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From social innovators
to trusted partners

Our story

At Co-Catalyst, we are a global collective of experienced innovation leaders, driven by a shared passion for creating social impact. We've walked the walk, founding enterprises, establishing centers, launching programs, and navigating the complexities of social change firsthand.
Our diverse team comes from all corners of the world—Europe, the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Americas. We bring our unique perspectives to empower you to achieve your impact goals.

What sets us apart

Practitioner-led

We've been in the trenches, learning, building, and leading across diverse sectors – private, social, and government. Our real-world experience translates into practical, actionable guidance for your organization.

Globally connected, locally rooted

Our international team brings diverse insights and a global network of collaborators. But we also understand the importance of adapting strategies to specific local contexts and needs.

Knowledge-fueled

We're academics, researchers, and strategists who believe in the power of data and evidence-based decision-making. Our rigorous, interdisciplinary,  approach ensures that your social innovation efforts are not only impactful but also sustainable.

Our vision & values

We envision a world where purpose-driven organizations and leaders boldly take on the world's greatest challenges. Our mission is to empower changemakers with the knowledge, tools, and networks to create innovative solutions for a more equitable and sustainable future.

Our values help us do that with:

Collaboration

Utilizing the power of collective action, we work alongside our partners to co-create solutions that are greater than the sum of their parts.

Professionalism

Bringing our best selves to every engagement, upholding the highest standards of excellence and integrity.

People-centric

Social change starts and ends with people. Our work is rooted in building trust, fostering relationships, and centering the needs and aspirations of those we work with

Diversity, equity, & inclusion

Embracing the richness of diverse perspectives and striving to create inclusive spaces where everyone feels heard, seen, and valued.

The faces of Co-Catalyst

Our team is a tapestry of diverse talents and experiences, united by a shared passion for social change.

Stav Bar-Shany

Founder,
Social Innovation Consultant

Stav Bar-Shany is a social innovation consultant with 15+ years of experience driving impact across sectors and continents. Her expertise spans technology, international development, education, and gender diversity. She has held executive roles and led impactful projects for renowned organizations such as the EBRD, Doteveryone, JDC, Comic Relief, and Innovate UK. Stav has co-founded Kayama, the Executive Education Centre for Social Innovation at Haifa University and is lecture at both the Hebrew and Tel Aviv University. She serves as a Director at the Africa Technology Business Network (ATBN) and as the EU Erasmus+ Higher Education Reform Expert in Israel. Stav holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the London School of Economics (LSE) and a BA in History, Middle East and Africa Studies from Tel Aviv University. A graduate of the University of Oxford, Said Business School (SBS), Social Finance Executive Programme, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a global perspective to her work. Stav's thought leadership is evident in her public speaking and writing, featured in leading publications. She is the co-creator of the "Global Entrepreneurship" podcast. Her diverse experience, strategic acumen, and passion for collaboration make her an invaluable asset to the Co-Catalyst team.

Eunice Baguma Ball

Social Innovation Consultant

Eunice Baguma Ball is a social entrepreneur driving impactful tech solutions in Africa. As co-founder and Head of Operations at Ishango.ai, she develops AI and data solutions for global companies while creating opportunities for data science talent across the continent. With over 15 years of experience in the technology sector, Eunice's career spans both the UK and Africa. At Google, she helped launch #IamRemarkable, empowering women and underrepresented groups in tech. She also founded ATBN, the UK's first tech community connecting the UK and Africa, where she led entrepreneurship and digital innovation programs with support from organizations like Innovate UK, GCRF, Comic Relief, and the EU. Eunice is a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in tech. Her book, "Founding Women," showcases the stories of 20 inspiring African women tech entrepreneurs. Holding a Master's in Social Innovation from the University of Cambridge, Judge Business School, she is also a Social Innovation Fellow of Practice there. Eunice's deep knowledge of the African tech landscape, commitment to local talent, and experience in driving social innovation through technology make her an integral part of the Co-Catalyst team.

Eli Rezinsky

Behavioural Economics Consultant

Eli Rezinsky is a behavioral economist, entrepreneur, and consultant specializing in operational strategy for startups. As the co-founder and COO of Unlock, he successfully built a virtual teambuilding marketplace, leading the company from inception to acquisition. With an academic foundation as an LSE-trained economist and professional experience as a strategy consultant at Frontier Economics, Eli has advised public bodies and multinational organizations on strategy, mergers, and analytics, with a focus on public policy and behavioral economics. Currently, Eli serves as an independent advisor to startups, helping founders navigate commercial and operational challenges. His approach blends analytical rigor with entrepreneurial and systemic thinking, offering practical, impactful solutions rooted in his diverse experience. Eli is also deeply committed to social causes and community engagement. He has mentored within the London tech ecosystem, co-founded a Jerusalem-based charity bridging gaps between ultraorthodox and secular students, and contributed to initiatives on financial literacy, anti-corruption, and public health communication in developing countries. Fluent in English, Hebrew, and Russian, Eli lives in East London with his partner, toddler, and dog, bringing his passion for innovation and collaboration to every aspect of his work.

Bissan Salman

Investment and Gender Adviser

Bissan Salman is a seasoned professional specializing in international development, diplomacy, and fundraising. She currently serves as Investor Relations Manager at Brighteye Ventures, Europe’s leading EdTech venture capital fund. Passionate about promoting entrepreneurship in the Middle East and advancing women’s economic empowerment, Bissan’s leadership has earned her prestigious recognition. In 2021, she was honored with an award from the European Parliament for her exceptional contributions to women's leadership. Over the course of her career, Bissan has collaborated with governments and organizations across the globe, including Japan, France, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and others, showcasing her ability to foster impactful international partnerships. Bissan holds a postgraduate degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where she was a Chevening Scholar, an accolade awarded by the British government in recognition of her outstanding academic and professional achievements. Her dedication to gender equity and expertise in fostering innovative solutions make her an invaluable member of the Co-Catalyst team.

Dr. Aya Navon Wurgaft

Research, Evaluation and Impact Consultant

Dr. Navon Wurgaft is a researcher and strategist who supports organisations, foundations and academic institutions to design, measure and strengthen social impact. She brings over 15 years of experience across research, consulting and management, working in Israel and internationally. Her work spans community development and international development across India, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, with a focus on systemic change, learning and accountability. She leads the impact track in the MBA program at the Tel Aviv-Yaffo Academic College and serves as Head of Research at the Israeli Forum for Impact Economy. An expert in measurement and evaluation, she develops data-driven frameworks that support learning and strategic decision-making. Aya holds a PhD in Business Administration and an MA in Psychology and Cognitive Science. She has taught for over a decade at the Hebrew University’s Glocal MA in International Development, where she leads the course Community Development and the Paradox of Power.

Monaya Nasser Eldeen

Research Assistance

Monaya is a legal professional and researcher specializing in the intersection of law, technology, and sustainability. A graduate of Haifa University with a double degree in Law and the Ofakim Honors Program (LLB), she is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Commercial Business Law (LLM). With experience spanning legal practice and academic research, Monaya has worked as an assistant to a District Judge, interned at the District Attorney's Office (Ministry of Justice), and served as a research assistant in the fields of sustainability, social innovation, and impact entrepreneurship. Her primary research and writing interests include law and technology, the application of AI in the judiciary, sustainability and the SDGs through the lens of technology in law, and ESG and corporate responsibility. Monaya’s expertise in bridging legal frameworks with technological and social advancements makes her a valuable contributor to the Co-Catalyst team.

Anna Fridman

Social Media & Content Intern

Anna is a development practitioner and gender researcher. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations with a specialization in the Middle East and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in International Development with a focus on gender at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Anna brings diverse experience from volunteering with Russian grassroots organizations working in youth development, human rights, and the prevention of gender-based violence. Her work has included creating media content for advocacy campaigns and organizational promotion, conducting translations, and supporting research initiatives. She has participated in research projects focused on human rights organizations’ practices, state gender policies, and gender inclusion in business and green initiatives. Anna has also interned as a research assistant at the Institute of Europe of the Russian Academy of Sciences and as a media monitoring analyst at the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Moscow. Her current research interests include gender inclusion and state policy, gender equality and climate justice, reproductive governance, and grassroots strategies in times of crisis. Her Master’s thesis explores the shift in reproductive policies and discourse in Russia during wartime. Anna contributes to Co-Catalyst through her expertise in media and gender studies.

Ready to partner with us?

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