Edinburgh IFTTC

Thembi Colette Mnisi is a committed advocate for sustainable and inclusive economic development. She works for Drakenstein Municipality as a Project Coordinator: Economic Development and Tourism, where she leads stakeholder management for both local and international partners. A key driver behind Drakenstein becoming the first Fair Trade City in South Africa, she champions initiatives that empower small-scale producers, promote ethical trade, and strengthen local economies. Thembisile currently serves on the Fair Trade International Steering Committee, representing the Africa and Middle East region, where she works to advance Fair Trade principles globally. Passionate about building resilient, equitable communities, she continues to lead efforts that bridge local action with global impact.

Ruth Green grew up in Orkney and studied Occupational Therapy in Edinburgh.  As well as working as an Occupational Therapist, Ruth spent a number of years working as a church youth worker. She spent 4 years living in Zimbabwe helping mher sister establish Gogo Olive, which is a registered charity in Scotland.  Gogo Olive creates employment for Zimbabwean women and has grown around the best ways to support these women and their families.  Gogo Olive aims to create high quality, handmade and Fair Trade products that tell a story and bring hope and joy.  Ruth now lives back in Orkney and continues to work for Gogo Olive.

Jürgen Hennemann is the 1st Mayor of the city of Ebern, a position held since 2014. Before that he spent six years as 2nd Mayor, 6 years as third Mayor, 24 years on the Ebern city council, and has been on the district council for the SPD (Social Democratic Party of Germany) since 1990. Jürgen trained as a machinist from 1979 to 1983, and was a trade unionist with IG Metall, and from 1979 was a youth representative. From 1980 Jürgen has held various voluntary positions (youth work, speaker, local board, 2nd authorized representative of IG Metall administrative office Bamberg) in IG Metall committees locally, regionally, nationally (Federal Youth Committee, Advisory Board) and internationally (delegation trips and participation in the Rio+20 UN Conference on Sustainability).

Currently Jürgen: is Chairman of the Ebern Administrative Community and the Baunach Alliance, political spokesperson for the Fair Nuremberg Metropolitan Region, chairman of the Ebern Sports and Cultural Association, and member of numerous clubs and organizations. He is active in sustainability, Fair Trade, SDG goal achievement, biodiversity, and the fight against right-wing radicalism.

Joanna Labus is a Poland-based youth worker who is passionate about theatre and circus pedagogy. At MDK2 she supports children and young people through educational and creative activities such as youth exchange projects and local community initiatives. She is currently in her final year of a Masters degree studying Early Childhood and Primary Education at at the University of Silesia in Katowice. As a mentor for European Solidarity Corps volunteers, she guides and supports young people in developing their skills and confidence.

Having spent part of her childhood abroad, Joanna brings an international perspective to her work. Her long-standing involvement with MDK2 began at the age of seven, later continuing in the Youth Club KOMKE, before transitioning into a professional role at twenty-two. She is passionate about creating positive learning environments and is especially motivated by the happiness and development of children. 

Laura Wesołowski is a youth leader at MDK2 Youth Centre in Piekary Śląskie, where she supports young people in developing their skills and engaging in community activities. She is currently studying Sociology at the University of Silesia in Katowice. With a background in international exchange and volunteering, Laura brings a unique intercultural perspective to her work. Passionate about travel, youth empowerment, and social initiatives, she continues to grow within MDK2, fostering an open and inclusive environment for young people.

Laura Young is an award-winning climate activist, environmental scientist, and ethical influencer. Laura’s social media platforms continue to grow, creating a community of activists. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, LinkedIn, BlueSky, and YouTube all under @LessWasteLaura. She was recently named in The King’s Foundation’s 35 under 35 network, and was awarded the Scottish Influencer of the Year for 2024/5 for her work. 

Louise Davies is Chief Executive at Scottish Fair Trade, championing Scotland’s status as a Fair Trade Nation and expanding the movement across the country. She leads a small team coordinating national campaigns, supporting ethical business practices, and ensuring Fair Trade values remain embedded in Scottish public life. She is particularly interested in inspiring young people to get involved in the Fair Trade movement, and aligning Fair Trade with other global justice issues.

Louise has been active in the Fair Trade movement for many years, including running her own Fair Trade store. She also held senior roles at The Vegan Society, Scotland’s International Development Alliance and the Green Party where she gained extensive experience in advocacy and community mobilisation around sustainability and social justice issues.