Dominica Drazal
Communications & Partnerships for Start-Ups in Emerging Markets
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Dominica's introduction

Raised in the Middle East by Eastern European parents, I was surrounded by layers of diversity. Extensive traveling throughout my childhood stimulated a fascination for cultures, languages and geopolitics, and I continued living a pseudo-nomadic life as an adult. While I began my career on the trading floor in NYC, I later worked in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America in diverse roles (investments, micro-finance, communications, and business development). Fluent in five languages, I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and later completed a Masters in International Affairs from Fletcher (Tufts), and have a number of Sustainability related certificates.

What brought you to sustainability?

Growing up my parents exposed me to the concept of sustainability before it was coined as such. Exposed to the world and its injustices, but more importantly, its potential, I purposefully looked for ways in which I could make an impact, both professionally and personally. I have worked “on the field” for multi-lateral organisations and NGOs as well as for large private-sector financial and consulting groups: learning to “see” sustainability from both perspectives has been powerful in creating unity, partnerships and action oriented programs.

Which sustainable actions are you in charge of or have you implemented in your organisation?

As a communicator, editor, and marketer, I have learned to harness the power of words and positioning to drive change in perspective, direction and action. I have encouraged colleagues or partners to consider the human and environmental elements in their decision making processes, recognising that most people are unaware but not uninterested.

Which challenges did you meet and how did you overcome them?

Learning how to balance an immediate emotional need to react with a practical approach based on strategy and reason, while appreciated the cultural insights.

What are you most proud of?

Taking my son on multiple impact trips in which he was exposed to the realities faced by his peers in other countries around the globe. Pushing up his sleeves, he built, taught and grew as a human. I am proud that he, as a representative of the next generation, is aware, responsible and proactive in pushing forward sustainability.

What would be your top 3 pieces of advice to the Matcha Initiative users?

Be flexible, be patient, be humble & kind.

In which field could you help The Matcha Initiative users as a buddy?
  • Kick Start Help
  • Experience Sharing
Please describe how you could help The Matcha Initiative users as a buddy?

Since I have extremely diverse experience, I could help Matcha users with perspective, thinking out of the box, and finding partners. I am also keen to help them find their purpose and create supporting marketing & communication materials.

Dominica's 3 main sustainability skills

Stakeholder Engagement / Business Knowledge / Creativity & Communication

Countries where Dominica can help you

Worldwide, but specific expertise in East Africa, China, and Latin America (excluding Brazil)

Dominica kindly accepts to answer your questions.

If you need additional insights, you can send her a message.