From Local Action to Global Vision: Shawntel Nicole Martinez Nieto's SDG Journey
Shawntel Nicole Martinez Nieto, a Masters in Public Policy student at Oxford University, brought her extensive experience in sustainable development to the Community Impact Lab 2023-2024. As the Co-Founder of three organisations (One Cainta Food Program, Sustainable PH Inc., and SustainaRumble) in the Philippines, Shawntel has already impacted over 700,000 people across 20 cities and 11 hospitals.
Her project on Community Hubs allowed her to explore how local initiatives contribute to global sustainability goals. The Lab experience reinforced Shawntel's belief in interdisciplinary collaboration. "I have always believed that no one person could change the world to the extent needed for growth and living to be truly sustainable and inclusive," she reflects. "Through this experience, my belief that no one field nor discipline can do so was strengthened as well."
Shawntel's understanding of the SDGs' real-world applications deepened throughout the program. "The SDGs touch on nearly every aspect of our lives," she observes. Her time in Oxfordshire's community hubs showed her how grassroots initiatives contribute to the SDGs in tangible ways. A highlight for Shawntel was spending time in Oxfordshire’s community hubs. "It is our hope that our recommendations may help them further support the operations and growth of the 800+ community hubs in the county."
Describing her Lab journey as "immersive, insightful, and memorable," Shawntel advises future participants to see it as "an opportunity to do good for that which is greater than yourself." As she returns to the Philippines, Shawntel's focus is refined. "My goal is to work towards the realisation of shared prosperity in the country," she explains. Her mission is to expand social welfare, foster economic empowerment, and cultivate good governance. "Every Filipino should be afforded expanded capacities and improved access to goods and services," she asserts, embodying how local action can inform global vision for sustainable development.
