accountant and Master in Finance. Participated in the process of funding and International acceleration with several Mexican companies in Canada. Lego Serious Play facilitator.

Role: Fundraising Support

Country: United Arab Emirates

"I am a Psychology with Marketing graduate currently holding two virtual internship positions. I hope to continue working in marketing for social enterprises and help them reach their target audience with the relevant social messages. For this reason, I believe that the Lockdown Economy is the perfect setting for me to learn more about how businesses are functioning in a difficult environment, while also contributing to the good of the community." 

Role: Transcriber

Country: Germany

"I am a translator. I always wanted to discover, learn and connect people and cultures through languages and writing. This year, I had the opportunity to collaborate on the translation of clinical repositories related to COVID-19, from English into Spanish, for the health workers to have updated information during the pandemic. Task that made me very happy. My motivation is to help people by giving them information about relevant topics in the Lockdown Economy intiative. I hope to become a person who helps, informs and encourages entrepreneurs, professionals and people in general. My interests are traveling, knowing different cultures, politics, gender equity, sustainability and all concerning working for a fairer world."

Role: Transcriber

Country: USA

"Born and raised in the Philippines, Danielle and her family moved to Chicago in 2003. She has been working in the health sector for over 10 years and holds a Master of Public Health degree. She developed a passion for global health and disease prevention after she conducted a community health needs assessment in Tanzania and interned with the Chicago Department of Public Health’s Communicable Diseases Program. She is excited to volunteer online with Think Tank AlterContacts and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, “With COVID-19 changing the way we live, it is so important to connect with our communities and learn from each other. As a Tagalog and English transcriber for Lockdown Economy, I am able to share stories and draw inspiration from the creativity and resilience of entrepreneurs in the Philippines and in other parts of the world.”

Role: Fundraising, Transcribing and Film-editing

Country: Canada

"Urban planning graduate student passionate about community development, social planning, and accessibility in public spaces. Educated internationally and have research and volunteering experience with non-profit organizations in The Netherlands and Canada. Working with Lockdown Economy to discover how Covid-19 is impacting local communities, in order to share stories and commonalities, to empower business-owners, grassroots organizations and working people."

Role: Fundraising Support

Country: Turkey

"My story is that of a third culture child. I have two citizenships, American and Turkish, however, I spent most of my life living outside of both countries, mostly in Azerbaijan. After I graduated from high school I moved to the USA where I study Psychology BS and International Studies BA at Dominican University of California. I am excited to be a volunteer for Lockdown Economy because it is a modern solution to modern issues. I hope to be a part of this solution and help businesses grow despite the difficulties that the pandemic is making businesses face. Through this volunteer work, I hope to gain professional experience that I can later apply in my career. "

Role: Transcriber

Country: Greece

"Korean by birth but raised and born in Greece. Having to learn how to deal with dual identity thus understanding more than one perspective has become my strong point in building communication among people. I was trying to find ways to start volunteering and stumbled upon AlterContacts. What piqued my interest was the fact that AlterContacts is an international platform that brings people together from all over the world in order to create a space of communication and knowledge, and secondly, the Lockdown Economy addresses one of the major issues of our time, COVID-19 and its impact on the economy.

Role: Local Interview Host in Nepal & Transcriber

Country: Nepal

"Lockdown Economy is a very good opportunity for entrepreneurs to start a discussion and connect with each other to find solutions to the challenges they face in their business. It is very exciting to learn from their experiences and expand my network. This initiative allows me to interact with entrepreneurs from various sectors and understand their approach to business and how they contribute to the economy."

Role: Transcriber

Country: India

"A chemical engineering graduate with a penchant for creative content writing - I have been a keen debater throughout school and later on an anchor in collegiate forums. While in college, these interests lead me to be a speaker for the Indian Society For Technical Education and an associate editor in the annual magazine. Upon graduating I went on to intern as a web content developer with an education management firm and further worked as a business development executive for a foreign trade market research firm. I hope to be a successful and socially responsible business professional, which I'm working towards. Having said that, this aspiration is a catalyst in wanting to work with Lockdown Economy. It'll not only allow me to contribute to an amazing sustainable development initiative but also bring me closer to the ever-challenging world of small, innovative, and essential businesses."

Role: Transcriber

Country: Spain

"I am a recent graduate in a double degree´s bachelor of Laws (BLL) and Business Administration (BBA) from Valencia, Spain. Throughout the years, I have developed a passion for human rights, International and European relations and helping others, main reason why I would like to find a job (even create one!) which serves a greater good. It is my desire to be fulfilled by contributing to society every day of my working life. I have volunteered in different projects and hese experiences have awaken in me a profound passion for the protection and promotion of human rights. I am far beyond excited to join Lockdown Economy´s team and help in achieving UN SDGs which aim to improve people´s lives, especially those mostly in need. Languages and transcription are some of my skills and nothing would make me happier than putting them to the service of others with this great volunteering opportunity! I am happy to be a part of the most important life project a person can have, which for me is represented in the UN´s core values: promoting and protecting human rights, as well as the pursuit of integration and a common good."

Role: Social Media Promotion

Country: Mexico

"I am 23 years old. I am a 3d year med student and one of my biggest passions is volunteering. I was on the board of directors of a social responsibility group at my school in which I was in charge of organizing several projects with children, seniors and school workers. Lockdown Economy is a movement that has caught my attention since day one because of its powerful mission to give entrepreneurs the chance to share their stories and inspire others. I am hoping to help this great movement get to the ends of the earth so it touches and inspires everyone out there who has a story to share. "

Role: Local Interview Host in Pakistan

Country: the Netherlands

"My passion for contributing to meaningful social impact developed when I was a student, completing a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Politics and has previously led me to working with a micro-finance bank in Pakistan, where I contributed towards making loans more accessible to people living in poor households. I believe the Lockdown Economy Initiative is providing a highly valuable service to entrepreneurs and small business owners and I feel honored to work towards the Initiative's goal: helping small businesses recover from the pandemic."

Role: Wikipedia Writer and Editor

Country: Ghana

"I am a Wikimedian and Open Advocate. I work as a Training and Evaluations Officer at Open Foundation West Africa. I work with my associates to assist with designing and developing curricula and help determine the training needs of our community. I have supported a number of developmental projects in the past including the USAID Partnership for Education project as a Research and Development Officer at ILC Africa. I also provided support at the data processing unit of the Ghana Statistical Service while working as an intern. I have volunteered in a number of community exercises including the "virALLanguages" project in response to COVID-19 and currently, I volunteer as a Wikipedia editor. I love to volunteer because it offers one the opportunity to utilize one's skills and experiences while providing an opportunity to meet new people and expand one's worldview. I am excited about this volunteer opportunity and happy to meet the team."

Role: Local Interview Host in Albania

Country: Albania

"I am finishing my Bachelor Degree in Business Informatics. I really enjoyed the study years because of my participation in the students club. In some of them, I was a member and in four I was part of the directing board. I have participated in Albanian DREAMiN & LEAPiN 2020, organized by Leadership Development Association; LEAP Summit 2020. I also took part in The North America National University Convention 2021. After having read about the Lockdown Economy initiative, I found the objectives relatable to what I may want to do in the future. Helping small businesses is a crucial part of our economy, especially during this pandemic. We should support each other with whatever we have at hand." 

Role: Transcriber & Translator

Country: the Netherlands

"I am originally from Bogota, Colombia but I have been in Europe for more than 15 years.  I would really like to donate my time to help countries like mine in this difficult situation. I consider that helping small business in this difficult time after the lock-down can benefit not only the economy but also the society in general."

Role: Local Interview Host

Country: Jordan

"My name is Majd Ali. I am from Jordan. A pharmacy graduate with a dream of starting my own industrial business. Currently, I am a volunteer at the United Nations and a member of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Sudan translation group. Being a member of the Lockdown Economy team is a chance for me to learn more about myself and my potential and to develop my problem-solving skills. Also, being an interviewer at Lockdown Economy will allow me to play a role in helping small businesses and self-employed professionals in Jordan and to learn from them so I could benefit from their tips in the future."

Role: Local Interview Host

Country: the United States

Christiana feels passionate about promoting the UN’s Millennium Development Goals. She speaks English, Portuguese and Spanish. While living in East Timor, she witnessed the reconstruction of a post-conflict country and the peace-building work of the UN firsthand. Christiana currently lives in Sacramento, CA. and was a volunteer chaplain at the UC Davis Medical Center until the onset of COVID-19. The worldwide Coronavirus pandemic has stressed and exposed weaknesses in societies. Her vision is to help others get through this time of crisis and bounce back even better than before.

Role: Education & Research

Country: Albania

"Working in an Economic Development project the main purpose of which is to match skills gained in school curricula with labour market requirements, and being a student in Financial Economics, by participating in Lockdown Economy initiative it not only strengthens my Research and analytical skills but it also strengthens my ability to help students by providing them with qualitative research and real case studies. The case studies and qualitative data from real business cases help students to develop critical thinking, put themselves in the managerial positions and develop an entrepreneurial mindset."

Role: Fundraising

Country: Italy

"I am a Junior Researcher in the area of Social Sciences and I am collaborating with the AlterContacts Think Thank in the Lockdown Economy Project. In fact, I have very much interest in social innovation and, more in general, in initiatives that work for the mitigation of social and economic issues. In the future, I would like to keep working in fields related with the social sector, as I wish to improve my contribution in the amelioration of the conditions of people in vulnerable conditions and the society as a whole."

Role: Fundraising Support

Country: Brazil

"Lawyer and Master's student in human rights at the Federal University of Pernambuco. Focused on ensuring and promoting fundamental rights. I worked with university extension projects focused on housing rights and urban critical studies. I am interested in participating in Lockdown Economy because I understand that it is an extremely important initiative and that it needs to be disseminated as much as possible so that it can generate results on a macroeconomic scale, adapting to different scenarios. I hope that my participation in the project can bring not only the experience of volunteering but also the learning about new perspectives in order to deal with the global crisis that we are facing in different contexts."

Role: Local Interview Host

Country: China

"I am a recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Psychology from the University of Alberta. I am interested in international relations and the intercultural field. I love to communicate with people and hearing stories. Lockdown Economy is a great initiative that can help micro-businesses and self-employed professionals to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. I am glad to join the Lockdown Economy team and participate in the process of helping entrepreneurs. Wish we will have a great time in the future!"

Role: Fundraising Support

Country: Switzerland

"I am a master candidate in International Affairs at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID), majoring in Trade and International Finance and minoring in Global Health. I am also an experienced translator and interpreter. My Bachelor’s degree in English and International Studies at China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU) focused on diplomatic interpretation and translation as well as international relations. I worked as a volunteer at the Protocol Department of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, contacting foreign diplomatic missions and performing administrative tasks. As a translator of China Bond Rating Co., Ltd., I have focused on the economic development of South-east Asia as well as the geopolitical landscape of the Asia-Pacific region. These experiences have equipped me with the ability to work collaboratively and effectively in international professional settings. I am delighted to be part of the Lockdown Economy, and I aim to help small businesses and self-employed professionals adjust to the pandemic."

Role: Transcriber 

Country: Albania

"I am a Business Informatics student at Epoka University in Albania. I have decided to join the Lockdown Economy Initiative as a volunteer because I see it as an outstanding approach to give a voice to small businesses affected by the pandemic, and a valuable opportunity for my education and the future career I plan on choosing. This initiative will also help me understand real-world cases and develop my critical thinking. I have participated in other programs in the past, although I am more excited about this one because it is the first time I am taking part in a project of such significance."

Role: Local Interview Host for Restaurants

Country: Portugal

"Throughout my career, I have been working internationally with organisations (education, public sector and business) supporting their development, evolution and change. Most commonly, I design and run projects focusing on organisational diagnostics (research, analytics) and on the learning capability (L&D, customer centricity), with a belief that the combination of ‘knowing the problem’ and ‘learning from it’ delivers a lasting transformation. In relation to the Lockdown Economy, I am curious to understand and bring to the light practices and solutions that businesses have develop to address the challenges of pandemic. I am also veery keen to see how lessons learnt could be disseminated further and transformed into an effective learning content. "

Role: Fundraising Support

Country: the United States

Trained in Development Studies and Rural Management, Smriti has worked across multiple interrelated sectors like affordable housing, natural resource management, social protection for healthcare in her career spanning more than a decade. She has also engaged with multilateral agencies and social enterprises to bridge the socio-economic divide through innovative financing and path breaking technological interventions. In her association with Lockdown Economy, she intends to utilize her experience to support this unique cause of assimilating and compiling knowledge of small and medium entrepreneurs in these unprecedented times. she believes meaningful collaborations can go a long way in bridging knowledge gaps in the world.

Role: Educational Collaboration

Country: Mexico

"The promoter of the socioeconomic change of different marginalized areas of Yucatan through strategic actions derived from the generation of educational policies and implementation of ethnographic and disruptive methodologies. Facilitator of solutions to intercultural challenges that coexist in entrepreneurial ecosystems. I believe that creativity and strategy are catalysts for change, promote collective work and converge on the social welfare of mexican families. "

Role: Transcriber

Country: Italy

"I am a recent graduate in International Relations, with excellent communication and analytical skills. I have participated in several projects of international nature, such as Erasmus programmes and Model of United Nations. I would like to undergo an enriching volunteering experience and supplement my academic knowledge with practical assignments. Since Lockdown Economy initiative coincides with my interests and willingness to help during the pandemic, I felt the urge to send my application. Indeed, my future aspiration is to work in the nonprofit field."

Role: Local Interview Host in Barcelona

Country: Spain

"As an entrepreneur, COVID19 has allowed me to reinvent myself and put in practice Agile Technologies in my personal and professional life. Additionally being capable to collaborate with other professional and entrepreneurs made me realize that during this lockdown economy empowerment through continuos education, collaboration, activating local consumption and working hand by hand with local authorities will reactivate different economies around the world. Can't wait to share market's insights, research results, other entrepreneur's testimonials and create collaborative ecosystems around the world."

Role: Storyteller & Fundraising

Country: United Kingdom

"University of Amsterdam graduate with broad work experience in EU and UN agencies and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (Sustainable Energy projects). I have recently finished a course on Sustainable Futures and Sustainable Development Goals and this would be a great opportunity for me to get involved in an initiative that supports these goals."

Role: Digital Marketing

Country: Germany

Nataliia is our Digital Marketing hero. She comes up with many inventive ways to reach new audience with the educational content we produce. She takes care of streamlining our social media presence. Nataliia has over seven years of experience as a digital project manager and digital strategist in various sectors. 

Role: Social Media Outreach

Country: Nigeria

"I am a pharmacy student at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. I am a strong believer in the philosophy of "no man is an island". I believe we all need to cooperate and work together in other to harness our true strength. With Lockdown Economy, I hope to help our communities especially the self-employed and small business owners. I hope to help them survive the increased challenges they are exposed to due to the COVID-19 pandemic and blossom once again."

Role: Local Interview Host 

Country: Indonesia

"I am an English language educator and an entrepreneur, as well a full-time mother. I am a co-founder of several non-profit foundations, community-based movement and a small business in skill enhancement training and English language education respectively. Alongside my husband whose educated in interior design and wood art, I also co-founded a small business in custom furniture and wood crafting. I am currently studying in the postgraduate programme at the University of Southampton UK, majoring in English language teaching.  My motivation in participating in Lockdown Economy is that I found the urgency of this non-profit movement to give voices to small business owners. As one of the parties that have been hit greatly by the pandemic, it is important for small business owners to be heard, as well as to inspire to each other and build the sense of common humanity in this uncertain time."

Role: Local Interview Host 

Country: Nigeria

"I am currently studying Actuarial science at the University of Lagos ( UNILAG). I am from Nigeria. I am a poet. I am passionate about social issues and this passion makes me volunteer regularly. I decided to participate in the Lockdown Economy to be able to learn from entrepreneurs and self-employed people around me and also share their experiences with people from other parts of the world. I see Lockdown Economy as a platform that would benefit entrepreneurs and self-employed people in Nigeria. I hope to gain new experiences and knowledge from the Lockdown Economy."

Role: Transcriber

Country: India

"I am a Human Resource professional currently working with an investment bank in Bengaluru, India. Very excited to devote my free hours volunteering for AlterContacts and I look forward to helping the Lockdown Economy initiative in any way I can!"

Role: Local Interview Host in the Netherlands and the UK

Country: Netherlands

"I'm studying a master degree in Media and the Creative Industries in Rotterdam and wanted to suppliment my studies with some hands-on experience in an organisation. On discovering The Lockdown Economy I knew I had to be involved, as during these unprecedented times the value of knowledge sharing is greater than ever. By helping this intiative I hope to contribute to a body of work that will act as an important resource for entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the 'new normal' of business life."

Role: Transcriber

Country: United States

"I'm a senior at the College of William and Mary, studying Biology with a minor in Mathematics. Ultimately I hope to attend medical school and become a physician. Over the past four years, I have worked at a small business in my college town, and was a part of the small team which picked it back up after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This experience has given me a special interest in Lockdown Economy. "

Role: Transcriber

Country: India

"I am currently a 2nd year B. E. graduate pursuing Industrial Engineering and Management from R. V. College of Engineering in Banglore. During the lockdown period, I worked on a COVID project and created a report that analyzed the cause, effects and solutions of family businesses across the globe hit by the existing crisis. I read about more than hundreds of articles but found very few of them mentioning the impacts of COVID-19 on SME's which became one of the core reason for joining the Lockdown Economy. I hope to gain their insights and knowledge so as to help them recover through this tough time of crisis."

Role: Independent Educator

Country: France

"American with European roots, based in Paris, with over 20 years of geographically diverse international experience.  Participating in Lockdown Economy not only allows me to further my own ideas and development, but it strengthens my ability to help other businesses and entrepreneurs in the areas of business creation and development, marketing, cultural awareness, client experience, and entrepreneurship."

Role: Local Interview Host in Yucatan & Translator

Country: Mexico

"I am studying a degree in tourism. I have participated in cultural program promoting Mexico abroad specially Yucatan as a important tourism and cultural destiny. What motivates me to participate is to make visible those entrepreneur who are struggling with the lockdown so they can keep their businesses alive because that way Yucatan in general will pursue prosperity."

Role: Local Interview Host in Italy

Country: Italy

"I am Fellow of Altercontacts Think Tank, Professional Coach and Founder of the Plants Inspirational Coaching™ method starting from the new neurobiological discoveries on plant intelligence. I have created a new methodology of Problem Solving linked to Coaching and Mindfulness practices called "Plants Inspirational Coaching™".  I am very happy to be able to actively contribute to the Lockdown Economy initiative in Italy. I think we need to network right now, like the plants do underground!"

Role: Local Interview Host 

Country: India

"Being a part of an initiative like Lockdown Economy is something I am really looking forward to, providing a much-needed platform to small-business owners in India, and around the world, that have been worst-affected by the pandemic. Volunteering, community upliftment/development as well as social outreach programs are something I have always been extremely passionate about. Engaging with people from rural India, and understanding the daily challenges and barriers they face, made me get a better holistic understanding of just how important outreach initiatives, such as PACE and Lockdown Economy, developed to help empower and support them are. I am therefore extremely grateful that I get to contribute to Lockdown Economy and look forward to working to provide a platform for those who need it most."

Role: Researcher and Interview Host

Country: the Netherlands

"Originally from Cologne, Germany, I came to Rotterdam five years ago to do my European Voluntary Service. It is an offer by the European Union to young people from all over Europe to work towards social cohesion and live European diversity. After that, I started my bachelor studies in International Business Administration at the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM). Currently, I am a master student in Global Business and Sustainability at RSM: For my master thesis, I am working together with the Lockdown Economy to understand and analyse how entrepreneurs are affected by the pending pandemic and what role the initiative plays in finding solutions tailored to the issues of the entrepreneurs. Going forward, I am interested in working for international institutions, such as the United Nations, towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Role: Local Interview Host in Dutch

Country: the Netherlands

"Some 45+ years of experience in business economics, marketing and entrepreneurship yet still learning more every day. Being an entrepreneur myself I can help other entrepreneurs to succeed or reduce losses by taking different views and use a methodology to plan success, find where some very common pitfalls are and keep on fighting to prevent a dream from becoming a nightmare. Sustainability is part of my DNA, try to live it but reality sometimes kicks in."

Role: Transcriber

Country: Italy

"Extremely open-minded and curious, since I was a child I have always been drawn to far-off worlds with cultures, traditions and languages different from mine. This genuine passion led me, years later, to enroll at the Modern Languages and Cultures Department of the University of Genoa, where I recently obtained a Master’s Degree in Translation and Interpretation. My experiences abroad, especially one in India, and my empathy towards people made me particularly aware of the problems affecting our planet and motivated me to be willing to play my part to change something. That’s why I wish to find a job with an ethical purpose and why I am happy to participate in the Lockdown Economy."

Role: Local Interview Host 

Country: Nigeria

Ichechieck aka Faith Nte is a content developer and manager at 1000nairadaily.com. He runs an eCommerce store at Shopngrace.com. He is very interested in his country Nigeria and its politics in the area of policies. This has become one of the reasons for joining the Lockdown Economy so that through his participation, some businesses that are impacted negatively by the lockdown could have a platform to share their pain and progress in his native land.

Role: Researcher

Country: Brazil

"I am a professional in the field of International Relations, having completed my Masters in 2019. Since 2015 I've worked as editor and researcher in two distinct projects in the Brazilian Navy: Boletim Geocorrente, which is a publication on current geopolitical issues, and Informativo Radar, a publication where I contribute on geoeconomics. Since then, I am looking to gain more experience in economic research. "

Role: Transcriber

Country: Australia

"Bachelor of Arts graduate based in Melbourne, Australia who is passionate about contributing to the global sustainable development goals and the broader community. I am self-driven and love constantly learning new things. I am excited to actively contribute my skills to the Lockdown Economy initiative and hope to contribute to work that will empower entrepreneurs and small business owners and allow them a platform to learn from each other and grow together. "

Role: Local Interview Host in the UK

Country: the United Kingdom

"A confident, driven and strategically focused leader with a demonstrable track record of delivering success within leading global organisations. A published author and natural communicator, skilled at formulating and implementing complex strategies, guidance and large scale organisational transformations and restructurings. Adapt at providing board assurance and advisory expertise to deliver growth, improvements and profitability. Operated within Asia, Africa, North America, Europe and Australasia across a multitude of sectors and industries (e.g. gaming, engineering and infrastructure, publishing, health, police, FMCG, NGOs coupled to governments, agencies, and public bodies."

Role: Educational Connections

Country: Spain

"I got a Ph.D. in Computer Science and a Ph.D Certification in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, with more than 7 years of experience as Software Engineer, Research Assistant and Strategy Consultant. Exploring how today’s human societies can endure in the face of global change, sustainability and future complex problems from a local perspective is one of my main interests. Collaborating with AlterContacts and the Lockdown Economy will allow me reach challenging projects, help local innovators/small companies grow while giving them visibility through this initiative."

Role: Transcriber

Country: Nigeria

"My name is Boluwatife Ishola. I am a writer and budding data analyst. I believe the Sustainable Development Goals are important and should be supported by all. The Lockdown Economy is doing that and that is the reason I'm participating."

Role: Local Interview Host in Hungary & Transcriber

Country: Hungary

"I am 32 years old. Originally, I graduated as a jurist in Budapest, Hungary in 2013. Then, I worked for five years mostly in the civil service of Hungary as a legal advisor and legislative drafter. Between 2018 and 2020, I worked and studied in the Netherlands where I obtained an M.Sc. degree in Public Policy and Human Development completing the joint course of Maastricht University and United Nations University (MERIT). Now, I joined to Lockdown Economy to work on my qualitative analysis skills, namely, for gaining the first-hand experience in conducting video interviews with small business owners in my country." 

Role: Local Interview Host

Country: Pakistan

"Being a student of BS Psychology I have worked as a student counsellor at a local coaching school. I have been volunteering for multiple national and international organizations i.e. Hult prize International on-campus program, TEDx IIUI Islamabad, Red Crescent, CDA Training Academy Islamabad, and youth forum for Kashmir along with different welfare services. I also run my registered Tourism Company Touraco Adventures (Pvt) Ltd. Participating in Lockdown Economy is with a motivation to spread hope and empathy along with a deep understanding of prevailing problems among small businesses and finding solutions collectively. I hope this experience will enhance my ability to understand economic and psychological challenges and will improve my communication and interpersonal skills."

Role: Local Interview Host in Mexico City

Country: Mexico

"I want to participate as a volunteer to help through my experience and knowledge all those small businesses and entrepreneurs who do not know what to do to get ahead in this new normal. I'm hoping to make a difference, to make a considerable contribution, to expand my network, to learn from others and to get noticed for my work."

Role: Writer and Storyteller

Country: the Netherlands

"I am passionate about dreams. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to work with someone to fulfil their own dreams. So much about the entrepreneur is about following their dream, grasping their fears firmly in their hands and facing it down. That is very inspiring! I hope to add true value to Lockdown Economy using my skills and experience in copywriting, copyediting and design—and boosted by innate natural curiosity."

Role: Social Media Promotion

Country: the Philippines

"I'm a licensed professional teacher, an education graduate, and currently studying Master of Arts in Education in Baliuag University. Associated with the Department of Education - Philippines as one of ther full-time teacher. With four years lending service to my countrymen, I realized that everyone needs education in order for us to find our way to that bright future ahead of us. All the realizations came to my mind, and my willingness to help made me this decision to extend my help through volunteerism. This is my first time to volunteer in an organization."

Role: Local Interview Host 

Country: India

"I have done my graduation and post graduation in Political Science from University of Delhi.I have worked with Travel Triangle Company. I have Volunteered with NGOs like Udayan Care, CRY and Pet Fed. The idea of Lockdown Economy is brilliant. Through this volunteering program I want to help people. I have seen or have heard the stories of the negative impacts of Lockdown. How this lockdown has effected every sector of the society. Therefore to gain more knowledge I have applied for this initiative. Also my father is a self employed person,so I want to help him too."

Role: Local Interview Host 

Country: Nigeria

"I am a competent Higher National Diploma Graduate in Mass Communication from Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. I worked as a Volunteer Community Mobilizer for Justice, Development and Peace Commission JDPC Nigeria. I was motivated to participate in Lockdown Economy due to my interest in Humanity. I hope to become a mentor to others someday."

Role: Local Interview Host 

Country: Philippines

"I am based in Quezon City, Philippines. I earned a degree in Journalism in June 2019 and started working as a production assistant in December. I decided to join the Lockdown Economy because I aim to help small businesses and self-employed individuals, basically, entrepreneurs in overcoming the obstacles they face because of the pandemic. Personally, this is a mode of enhancing my abilities while broadening my horizons and learning more about the situations of people beyond my sight. This is a chance for me to be a more socially aware version of myself— one who is not insensitive to the needs and problems of the vulnerable."

Role: Local Interview Host 

Country: Bangladesh

"I'm from Bangladesh which is basically a developing country. In here we face many financial problems those might seems weird in other countries. Our government is great but doesn't have enough resources to serve every single person who is suffering from this pandemic. I join this programme so that I can hear and learn about the problem of our own people. They will share insights about their problems which might lead us to solving them."

Role: Transcriber

Country: United States

"I am a recent graduate of the Yenching Academy of Peking University, where I earned my MA in China Studies with a Politics and International Relations concentration. My main professional and personal passion is fostering international cooperation. I’m excited to join the AlterContacts team to make a contribution to this at the grassroots level by supporting the Lockdown Economy initiative’s multinational production and global distribution. In line with my interest in futures studies, I also see unique value in helping to bring diverse global entrepreneurs’ stories of COVID-19 adaptation, innovation, and post-pandemic growth planning across industries and localities to wider audiences through Lockdown Economy, which gives a platform to new voices sharing ideas and inspiration about how we all might move forward into crafting a more resilient post-COVID world."

Role: Transcriber and Local Interview Host in Milano

Country: Italy

"I am a third year student at Bocconi university, enrolled in the BIG course (Bachelor of Science in International Government and Politics). I attended "liceo classico", a type of high school that specializes in the instruction of the Greek and Latin languages. This is my first true work experience, and I'm very glad it is with Lockdown Economy, an organization that appears effective in helping our society by means of a fairly original idea."

Role: Writer

Country: Switzerland

"I am an attorney from the US that now lives in Switzerland. I've always helped small businesses and look forward to helping entrepreneurs and small businesses through Lockdown Economy!"

Role: Local Interview Host 

Country: the United States

"I hold a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. I wanted to participate in the Lockdown Economy because I wanted to learn more about businesses around the globe and how they are responding to the pandemic. As a chemical engineer, business is something that affects everything we do from the chemicals we purchase to the products we sell to the labor we hire. I am hoping to become a chemical engineer and possibly a manager of chemical engineers some day, and I hope this experience interviewing small business owners will help me develop the skills necessary to accomplish my goals."

Role: Transcriber

Country: Nigeria

"I'm from Nigeria, a mother of three and housewife. I'm currently unemployed so I try to be useful online and offline in trying to help the world be a better place. I'm motivated by the marvelous impacts made by this organization, and I hope to contribute immensely too."

Role: Local Interview Host for Latin-Americans Abroad

Country: France

"I'm a Master's student in Paris in Luxury Marketing & Management program. Before this I lived for ten years in Shanghai (China), where I completed my bachelor in International Business and worked for three years. I think my international experience working with a variety of people in different environments has allowed me to acquire a better understanding of and empathy for other cultures. By joining Lockdown Economy I expect to work with people that wants to create and impulse a more proactive working environment for micro- and small- businesses. "

Role: Social Media Promotion & Translator

Country: Mexico

"I am studying International Relations in Mexico City. I would like to participate in new international projects and one of them is this, which is a great opportunity to grow my knowledge."

Role: Local Interview Host

Country: Tanzania

"I am a professional teacher with vast experience in volunteer activities. I have worked with various organizations ranging from local to international supporting various projects including education, health and livelihood. I joined Lockdown Economy because I have the experience of working on similar kind of project. I hope to become a good volunteer who makes sure the objectives of the project are met."

Role: Transcriber

Country: United Kingdom

"I am a writer and editor. I love crafting written material to allow words to have the power and impact they deserve. Projects I have worked on before include writing articles and blogs about health topics, sub-editing event reviews for the Brighton and Edinburgh Fringes (2019), collaborating in local health provision focus groups, and helping to design an academic research project investigating the prevalence and impact of Long Covid. I’m really excited to be working on this AlterContacts project to facilitate the voices of small business owners affected by the pandemic, to be heard. I hope this project empowers the contributors and will show the many ways that business owners have adapted and the challenges they have faced along the way."

Role: Educational Connections & Translator

Country: Romania

"I'm 22 years old and I'm very excited to join the Lockdown Economy project as a volunteer for Romania. This is the perfect time for people to be more united than ever and to help how they can so I hope I will be able to use the free hours I have to do exactly that."

Role: Writer

Country: Germany

"I am a PhD student researching on environmental friendly methods to fabricate electronics on recyclable plastics. My academic interests are physics, mathematics and sports statistics. I believe humans should maintain as much harmony as possible, with nature."

Role: Transcriber

Country: United Kingdom

Bachelor’s Degree in Public Service Management from Nanjing Medical University. Studying at University of Birmingham, doing Master of public health MPH.

Role: Transcriber

Country: Kenya

"I completed my Bachelor of Arts degree in Community Development and I am currently taking courses with a focus on Development Studies. It has been my intention and desire to serve humanity on a global stage. The COVID pandemic having disrupted what was seen as normal, it is my interest to assist redirect course by empowering others, telling the stories of resilience and persistence to encourage as well as inspire."

Role: Local Interview Host in Buenos Aires 

Country: Argentina

"After working for 10 years in big corporations, 3 years ago I decided to become an enterpreneur. I am self driven and constantly trying to learn new things. I adapt well to new challenges and different social environments. My life and work experience have taught me to lead in most situations. I like working with and for people. I see Lockdown Economy as a way to empower people, giving them the possibility to share their experience with the world and hopefully form alliances with others elsewhere."

Role: Social Media Outreach

Country: Nigeria

"I hold a bachelors degree in Business Administration from the University of Benin and I am currently in the concluding phase of a Masters of Science degree in Operations Research at the University of Lagos here in Nigeria. I am a Business coach and entrepreneur. My company works in primary cultivation and processing of Castor beans, Soybeans and Maize."

Role: Local Interview Host for Food & Beverage Sector

Country: Belgium / Italy

"I am an anthropologist and digital storyteller committed to making the world 1% happier and 1% healthier by sharing human stories. I was raised in California with an interest in exploring the world. Since moving out of my childhood home I have developed an interest in the role of food in different cultural contexts and have translated that personal interest into an academic pursuit. I am currently finishing my master’s thesis at KU Leuven in Belgium where I am researching how restaurant owners in Milan are adapting under COVID-19. I am excited to join Lockdown Economy because it allows me to help share the experiences of restaurant owners with a larger audience."

Role: Local Interview Host

Country: Germany

Ellen Johannsen is founder of Leadership Campus GmbH, based in Kiel in northern Germany. The company ist specialized in Strategy, Business Transformation, Leadership and Corporate succession, Conflict Resolution, Decision Making and Leadership Team Development for small & medium sized businesses. Ellen and her team are certified facilitators in the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method.