Ewa Leś (She/Her)

Organizational Website 

   

"I am a citizen of a transboundary river basin"

"My lived experience from the Odra basin and living in its different areas makes me feel and understand more 'source to sea' approach and appreciation of different water/river stakeholders"

"I am committed to efficient integrated water management which respects the needs of stakeholders"

Water Experience

Founder of the first international River University (Rzeczny Uniwersytet), under the wings of Coalition Clean Baltic (2018); co-founder of the Save the Rivers Coalition (Koalicja Ratujmy Rzeki, 2016); co-initiator and coordinator of the first Water Round Table (Wodny Okrągły Stół) in Poland, on the protection of waters and rivers in cooperation with the Ministry of the Environment (2009-2011); co-creator of Partnership for The Baltic initiative (2007-2012). Focused on governance for transboundary freshwater security and transboundary rivers, integrated water management, water policy (nature restoration law), water stakeholders inclusion (water democracy building), water conflicts and water diplomacy, practical solutions and problem-solving in the water/freshwater ecosystems field. I work on rivers/freshwater ecosystems on the national (Poland), Baltic Sea region level and European levels taking care of the representation and visibility of women (e.g. participants and lecturers during my River University, teams I build in my professional life). I'm an author or co-author of publications and official documents/programs analysis, e.g. last analysis of RBMPs for Odra river (national and international draft plan) within European "Last sprint for Europe's rivers". In 2021 nominated to Ashoka SHE SAYS program supporting women changemakers and social entrepreneurs. Expert of Climate Leadership UN program in the area of water environment protection and water management. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ewales

Opportunities of Interest

• Speaking engagements (e.g., conference panels, keynote addresses)
• Leadership roles (e.g., board member, committees)
• Public outreach (e.g., media interviews, podcasts)
• Research (e.g., academic, not-for-profit, government)
• Being a Mentor
• Having a Mentor

Opportunities Offered

• Mentorship Short-term (e.g., attend a mentorship circle or event; 1-3 meetings with an individual)
• Student internships
• River University participation, being a lecturer, practicioner, expert; other opportunities relevant to current situation