Willow Fernandez

Willow Fernandez is the Chief Innovation Officer and a Lead Researcher at Silicon Valley Innovators Lab. Originally from Barcelona, Spain, where she earned her degree in environmental science at the University of Barcelona, Willow went on to receive her doctorate in sustainable development from Oxford University. Her work delves into how modern technology can be leveraged within communities to enhance quality of life and promote sustainability. Initially concentrating on renewable energy solutions, Willow's research has since broadened to include urban planning, community resilience, and technological integration.

Over the past two decades, Willow has cultivated an influential body of work that offers fresh perspectives on innovation and sustainability. She has developed frameworks for fostering sustainable cities; methodologies for evaluating the impact of green technologies on daily life; and strategies for promoting grassroots innovation. This extensive research agenda has culminated in a comprehensive theory on sustainable urban development and a guide for communities looking to thrive in the digital age.

In 2023, Willow was honored with the Global Sustainability Award by the International Association for Environmental Management, and in 2024, she received the Urban Visionary Award from the Smart Cities Council. She is a member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts and the Royal Society. Willow regularly shares her insights with audiences ranging from academic institutions to city councils, startups to multinational corporations.

Prior to joining Silicon Valley Innovators Lab, Willow served as a professor at the Technical University of Munich, where she taught courses on environmental policy, urban design, and innovative leadership. She also led the documentary series "Building Tomorrow," which aired on National Geographic Channel, exploring global efforts towards sustainable living. Willow has been a board member for several non-profit organizations dedicated to environmental conservation and education.

She co-authored the book *Sustainable Futures: Harnessing Small Steps for Big Changes*, along with numerous articles and over 80 scholarly papers focusing on the intersection of technology, society, and sustainability. Additionally, her work has featured prominently in journals such as Nature and Science, highlighting her commitment to advancing knowledge and practice in sustainable development.