
About us
Iswe Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit innovation centre, building political systems fit for the future
Iswe, pronounced /ˈɪs.wi/
We believe that when ‘I’ (an individual) recognises themselves as ‘we’ (part of the collective), the results are transformational.
Iswe Foundation works at the intersection of politics, movement-building and systems thinking – connecting communities, funders and governments to reimagine how decisions are made. Our aim is to close the gap between public will and political reality by building the infrastructure, networks and ideas needed for a new era of governance.
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We nurture the conditions for people and organisations to transform political systems, so communities everywhere can shape thriving futures for themselves and the planet.
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We shift the balance of power by building new governance infrastructures – living experiments rooted in research and shaped with partners and communities – that enable collective action. We sustain these innovations through capacity-building and field-building.
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We imagine political systems that meet humanity’s greatest challenges, enable cooperation for the common good and foster deep respect across differences – politics that serve people and planet.
Our mission to fix broken politics and build better systems
Explore how Iswe is advancing political systems change through practical research, global partnerships, and bold innovation – turning demand for change into scalable, lasting impact.
Meet the Team
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Angela Rizza
Executive Assistant
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Canning Malkin
Research Coordinator
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Chimwemwe Alao
Civic Assembly Project Coordinator
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Claire Mellier
Knowledge and Practice Lead
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David Levaï
Advocacy Co-Lead
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Debbie Kite
Product Manager
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Howard Melnyczuk
Lead Developer
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Iñaki Goñi Jerez
Data Strategy Lead
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Johnny Stormonth-Darling
Civic Assembly Delivery Manager
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Laurence Berry
User-Centred Design Lead
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Lucas Veloso
Research Associate
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Mathews Chanza
Finance Manager
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Paulina Lezama
Head of Communications
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Reema Patel
Civic Assembly Implementation Director
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Rich Wilson
Chief Operating Officer
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Sara Cowan
Senior Fundraising Officer
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Sarah Whitley
Chief Operating Officer
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Tillie Demetriou
Communications Manager
Collaborate with us
Let’s build better systems—together.
ISWE partners with governments, movements, funders, and civic innovators to design and deliver bold, people-powered projects. Whether you’re launching a new initiative or looking for strategic support, we can help shape the process and amplify the impact.