Jessica Bensley

Business mentor, Change Agent, Concerned citizen, Entrepreneur, Environmentalist, Explorer, Global soul, Project manager, World traveler

Borne to a United Nations diplomat working on international food security issues, my upbringing has exposed me to English, Indian, Italian, Somali, Zambian and Barbadian cultures. I am a change driver committed to address the juxtaposition of finite natural resources and economic growth. A graduate from the School of International Affairs and Earth Institute at Columbia University, New York, with a Masters of Public Administration in Environmental Science and Policy. My professional career has spanned the hospitality and travel industries. As CEO of Skyviews for over two decades; I have been advertising local topographies and cultures; fragile and tender commodities that erode as the consequences of commercial tourism in island nations take hold. I believe the challenges faced by small island states today are no different to those faced by planet earth and humanity as a whole. My energies today are deployed in meeting the changing needs of islands and to increase their resiliency in the face of climate change. My particular interests are in ecosystem valuations, development, consumption, waste, water and oceans.

Islands and Climate. Oceans. Mentoring the youth in business start up. Water. Sustainable Commerce. Surfing.

3 daily rules to live by: Once a day; Offer one person a smile Talk to a stranger (smile #2) Let someone go before you (smile #3)

Caribbean Tourism, Climate Change Adaptation, Energy Saving Trees, Islands. Oceans., Map making, Marine Conservation, Publishing + Advertising, Water Infrastrcuture & Resiliency

In 2006 I stumbled across Majora Carter'sTED talk "Greening the Ghetto" I was moved by her sincerity and passion, and, thereafter; hooked on TED. The TED community offers a delectable mix of brain and soul food, delivered in style. Love. TED Global and TED Active attendee.

Uncovering the magic in every being ....