Isabel B. Franco
Founder, IBF - International Institute for Better Futures,
Brisbane, Australia
Research Fellow, Earth System Governance
Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
Dr. Isabel B. Franco, a distinguished executive advisor and researcher holding a Ph.D., MA, and MBA, serves as the visionary Founder of the International Institute for Better Futures (IBF). With over 20 years of global experience, Dr. Franco specializes in corporate and social sustainability, leading impactful initiatives in 25+ countries. Her diverse expertise spans industries like mining, solar energy, and finance, transcending continental boundaries. As the Lead Editor and Author of 'Corporate Approaches to Sustainable Development, ' she has actively contributed to over 80 scholarly and industry publications. Acknowledged with prestigious fellowships, including a PhD from The University of Queensland (Australia) and apostdoctoral stint in sustainability at the United Nations University and Keio University (Japan), Dr. Franco assumes the pivotal roles of Global Chairperson at the Women Sustainability Forum and the Exceptional Women in Sustainability Award. Through dynamic participation in global forums, she fervently advocates for sustainable and better futures.
Syeda Umama Mehreen,
Researcher, The University of Queensland, The Centre for Advanced Materials Processing and
Manufacturing (AMPAM), Brisbane, Australia
Syeda Umama Mehreen PhD, MEng, BEng, BSc is a Strategy & Operations Consultant, Board Director and Writer. Originally a Chemical Engineer, she holds a Doctorate in Materials Engineering where she has specialised in developing environmentally sustainable lead-free alloys for electronic applications. Having worked across multiple industries including mining, infrastructure, manufacturing, supply chain and R&D, Dr Mehreen has authored multiple journal articles, invited book chapters, and has presented numerous invited talks as a panellist at Engineering and STEM Forums. Dr Mehreen is passionate about promoting sustainability and has applied sustainability practices during her work within the coal seam gas, alloy development and manufacturing industries. As a passionate advocate for underrepresented groups and working towards a sustainable future, Dr Mehreen is on the Board of Directors (Asia & The Pacific) for the Women Sustainability Forum, a global initiative of the International Institute for Better Futures (IBF) and has been the recipient of multiple awards within the Sustainable Engineering and Diversity & Inclusion spaces.
Anuska Joshi, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Gland, Switzerland
With a Master's in Sustainability from the United Nations University, Anuska Joshi stands at the forefront of environmental advocacy and conservation. Currently, she channels her passion and expertise as a dedicated member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Ms. Joshi has significantly contributed to the field, sharing her insights through published book chapters in 'Corporate Aspects for Sustainable Development: International Experiences and Insights.' Her profound commitment to sustainability extends beyond academia, as she played a pivotal role in organizing the Women Sustainability Forum--a global initiative orchestrated by the International Institute for Better Futures (IBF). Specializing in biodiversity and sustainability, Ms. Joshi continues to shape a future where corporate responsibility and environmental consciousness converge for the betterment of our planet.
