Ana Linhares, 28, born in Barcelos, Portugal. Graduated in sociology from Univ. Minho, she has been working in several local development projects between regional development and non-formal education, Co-founder of Alternativa (fair-trade association) and volunteer in other organizations of ecology and permaculture. Presently, Ana is in charge of a job office unit for 5 municipalities in Guarda District.
Her most recent social innovation work is related with urban exodus as she is co-founder of the "Novos Povoadores" initiative. This project aims to bring entrepreneurs and their family towards low-density areas, aiming to generate growing dynamics in local economy and provide better quality of life for the newcomers. It is a win-win situation as the entrepreneurs and their family benefit from better quality and lower costs of life, and regions gain from a more active and dynamic experience from urban people who can develop their business in a global economy.
