Dr Paola Sakai is a climate economist committed to building more equitable, sustainable, and thriving communities. Her work brings together research, policy, and practice to address world challenges such as climate change, food security, and social vulnerability, always with a focus on improving people’s lives and opportunities. She is a Lecturer in Sustainability Economics and Policy at the University of Leeds and an Associate Professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). As a trustee of Yorkshire Dance, she is particularly interested in how creativity, participation, and cultural engagement can contribute to increasing climate justice, wellbeing, inclusive growth, and community resilience.