For over 25 years, Dr. Tamara Stenn has been at the forefront of sustainability, entrepreneurship, and economic development, exploring innovative ways to build resilient, ethical businesses. Her extensive career—spanning field research, global collaborations, and hands-on business development—led to the creation of the Sustainability Lens Game, a dynamic tool designed to help individuals and organizations transform traditional business models into sustainable, impact-driven enterprises.
A Career Rooted in Sustainability and Innovation
Dr. Stenn’s journey began with a deep curiosity about how businesses can drive positive change. As a Fulbright Scholar in Bolivia, she spent three years researching the effects of Fair Trade, organic certification, and conventional production on women quinoa farmers. Working directly with producers, she gained firsthand insights into how economic systems influence well-being and sustainability. These findings became the foundation for her work in impact measurement, resilience-building, and social enterprise development, key principles embedded in the Sustainability Lens Game.
A Proven Track Record as a Sustainable Entrepreneur
In addition to her research and academic work, Dr. Stenn is an accomplished entrepreneur with a history of launching impact-driven businesses:
New Visions Advertising – One of the first eco-advertising agencies, pioneering green marketing strategies emphasizing ethical and sustainable business practices.
KUSIKUY – A Fair Trade B-Corp clothing company, bringing handmade alpaca garments from Bolivia to the global market while ensuring fair wages and ethical production for indigenous artisans.
Dona Ester hand-knits KUSIKUY Fair-Trade, alpaca sweaters with the La Imilia artist association. Arani, Bolivia, 2015. Perfect Seed – A farmer-owned quinoa distribution cooperative, helping Bolivian farmers access international markets with a sustainable, transparent supply chain.
Don Felipe's family in Lluvica, Bolivia - a highland organic quinoa grower and member of Perfect Seed. 2018.
Through these ventures, Dr. Stenn developed firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities in creating sustainable businesses, lessons that are woven into the Sustainability Lens Game.
From the Field to the Classroom
Over the years, Dr. Stenn has designed and led entrepreneurship programs at universities, launched impact-driven businesses, and conducted extensive research on sustainability, economic justice, and innovative business models. She has published several books, including Social Entrepreneurship as Sustainable Development, which explores real-world applications of ethical business practices.
As a speaker, educator, and researcher, she has shared her work at global conferences, authored peer-reviewed studies, and collaborated with organizations, governments, and entrepreneurs to create sustainable business strategies.
Creating a Game to Build Resilient, Sustainable Enterprises
The Sustainability Lens Game emerged from these experiences. Dr. Stenn sought to translate complex sustainability challenges into an engaging, interactive format, allowing players to develop innovative solutions for real-world business issues. The game integrates:
Decades of Research – Rooted in Dr. Stenn’s published studies on entrepreneurship, sustainability, and resilience.
Global Fieldwork – Inspired by her work with Indigenous entrepreneurs, Fair Trade producers, and impact-driven startups.
Experiential Learning – Designed through her expertise as a professor, mentor, and advocate for game-based learning.
The Power of the Sustainability Lens
The game challenges players to reimagine business models through the lens of sustainability, focusing on exchange, resources, health, and policy. It is an ideal tool for entrepreneurs, educators, students, and business leaders seeking to integrate innovation and social impact into their work.
As the world navigates unprecedented environmental and economic challenges, resilience and adaptability have become essential. The Sustainability Lens Game serves as a platform to foster creative solutions, encourage collaboration, and transform traditional business approaches.
For those ready to see business through a new lens, the game offers an exciting opportunity to engage with sustainability in a meaningful way.
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