Member Spotlight: Meet Ade Damayanti – A Champion of Sustainable Change.

Hello Friends,

At Konseye: The Mentorship Network, we are continually inspired by the remarkable journeys of our members. In this one on one interview, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on Ade Damayanti, a dedicated member whose passion for sustainability has made a profound impact in her community and beyond.

Q1: Hi Ade, could you tell us more about your journey with your project and what you've been up to lately?

My mission has been all about making renewable energy sustainable and helping local communities. I've been educating people on how to set up solar panels and use their local resources. In 2015, I got deeply involved in a big energy movement led by the Ministry of Energy & Mineral Resources in The Republic of Indonesia. This journey made me an energy leader. After that, I embarked on endeavors aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5, 7, 13, and 17. In the last five years, I've traveled to remote parts of Indonesian islands like Sumatera, Sulawesi, Kalimantan, and East Nusa. These places often don't have basic things like electricity and good phone signals. I faced tough challenges like bad roads and thick forests during these travels. With four years of experience as a guide and working with different youth groups, nonprofits, and people, I became good at creating training programs, helping young people, and leading communities.

To have a bigger impact, I started a podcast called “Teman Bicara Damay”. Teman Bicara Damay originates from the Indonesian language where "Teman" is friends, "Bicara" is talk/discuss, and "Damay" is my nickname. Teman Bicara Damay referring to my friends whom I invite to discuss. It's all about creativity, getting along, and involving the community to make Indonesia better. Teman Bicara Damay originates from the Indonesian language where "Teman" is friends, "Bicara" is talk/discuss, and "Damay" is my nickname. Teman Bicara Damay referring to my friends whom I invite to discuss. It's all about creativity, getting along, and involving the community to make Indonesia better. You can read more about Teman Bicara Damay here .

In 2022, I earned certification as a Sustainability Leader from United People Global(UPG), standing out among thousands of global applicants. Currently serving as an Island Ambassador representing Indonesia, I act as a community advocate within a global network of island stakeholders. In August 2023, I was selected to participate in the prestigious Sustainability Leadership Program at Hurricane Island, USA, further solidifying my commitment to advancing sustainability and positive change on a global scale. Right now, I'm teaming up with five women from different countries to create a documentary film. It's about people who are leading the way in making the world more sustainable. Right now, I and my friends are creating an educational game board with a theme of healthy living and the environment.

Q2: What were some of your greatest fears and challenges on this path, and how are you overcoming them?

One of the biggest challenges I faced during my projects in rural areas of Indonesia was the difficult journey. I had to navigate through broken roads, rivers, seas, and forests to reach certain locations. Sometimes, I had to travel alone and once even hitchhiked for 5 hours because there was no public transportation. I had to wait for a local resident heading in the direction of the village I was going to. Another significant challenge was adapting to the rural areas where people had different cultures, languages, and religions compared to mine. I had to break down the psychological barriers between me and the local people. This experience taught me valuable lessons on living peacefully in a diverse environment. To overcome these challenges, I relied on my faith and worked on building strong communication skills. I listened and learned a lot from the local people, trying to become a part of their community. On a personal level, I sometimes doubted my abilities, experiencing what is often called impostor syndrome. However, now, with a good support system, I have managed to overcome these doubts and work on improving myself.

Q3: What are your hopes and dreams for the future, both personally and professionally?

My hopes and dreams for the future revolve around making a positive difference in Indonesia. I aspire to be a youth who contributes through small actions. I firmly believe that small good deeds can have a lasting impact. As a sustainability enthusiast, I hope to engage in more sustainability-related projects and collaborate with global sustainability leaders. On a personal level, I wish for more opportunities to create in the realm of sustainability. I want to be bolder and more confident in taking action, collaborating for greater good, not just for myself.

Q4: Do you have any insights or knowledge you've gained since that you believe could have been beneficial had you known it earlier?

Yes, I wish I had known earlier that there are numerous opportunities to collaborate with young individuals from around the world. Also, many local and international organizations offer excellent leadership programs for youth. These programs enhance leadership skills and support various projects.

Q5: Have you had any positive mentoring experiences you can share?

Yes, recently I participated in a mentoring session at Konseye: The Mentorship Network with mentor Yemi Babington Ashaye. The session was very impactful, as I gained valuable insights and answers related to the project I am working on. You can see my review here.

Ade Damayanti's journey is a testament to the importance of resilience, determination, and drive. Her commitment to sustainability, unwavering spirit, and ability to overcome challenges are inspiring and an example of the incredible potential within all of us. Find out more about Ade Damayanti’s journey here. Additionally, she participated in an interview where she discussed her journey from agricultural technology studies to becoming an energy leader at the Ministry of Energy & Mineral Resources. She also shared insights gained through her experience at the Ubuntu Leaders Academy, which enhanced her ability to lead in service of others. You can watch the interview here.

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.

Have a great week! Remember, with the right network, anything is possible!

Team Konseye