Social Value Matters 2020

Speaker Profiles

Zita Cobb

Zita Cobb, Founder of Shorefast, is a local economy champion and an advocate for developing resilient local economies. Join us at #SVM2020, virtually, in conversation about what local economies can become when communities are embraced as full partners.

Growing up on Fogo Island, Zita developed a deep belief in the inherent value of place and a profound respect for the human ways of knowing that emerge from respectful relationships with nature, culture, and community After completing high school on Fogo Island, Zita decided to study business in order to understand the global economic systems that had disadvantaged Fogo Island. She is most recognized for her work with JDS Fitel, subsequently JDS Uniphase, where she contributed to building the company into one of the most successful high-tech innovators in history.

Zita then returned home to Fogo Island and began to build Shorefast. Most well-known is the resplendent Fogo Island Inn, which is only one element of this vibrant community. In 2016, Zita was awarded the Order of Canada. She now dedicates her energies to further the Shorefast vision in partnership with Fogo Islanders.

Join the #SocialValueMatters conversation this September!