Closing The Loop NGO Founders: From Waste to Worth - How 2 NGO Founders Are Tackling Waste in Fashion & Food
GUEST SPEAKER: Dr. Christina Dean & OBE Gabrielle Kirstein
Join us for an exclusive live conversation with Dr. Christina Dean, a pioneer in circular fashion, transforming textile waste into high-value products and Gabrielle Kirstein OBE, a social innovator fighting food waste and hunger in Hong Kong.
Discover the inspiring stories behind the founding of Redress, The R Collective, and Feeding Hong Kong. Understand how purpose turned into a powerful plan for systemic change. Learn what motivated Christina Dean and Gabrielle Kirstein to turn waste into value and how they’ve partnered with global giants like Levi’s, UBS, and British Airways and local legends like Cathay Pacific, Bakehouse and Wellcome to accelerate impact and drive industry-wide change. Explore the surprising similarities and key differences between leading a non-profit and a for-profit business, and understand the realities of funding. Plus, gain insights into policy initiatives in Hong Kong that could further boost circularity and food security right now
Christina and Gabrielle’s journeys are a testament to how purpose, innovation, and strategic partnerships can create real change. Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, social impact, or building purpose-led initiatives, this conversation promises to inspire and inform.
This is a Live Podcast Recording, with limited tickets available for members and non-members alike. Sign up now to join the conversation, meet the founders in person, and connect with a community dedicated to making a difference
Profits from this event will be donated to the respected charities. We also encourage attendees to bring canned food and used clothes for donations to support those in need!
Event Details
- Monday 1st September
- From 6:30pm to 9:00pm
- Banyan Workspace, Quarry Bay
WHAT WE WILL BE COVERING
How social impact organisations’ strategies can inform sustainable business practices
Why aligning mission and values is the key that drives long-term success and impact
How to shift from a “take-make-waste” linear model to a circular, sustainable economy
Data’s role in transforming waste into action and change, showing the power of measurement
How fashion and food sectors can learn from each others waste solutions and collaborate for greater impact
NGO Insights for Business
How social impact organizations strategies can inform sustainable business practices
Purpose as Fuel
Why aligning mission and values is the key that drives long-term success and impact
Reimagining industries
How to shift from a “take-make-waste” linear model to a circular, sustainable economy.
Metrics that Matter
Building Unlikely Partnerships
How fashion and food sectors can learn from each others waste solutions and collaborate for greater impact
Fundraising Insights
Tips on securing unrestricted funding and forging partnerships that stay true to your mission
AGENDA
18:30 – 18:50 | Registration
18:50 – 20:30 | Conversation between Christina Dean, Gabrielle Kirstein host Rasheed Shroff, plus audience Q&A
20:30 – 21:00 | Networking Drinks
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Dr Christina Dean
Founder/Chair Redress, Founder/CEO The R Collective
Christina is a leading advocate for circular fashion, with nearly 20 years of experience driving sustainable change. She founded Redress in 2007 to accelerate Asia’s shift to a circular textile system, and in 2017 launched The R Collective to create responsible fashion through textile recycling. She has built strategic partnerships with brands, governments, and investors worldwide, shaping industry standards. Recognized as a top innovator and influencer, Christina is a regular global speaker, media commentator, TEDx speaker, and author. Based between London and Hong Kong, her work continues to inspire change across the fashion industry
Gabrielle Kirstein OBE
Founder and Chief Executive Officer Feeding Hong Kong
Gabrielle is the founder and CEO of Feeding Hong Kong, a charity dedicated to reducing food waste and alleviating hunger in Hong Kong. With a background in international communications, she established Feeding HK in 2011 to rescue high-quality surplus food and distribute it to frontline charities. She also serves on the board of Redress and co-founded The Redress Design Award, promoting sustainable fashion. Recognized with an OBE in 2023 for her community service, Gabrielle’s work focuses on systemic change in food security and waste reduction. She is based in Hong Kong, committed to creating lasting social impact.
