Sami has always felt most at home in community – working alongside others, sharing ideas, and supporting people in ways that help everyone move forward together. He genuinely enjoys being part of a team, and much of his energy comes from those everyday moments of collaboration, connection, and helping others succeed.

His curiosity about how things connect started early and deepened during his PhD in biological sciences at the University of Cambridge. He became especially fascinated by butterflies, creatures that are not only beautiful and delicate, but also powerful. They reflect the health of entire ecosystems, showing how even small shifts can have wider impacts. That way of seeing the world – through connection, patterns, and ripple effects – has stayed with him ever since.

When Sami joined the Centre for Social Innovation in 2018, he found a space that naturally aligned with his values. Over time, his role evolved, and so did his approach. Today, he brings together his love of community with a growing passion for data – using insights to better understand people’s experiences, support decision-making, and strengthen the systems that help communities thrive.

At his core, Sami remains driven by a simple belief: that if each of us contributes meaningfully within our own sphere, we can collectively create healthier, more resilient systems – for people, and for the planet.