Michelle Klassen Merrigan (“MK”) of MK Advisors, began her career in humanitarian aid, working frequently in resource-restricted environments. For the past decade, MK has worked to facilitate and accelerate the adoption of strategic solutions for resource equity needs, while also educating policymakers to support smart, affordable technologies that enable creative financial models.

MK created an innovative model that allows for emerging technologies to be fielded, and commercialized at scale, inside of the communities that need the solutions most. Knowledge transfer, female empowerment, economic development, capacity building, and clean climate solutions are the very foundation of this vision. Through these models, MK seeks to empower communities at the local level, giving access to an international toolkit of bankable, sustainable solutions, to harness economies of scale through aggregating a portfolio of projects.

Aurelia is an experienced Impact Management and Measurement professional with a core focus on working with Impact Investors and their portfolio of companies. She excels at developing Impact Strategies, Frameworks, and Theories of Change that lead to positive change across various sectors, including renewable energy, climate change, water governance, and the circular economy. Aurelia's education has contributed to a multi-country reach and influence. She has a Masters of Science in International Environmental Studies at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. She has gained valuable experience working abroad, liaising with executives and decision-making at all levels in government, civil, and private sectors. She is committed to significantly impacting the world, and her passion for healing the planet drives her work.

Aurelia has been awarded many notable achievements, including being nominated for Future Leader in Industry - Water and Energy Award, Woman in Energy and Water Award, and the Mail & Guardian's 200 Young South Africans Award under the Environment category. Her strengths lie in her commitment to purposeful living, team spirit, cooperation, and fierce determination to impact the environment positively.