Vanessa von der Heyde

Director, Sustainability Institute

Vanessa von der Heyde is an influential leader with extensive experience in sustainability, non-profit organisations, and social entrepreneurship. She is the Director of the Sustainability Institute, a pioneering organisation dedicated to driving systems change through education and sustainable development. With over a decade of experience in the non-profit and entrepreneurship sectors, Vanessa has led the Sustainability Institute to become hub for thought leadership and practical action in the sustainability space, equipping individuals and organisations to drive meaningful change. The institute focuses on fostering innovative solutions to global challenges by integrating ecological thinking, social justice, and economic resilience into its programs.

Vanessa also sits on the board of two organisations that exemplify her commitment to creating meaningful social impact. She is a non-executive director of Felti, a social enterprise that produces felt products while fostering local economic development and community empowerment. Additionally, she serves as a non-executive director of The Craftsmen Collective, a non-profit organisation focused on supporting female artisans in establishing and growing their own successful ventures. These roles provide her with unique insights into leveraging for-profit business models to achieve social and environmental goals, while simultaneously navigating the challenges and opportunities within the non-profit sector to empower marginalised communities through entrepreneurship. This dual exposure enables Vanessa to bridge the gap between profit-driven strategies and mission-driven initiatives, driving systemic change across sectors.

Vanessa is also an active member of the People and Culture Committee at the Mandela Rhodes Foundation, where she contributes to fostering accountability, belonging, and systemic change among scholars. Her commitment to positive change extends beyond her professional endeavours; she is an advocate for preserving South Africa’s wilderness and wildlife and enjoys spending time in nature with her dogs at the foot of Simonsberg Mountain in Stellenbosch.