Dr. Sulistyowati is a participatory action researcher with a strong background in agroecology, urban gardening, community-supported agriculture, youth empowerment, diverse economy, systems thinking, and organizational learning. She is a Donella Meadows Leadership Fellow and a LEAD Indonesia Fellow (1998-2000) and has been working in the social sector since 1995. Her experience includes developing ELSPPAT (Institute for Development and Technology Services Studies) in Bogor (1995-2000) and establishing and leading Perkumpulan Kuncup Padang Ilalang (KAIL) in Bandung (2002-present), an NGO that focuses on building the capacity of individuals and groups to create societal changes.