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Meet the Hack manager behind the Sustainable Finance Hack : Lisa Cabado

Meet the Hack manager behind the Sustainable Finance Hack : Lisa Cabado

In this interview, we delve into Lisa Cabado's passion for collective intelligence and involvement as a Hack manager.

About Lisa Cabado: 
Lisa is a dedicated advocate for sustainable finance, originally from France and now based in Geneva. She holds a Master's in Finance and International Trade, and has a strong foundation in the financial sector, having worked as Business Manager at UBS and currently as Executive Coordinator at the impact investing firm, Symbiotics. As an active member of Open Geneva for over 4 years, she is passionate about hackathons and building partnerships that drive positive change.

How did you get involved with Open Geneva?

"My involvement with Open Geneva began at the 2021 Sustainable Finance Hack. After witnessing the quality of the event, I was desperate to get to know the people behind such magic. I was very surprised to meet a very small team of extremely energetic innovators, event organizers and problem-solvers, not afraid to dream big and making those dreams a reality! Their mission, values, and personalities aligned perfectly with my own, inspiring me to volunteer for the association."

Lisa at the Sustainable Finance Hack 2021

What does collective intelligence mean to you?

"It is very personal but I feel collective intelligence is a mix of two of my favorite drivers which are “improving how our world works” and “human connection”. A group of humans solving a concrete and specific challenge together is something extremely fun and inspiring to experience."

Lisa at the Sustainable Finance Hack 2023

What motivated you to become a hack manager, especially for this hackathon?

"Sustainable finance is not only essential for the future of our planet and the people, but also for investors' bottom line. My career has so far been driven by the idea of bridging the gap between finance and sustainability, by building innovative partnerships that drive positive change. This commitment to sustainable finance is what led me to volunteer with Open Geneva and become involved in the Sustainable Finance Hackathon for the past four years."

What goes into organizing a successful hackathon?

"Organizing a successful hackathon is like throwing a party where innovation is the main course, caffeine and kombucha are the drinks of choice, and the dance floor is a sea of laptops and desks decorated with Post-its. Toss in epic challenges, a dash of creativity, and a sprinkle of controlled chaos, and you'll have ideas colliding and breakthroughs happening in no time!

On a more serious note, the recipe for success comes down to three key ingredients: clear and compelling challenges, strong community engagement, and logistical excellence. We help design specific, real-world challenges that ignite passion across diverse skill sets, all under the guidance of a dedicated and dynamic team of facilitators."

What do you gain from being a hack manager?

"Being a hack manager allows me to apply my skills for the greater good and for a cause I truly believe in. It's a way to give back to the community, not just with money, but with my time and energy. Open Geneva also provides a supportive environment for learning and growth. It's the best community I've been a part of, and it's allowed me to connect with individuals, organizations, and companies that share my values and interests."

Lisa and Julia Dallest, Executive Director of Open Geneva at the Sustainable Finance Hack 2022

Sign up for the next edition of the Sustainable Finance Hack on 11-12 October 2024 in Geneva here

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