Making a difference through the ASN Network

Making a difference through the ASN Network
Source: Erik Feldt & Jennie Perzon

Jennie Perzon and Erik Feldt are values-based leaders with a strong urge to make a difference. Following their passion for change and collaboration, Jennie and Erik decided to join the Ashoka Support Network (ASN) to support and advocate for Ashoka’s values and vision while unleashing their own potential as changemakers.

*Erik Feldt, Head of Community Engagement at Nordea, carries more than 25 years of experience working in the financial sector and holding leadership positions in different areas of expertise.

*Jennie Perzon, PhD student at the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE), loves her work at the intersection of sustainability and innovation working with large corporates, NGOs, academia and start-ups.

Partnering with Ashoka has given Erik a whole range of new insights and inspiration from the world of changemaking and social entrepreneurship.

“I am full of admiration for the work Ashoka does and I wish it could become a bit more known to the world.” – Erik Feldt

For Jennie, on the other hand, the different projects and engagements with Ashoka increase her inspiration for leading social entrepreneurs but also the engagement across the broader network.

I truly believe in collaboration, across sectors, across organizations and among people with different ideas and approaches. An open mind and passion for change are both crucial ingredients to this and this has been evident across my interactions with the network.” – Jennie Perzon
In Erik’s view, the challenges we face within the next 10-20 are formidable. He believes it will require a lot of innovative solutions to fundamentally change the way we lead our lives: “I believe changemakers will have a crucial role in that transformation”.
 
Hello Nordics, systems change accelerator

After the development of the Changemaker Accelerator: climate action and circularity - a collaboration between Ashoka, Nordea and Accenture that supported innovative social entrepreneurs working towards the biggest social challenges the Nordics face today, Erik and Jennie saw the Ashoka Support Network as an opportunity for them to continue being connected with the world of changemaking and social entrepreneurship.

“I hope to learn more about system change and scalable solutions to complex problems.” - Erik Feldt

Based on his previous experiences, Erik is aware of how financing can be one of the main challenges social entrepreneurs face and hence, he hopes to be able to contribute with financial understanding.

Jennie, at the same time, hopes to both contribute and learn from Ashoka’s community with new ideas, practical insights around new collaborative business models and ecosystems.


Founded in 2004, Ashoka Support Network is a global community composed of 350+ leaders worldwide in more than 40 countries. If you would like to know more about the ASN and want to be part of Ashoka’s vision of Everyone A Changemaker world, read more about the Ashoka Support Network and get in touch with us.