Anima is an entrepreneur with a background in social science and human-centred design. Her work has been recognised in the fields of national politics, social entrepreneurship, and most recently, consumer mobile technology.
She earned the award for her first social enterprise, Swing Semester, which operated a civic “semester abroad” program in swing states during the 2004 and 2008 presidential elections. During the program, students knocked on more than half a million doors for progressive campaigns while studying a syllabus on the psychology of political ideologies (i.e. why people vote the way they do), a topic which continues to make for lively dinner conversation.
Continuing the theme of tech facilitating real-world connection, Anima now leads Social Impact experiences at Airbnb. The largest category on Airbnb’s new experiences platform, Social Impact experiences are inspiring activities hosted by nonprofits around the world that connect travellers (and locals) to their cause. Airbnb waives its fees, so 100% goes to the nonprofit. In this role, Anima is motivated every day by a fusion of three great loves: product, entrepreneurship, and designing experiences that change people. She feels lucky to direct these skills toward amplifying meaningful causes around the world.