Meet the Make Space Team - Pioneering Stories of Sustainable Leadership and Empowerment

Member Spotlight: Meet the Make Space Team

Hello Konseye Family,

We are excited to spotlight the incredible Make Space team, who are passionately working to transform the narrative around leadership and sustainability and are also members of the Konseye community. In our exclusive interview, they share their vision for highlighting diverse leaders, the impact of mentorship on their journey, and their future plans to inspire positive change in communities worldwide. Join us in celebrating their dedication and innovation!

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Question: Tell us how the Make Space team came together and share insights into your journey. What inspired you to create this organization, and how do each of you contribute to its mission? We'd also love to learn more about your backgrounds and what motivates you both personally and professionally.

The Make Space team’s journey began in 2022 when we all met during a sustainability leadership program run by United People Global (UPG). We bonded over a shared passion for sustainability and a desire to stay connected with the inspiring work being done by other members of our cohort. During a brainstorming session a year later, we realized there was an opportunity to amplify the incredible stories of sustainability leaders from around the world, especially those from diverse and underrepresented communities.

From that moment, Make Space was born - a women-led organization that harnesses the power of documentary filmmaking and immersive storytelling to cultivate a global community of empathetic leaders. Our mission is simple but impactful: share the challenges, triumphs, and journeys of these leaders to inspire positive action in communities worldwide.

Meet the Make Space Team: Diverse Talents, One Unified Mission

Here’s a closer look at each of our team members and how we contribute to making Make Space a platform for global impact:

Damay (Ade Damayanti) – Partnership Development Manager

Hailing from Indonesia, I am responsible for building the networks and partnerships that connect Make Space to the right collaborators. My background in sustainability and renewable energy aligns perfectly with this role and allows me to leverage my experience in promoting green initiatives across Asia. As a podcast host and UNDP project leader, I’ve built platforms that elevate important voices. Now, I’m using those skills to help Make Space grow. 

Babi Amaral – CEO and Host

As a Brazilian multidisciplinary artist and environmental educator, I’ve spent the last nine years leading programs around the world that focus on social and environmental sustainability. That has been my passion since I was 15, and I’m proud to bring that energy to my role as CEO. I'm also the host of Make Space, and my mission is to bring the inspiring stories of people creating positive change in their communities to a global audience. Sustainability has shaped both my personal and professional journey, and I’m thrilled to share that passion. For me, storytelling is a powerful tool to connect people and drive impact, and that’s what motivates me every day.

Isabela Arbache – Director of Photography

I’m a Brazilian filmmaker, photographer, and gender equality activist, bringing my passion for storytelling and cinematography to Make Space. Having previously worked in game design, short film production, and educational content creation, I now focus on using visual media to capture the stories that need to be told. As the Director of Photography at Make Space, I’m committed to using film to shed light on the stories of sustainability leaders and to advocate for gender equality in every frame.

Helen Umeobieri – Community Manager

I’m a Nigerian educator, mentor, and sustainability leader. My work focuses on advancing education, responsible consumption, and climate action, particularly for teachers in Africa. Through my Increase Teachers in Africa project, I’ve empowered educators in low-paid private sectors, earning recognition for my efforts. At Make Space, I manage our global community, ensuring that we stay connected, supported, and driven toward our common goals. My work with Make Space allows me to blend my passion for education and sustainability with community building, making it a perfect fit.

Martha Asuncion - Former Chief Operations Officer

As one of the founding members of Make Space, Martha Asuncion played a pivotal role in shaping the team’s mission and impact. With 15 years of experience across project management, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability leadership, Martha’s dedication ensured the smooth operations of Make Space and left a lasting legacy. Her commitment to both environmental and social sustainability was a driving force in the early days of the project, helping lay the foundation for the impactful work Make Space continues to do today. While Martha has since moved on to other pursuits, her contributions remain a valued part of our story, and we’re grateful for her role in building our foundation.

Together, we are committed to cultivating a community of empathetic leaders, inspiring others through storytelling, and driving meaningful change. Each of us brings unique skills and experiences to the table, making Make Space a powerful platform for global impact. We hope our story will encourage others to join us in creating a more sustainable and compassionate world.

Question: Why "Make Space" and why film as a medium?

The stories of success and leadership that dominate film and television today often highlight the journeys of multi-million-dollar companies and their founders. While these narratives are popular, they tend to lack diversity - whether in race, gender, nationality, or values. More often than not, success is portrayed as the pursuit of power, profit, and status, overshadowing the importance of relationships, ethics, and community. At Make Space, we challenge this limited view of leadership.

We believe in showcasing a different kind of leader: those who work in harmony with the planet, reduce inequalities, and uplift others along the way. Our documentary series shines a light on sustainability leaders from around the globe. Each episode takes the audience on a journey through the personal stories, cultures, and challenges these leaders face, all while highlighting the innovative solutions they have brought to life in their communities.

We chose film as our medium because of its unique ability to engage audiences on a deep, emotional level. Through powerful visuals and sound, film can capture the essence of a leader’s environment and experiences, allowing viewers to step into their world. It also thrives on social media, making these important stories more visible and accessible. Through Make Space, we aim to inspire reflection and action, encouraging audiences to consider how they, too, can create meaningful change in their own lives and communities.

Question: Can you share any notable milestones and achievements so far? 

Since our inception in July 2023, Make Space has been focused on laying a solid foundation, from defining our brand identity and core values to developing a sustainable business model. While this early phase brought its share of challenges, the mentorship of Yemi Babington-Ashaye founder of UPG played a pivotal role in helping us better understand our team dynamics and refine our strategy.

In December 2023, two of our team members traveled to Brazil to film an interview for our pilot episode, which is now in post-production. The guidance of Konseye mentors, Catherine Lee and Kachi Benson, was instrumental in shaping our content and helping us explore funding opportunities. By March 2024, we officially launched our project online and delivered a successful presentation in São Paulo.

Our goal is to continue sharing personal and community stories through social media, building excitement for the upcoming documentary series and growing our audience along the way.

Question: How did you first hear about Konseye, and how has being part of the Konseye community and attending the group mentoring sessions been useful on your Make Space journey?

Damay: My journey with Konseye began in 2022 while researching Adejoké (Konseye's founder) for an event on international law related to women’s issues. Her post about Konseye piqued my interest, and after meeting her during a UPG class, I felt compelled to join this vibrant community. I was captivated by the diverse mentors and their shared mission to uplift and guide emerging leaders.

I joined Konseye in April 2023, motivated by the idea that progressing in my career would require insights from those who have successfully navigated similar paths. Being part of Konseye has not only ignited my passion but also connected me with a community that encourages perseverance. 

Later, I introduced Konseye to the Make Space team, and everyone decided to join. Since then, it has become an invaluable resource for us, offering practical insights and resources that have greatly enhanced our work. The team has found the mentorship and support incredibly beneficial, helping us grow in ways we hadn’t anticipated.

The group mentoring sessions have provided invaluable insights into film production, storytelling, and the art of crafting compelling narratives—skills essential for our documentary series on sustainability leaders. Being part of Konseye has significantly boosted my confidence, as I’ve learned that while our journeys may differ, resilience and perseverance are universal traits among successful leaders. This community is a treasure trove of support and guidance for anyone looking to make a difference in their professional journey I encourage everyone to engage with Konseye. Together, we can amplify our voices, share our stories, and make a meaningful impact in our communities!

Question: What has been the biggest challenge you've faced while working on Make Space, and how did you overcome it?

While our team's diversity is one of our greatest strengths, it also presents unique challenges. With members hailing from various backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, we often encounter differing perspectives and priorities regarding our shared vision of a sustainable future. During a mentorship session with Yemi, we were advised to respect each other's boundaries and seasons, which encouraged us to approach our discussions with curiosity and kindness - core values of Make Space. This shift in mindset has allowed us to express our concerns openly and foster understanding, leading to fulfilling resolutions for our significant challenges. While disagreements still arise, this collaborative approach has strengthened our team and propelled us forward.

Question: What are your future plans for the Make Space project, and how do you see it evolving?

Looking ahead, our future plans focus on creating consistency in how we operate and engage with our community. Securing adequate funding is key, as it will enable us to travel, interview leaders, and tell important stories from various parts of the world. We aim to raise enough support to reach remote areas where raising awareness is critical, and we’re excited to share our sustainable travel tips and experiences along the way.

As the documentary series grows, we hope to reshape perceptions of leadership, offering tailored leadership development services and hosting events that connect our audience with a wider network of change-makers. In the long term, we envision Make Space becoming a hub where philanthropists and corporate social responsibility (CSR) professionals can discover impactful projects to support. Through this multifaceted approach, we aim to amplify stories of positive change and inspire others to take action within their own communities and beyond.

Question: What key messages would you like to convey about the Make Space project to the Konseye community, and how can members assist in spreading the word?

We’re always on the lookout for inspiring leaders and impactful projects that positively influence their communities or the environment. If you know someone whose story deserves to be featured or if you’re aware of any exciting opportunities, please reach out to us at makespace.global@gmail.com or send a message via Instagram (@makespace.global).

Our first documentary episode is coming soon! Stay tuned for the release on YouTube at Make Space YouTube Channel and follow us on Instagram (@makespace.global) for the latest updates. Your support and connections can help spread the word and amplify these important stories!

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The stories of these powerful women is evidence of the power of mentorship and community. We are proud to have them as a valued member of the Konseye community. We invite you to share your thoughts, comments, or any questions you have with the Make Space team and your fellow members of the Konseye family. Let’s support them and cheer them on! 

Have a great week!

Remember: With The Right Network Anything Is Possible™!

Team Konseye

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This member spotlight series aims to showcase the incredible achievements of our members while fostering a sense of community. If you would like to be featured in an upcoming member spotlight, please comment or send us a message. Your journey is unique and valuable, and we believe in celebrating each other's successes, no matter how big or small. Thank you for being part of this inspiring community.