Keynote Speakers

Alessandra Orofino

Executive Director and Co-founder

Nossas, Brazil

Alessandra Orofino is the Executive Director and Co-founder of Nossas, where she develops tools and methodologies for activism and participation. She is also the showrunner for Greg News, HBO’s only comedy news show in Brazil, and a columnist at the national newspaper Folha de São Paulo.

Nossas was born out of Alessandra’s experience with Meu Rio, a city-based community of hundreds of thousands of members that work together to impact local politics.

Prior to founding Meu Rio, Alessandra worked at Purpose, a partner organization of Meu Rio, where she set up the company’s office in Brazil. She holds a degree in Economics and Human Rights from Columbia University and was a faculty member at the School of Visual Arts, contributing to their pioneering program in Design for Social Innovation.

James Anderson

Head of Government Innovation Programs

Bloomberg Philanthropies, US

James Anderson leads Government Innovation programs at Bloomberg Philanthropies. The portfolio helps city leaders solve their most vexing challenges through innovation, data and evidence, and collaboration. More than 250 cities worldwide are currently supported through grants, technical expertise, and educational and networking programs.

Before joining Bloomberg Philanthropies, James served as communications director to New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. During that time, he was the chief architect of NYC Service, the City’s high impact citizen service strategy. Previously, he served as senior advisor to the commissioner of the City’s homeless services agency, and as communications director for the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network.


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