Sparking imagination and action for a more joyful, prosperous, and sustainable world.

Joni Roberts | Founder, Evolution University 

"It's my joy to support people in their leadership and sustainability journeys. My career as an international entrepreneur, business professor, and creator of the EVOLVE Sustainability Framework has given me a breadth of knowledge to work with while helping others be successful."

My Story

I founded Evolution University, a social enterprise, to prepare smart, heart-engaged leaders to change the world. Through research, deep thinking, flow states, and creativity surges, I have designed a new learning philosophy, frameworks, and practices that change paradigms for what we learn and how we lead to better our lives today and create a sustainable future.

For as long as I can remember, I've had a deep passion for enjoying nature and connecting with diverse cultures around the world. As a young girl, I would spend all day in nature, inspecting bugs, flowers, and fruits of the forest. I had a light-up globe next to my bed and would spend hours fascinated by all the countries and people that make up our extraordinary world. 

Today, as an entrepreneur and business professor with an International MBA, I am troubled by the path we are on of endless growth and profit-driven economics, which are stressing planetary boundaries and causing global crises related to pollution and degradation of our air, land, water, climate, and communities.

What I am keenly aware of is that we keep teaching the same mindsets and skillsets in business schools that perpetuate the problems we are experiencing. It’s time to think differently and teach new ways of being that lead to outcomes where people and the planet can flourish.
Creator

  • The EVOLVE Sustainability Framework™
  • CC (Compassion-Centered) Stakeholder Engagement Model™
  • CC Stakeholder Analysis
  • Sustainability Stakeholder Matrix
  • 50 Acts of Resistance Discussion Cards
  • The Five Authentic Connection Steps
  • The Five Sustainability Mindsets and Skillsets
  • 50 Acts of Resistance Discussion Cards

Author

  • The EVOLVE Sustainability Learning Journeys
  • The Power of Authentic Connection, online course
  • Cultivating Connection, online course, book, and journal
  • MOREcompassion for People and the Planet, online course


Leadership Roles

  • Founding Member, Impact Leaders Alliance with Prof Jeffrey Sachs & the European Institute for Innovation and Sustainability (EIIS)
  • Partner, United Nations Foundation Global Goals
  • Board Member, EcoActUs Foundation
  • Trainer, Faith In Her: Climate Leaders Fellowship, Harvard Divinity School
  • Leader and Mentor, The Climate Reality Project
  • Steward, Council for Inclusive Capitalism 
  • Partner, Abundance 360 with Peter Diamandis
  • Member, President's Sustainability Task Force for Academics, Kean University
  • Presenter, Sustainability and Higher Education Conferences, including the International Conference on Sustainable Development (ICSD)
  • Co-Chair, Community Sector, Clean Air Northeast Florida, Climate Pollution Reduction Plan for 2050
  • Board Chair & Vice Chair, North Florida Green Chamber
  • Founder, MOREcompassion
"My deepest devotion is to serve, protect, and restore Mother Earth and support as many people on the path as possible. I invite you to join me to learn, grow, and evolve together!"
Global Adventures

In 1996, I set off on a solo around-the-world trip, traveling through the South Pacific, Asia, Africa, Egypt, and Europe, before technology advances such as websites and cell phones. Every day of my journey was filled with serendipity and life-expanding experiences. I knew I wanted to remain connected as a global citizen and went on to earn dual International Master of Business Administration degrees from the USA and Austria. Upon graduation, I was hired by the US Ambassador to Romania, James Rosapepe, and began a four-year journey in international relations and tech entrepreneurship.

Education
  • International Master of Business Administration (IMBA), Dual Degree, University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business and WU Executive Academy, Vienna, Austria
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA), Advertising, Michigan State University, College of Communication Arts and Sciences


Harmony with Nature

When I'm not pursuing my moonshot, you can often find me hiking in a Florida forest or swimming the coastline.

Speaking Engagements  

Connect with me at in-person and online events where I speak on topics that spark imagination and action for social and environmental sustainability. My gifts are showing us how we can change paradigms for what we learn and how we lead to better our lives today and create the future we want and need.

Follow Me

Follow my unique hashtag #EvolveOurWorld across social media, where I talk about mindsets, compassion hacks, sustainability, and the UN SDGs. 

Testimonials

Joni and I collaborated together in founding a new organization. Joni's expertise proved to be an invaluable contribution in getting the organization up and running. Joni is a true visionary with great strategic ideas and she also has the ability to see these ideas through to execution. She has a keen sense of the market and is very creative in branding and marketing!
Jeff Bailey, MBA, CEO, ORTEC North America
Joni is gifted at delivering penetrating insights with grace and encouragement. With her help, I was able to step back and see my customers' needs and resolve conflicts I had between my company's values and the industry it is in. As a result, I'm developing a marketing strategy that feels right for my company, gives it more personality, and sets it apart from others. This is just what I needed. Thanks so much, Joni!
Caren Burmeister, founder, second nature skin & caren tells your story
I first met Joni while she was working for the US Ambassador in Bucharest, Romania. Later, we had a chance to collaborate on several events we organized in the tech sector under the "First Tuesday" banner in Bucharest. Joni was a regular speaker at the events, as her company, Kaleidotek, was one of the first tech outsourcing companies set up in Romania. I was impressed with Joni's credentials regarding international business and entrepreneurship and I look forward to working with her again in the future.
Bill Avery, MBA, MA, Executive Director, Alianta & Founder and Former Publisher, Business Review Romania
Professor Roberts is a dynamic presence on campus, well-loved by her students, administration, and her colleagues. She is more than a friendly face or an easy-to-work-with colleague. She is proactive and works to find solutions to improve all aspects of higher education. Thoughtful and eager, I have witnessed Professor Roberts turn her classroom into a truly interactive experience for students, transforming even sluggish or shy performers into engaged learners. In addition, she's just a lovely person who cares deeply about her students and coworkers.
Cathleen Jensen-Gall, MA, Visiting Professor, Humanities, Ethics, Social Studies, Keller Graduate School of Management
Joni designed one of the most interactive and successful educational experiences a student could ask for. The extensive professional knowledge that Joni has was demonstrated during every session of class. Her willingness to share her experiences, to work with students to learn and mentor so they may display their talents was proven time and time again. Joni displays the talent of a great leader, amazing mentor, and most importantly, she has the compassion to share her experience to help others grow.
John Lasch, MBA, MAFM, Analyst, Deutsche Bank
Joni Roberts is a visionary with the knowledge and skills to be a powerful influence for good. Her style is warm and heart-centered as she informs and inspires. She has the gift of being able to plant seeds of possibility into the minds of those she encounters. We are blessed to have her as a guide and mentor on our path to living our bliss.
Dolph Kiser, RScP, Certified Spiritual Practitioner
Joni is an inspired voice for transformation of the global economy into something much more human and democratic. Thank you, Joni!
Paul B., Teacher, Educational Collective
Joni is masterful at eliciting your heart's purpose and helping you create a business from it.
Carolyn Messere, MD, Founder, Soul Deep Wellness
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