What is the role of communities in shaping a new economic order? In our increasingly complex and increasingly digital world, Zita Cobb argues that communities of place are indeed the units of design for ensuring a more prosperous, dignified and resilient future.  Building on the story of her island home, she will demonstrate that engaged residents, working together across organizations and sectors can and should be powerful stewards of their communities starting with the economies that underpin them.

This event is in collaboration with RENEWport.

Growing up on Fogo Island, Zita developed a deep belief in the inherent value of place and profound respect for the human ways of knowing that emerge from respectful relationships with nature, culture, and community. She held senior financial roles in the high-tech industry, notably with JDS Fitel, subsequently JDS Uniphase, where she contributed to building the company into one of the most successful high-tech innovators in history. Zita returned home to Fogo Island in the early 2000’s and, along with her brothers Anthony and Alan, founded Shorefast. In 2016, Zita was made Member of the Order of Canada. She volunteers her full time and energies to the active direction and management of Shorefast and our projects on Fogo Island.