Ana Torralba

Tell us about yourself

I like to think of myself as an EXPLORER who’s growing and learning, and then trying to bring others with me to push the systemic change needed for a sustainable and thriving future for all. I have the Faith to believe that's possible and the Courage to take those first steps into the (unknown) path ahead. My family is my keystone, always supportive and loving along this discovery journey that we call life.

Born in Madrid, passionate about learning and education (that is transformative), healthy living (that balance), nature (that reconnects) and challenges (that motivates), I studied civil engineering at the Polytechnic University of Madrid. For more than 13 years I developed my professional career in private companies leading cross-sectorial projects related to sustainable mobility (SUMP) and smart cities. But my curiosity to go beyond engineering solutions and my sensitivity for climate change, education and social justice led me to pivot in my career in 2018. It was then that I decided to build my own my path using system innovation, collaboration and creativity to contribute to solve sustainability challenges around me that my old thinking couldn't afford. It was the beginning of me Empowering For Change: an approach to design and implement , programs, legislation and research in which multiple sectors communicate and work together to achieve better outcomes.

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What are the top 3 trends in your transport/smart city niche that everyone should look out for in the next 5 years?

1-remote/home-schooling as an opportunity to drive change in urban mobility patterns;

2-gender mobility and vulnerable user's key role to achieve inclusivity;

3- closing the (mobility) education gap

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How do you/your company innovate?

Using system innovation framework and climate coaching to help entrepreneurs and organisations navigate the complexity of sustainable mobility and healthy cities challenges.

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Why is encouraging innovation, new ideas, and tech important?

We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created (A. Einstein)

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