Founder and Execute Director of the sustainable gemstone company, INONGE ZITA, Patricia splits her time between Denmark and Zambia where she employs her innovative framework, “Design Thinking for Extractive Communities," to add value to Zambia's natural resources. In doing so, Patricia plays a major hand in creating economically viable value chains that lead to sustainable job creation for the youth and women who are disproportionately affected by unemployment within Zambia.

Like Swanee, Oana, and Arielle, Patricia is a female powerhouse and it was an absolute honor to have the opportunity to interview someone so inspiring.

An architect by trade and an artist by birthright, Oana Stănescu is a multi-hyphenate whose work inspires musings of community and play. Raised in Romania amidst the revolution that ousted Nicolae Ceausescu, Oana grew up understanding a fundamental truth: worlds can, and do, change—often when you least expect. This reality taught her to create her own world. Utilizing architecture as her domain, Oana has created several worlds, often bridging the gap between a discipline known for its permanence with several others. This ability to work across cross-disciplinary lines has lead to iconic projects. Notably, the 50-foot stage-prop volcano that eclipsed Kanye West during his Yeezus tour. 

In our own conversation, Oana and I spoke of pushing the boundaries of what one can do. Principally we focused on doing so through one's own work. What struck me most is when she noted that "it’s a privilege to take subjects of interests, things that are on your mind, and just pursue them." In the context of work, this remains the supreme dream, and what I loved most about this interview is that Oana reminded us that this dream remains a possibility: it's very much possible to create your own world—to take subjects of interests and just pursue them. 

Listen to Episode 011 of The Catalyst now, Changemakers and hear more conversations with some of the most interesting and inspiring people around on The Catalyst's website. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter here.

As always, Changemakers, welcome.