This week, in the midst of summer break for many educators around the world, the Compass Education community came together for a special virtual retreat: 10 Years of Compass Education – Celebrating the Past, Charting What’s Next. It was more than a gathering. It was a moment of reflection, connection, and shared purpose.
Facilitators joined from across the globe, making space in their busy lives to reconnect with one another and with the heart of this work. What made it especially moving was seeing individuals who have contributed to Compass Education since its inception still showing up with care, wisdom, and commitment. This community is built on the generosity of volunteers, and we are continually amazed by the strength of that commitment after more than a decade.
This year marks 10 years since Compass Education became a formal nonprofit organization. We are deeply grateful to Robert Steele and Watkana Thongrueng, whose leadership and vision in those early days helped bring Compass Education into being. Their contributions laid the foundation for what has become a truly global movement in sustainability and systems thinking in education.
In these times of uncertainty and shifting global priorities, Compass Education remains grounded in purpose and energized by possibility. While tides in global funding and attention continue to change, we are proud of the work being done by our Board of Directors, Executive Team, and Admin Team to guide Compass Education toward a promising and resilient future.
To all who joined us, thank you for bringing your energy and your presence. To those who were not able to attend, we hope you feel the spirit of the gathering and know how important you are to this journey. Together, we continue to chart what’s next.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Nicole
Author
Nicole Swedlow
Nicole Swedlow is the Executive Director of Compass Education, a global non-profit supporting education for sustainability through training in systems thinking practices. As a consultant, she is passionate about helping schools and businesses integrate sustainable principles with a strategic, inclusive and conscious approach. Nicole’s work in nonprofit leadership and sustainability as Director of the nonprofit organization Entreamigos, has been recognized by the United Nations, as a finalist for the Global Equator Initiative, as a breakout speaker for the World Economic Forum, and by the Dalai Lama, as a 2014 Unsung Hero of Compassion. Nicole has a Masters Degree in Education and Global Change from the University of British Columbia.
