HomeSBN Announces New Executive Director, Devi Ramkissoon

Contact: Jared Michael Lowe, jared@sbnphiladelphia.org, 215.922.7400 ext. 102 

 

 

Devi Ramkissoon

Ramkissoon brings global expertise to local movement at critical point for sustainability and equity in the region

 

PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Board of Directors of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN) welcomes Devi Ramkissoon’s (she/her) leadership as the organization continues to serve the region’s local independent business community during COVID-19 and chart a path of recovery moving forward that focuses on sustainability and equity. 

Ramkissoon comes to SBN with over fifteen years of experience in international development, working with sustainable businesses for economic growth and poverty reduction. An immigrant and social entrepreneur herself, she has won numerous awards from the US Government and the private sector for her leadership in navigating global humanitarian crises. 

“Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand the impact that sustainable businesses can have on poverty reduction, food security, and environmental preservation. SBN puts this principle into action so that local independent businesses in the region can achieve the maximum impact not only for their own profit, but also for the communities in which they operate and the well-being of the planet. I’m thrilled to lead an organization that is on the cusp of true and lasting social, economic, and environmental change,” said Ramkissoon.

Ramkissoon has worked tirelessly to advance the work of small businesses from underrepresented communities across Latin America, Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East. For almost a decade at USAID, she led multimillion-dollar food security, environment, and private sector development projects worldwide, managed the agency’s premier knowledge-sharing platform for market development, and advanced the US Government’s sustainable development goals at multiple international market development forums. 

“Devi joining SBN as Executive Director begins a very exciting new chapter for the organization. Her experience in advancing sustainable economic development is both deep and well established, as is her passion for inspiring communities to collaborate for collective betterment. Her stewardship will only amplify SBN’s positive impact on its membership, community, and region beyond, and the entire Board of Directors is incredibly enthusiastic to begin our work together,” said Nima Etemadi, Co-owner of Cake Life Bake Shop and Board Chair. 

Ramkissoon’s tenure as Executive Director begins February 2, 2022.

 

 

About the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia

The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN) is building a just, green, and thriving economy in the region. We empower the local business community to be change agents in the movement towards equity and climate resilience, and we advocate with them and on their behalf so an equitable and climate-resilient local economy grows and thrives.  

Since our founding in 2001, SBN has remained the region’s only membership and advocacy organization playing the critical role of serving Greater Philadelphia’s independent values-driven business community. 

www.sbnphiladelphia.org

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