Managing Director Finance & Event
The Team Behind the Hamburg Sustainability Conference
The Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) is organized by the Hamburg Sustainability Conference gGmbH. Our dedicated team is responsible for the planning and execution of the HSC, working in close collaboration with the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg and the Michael Otto Foundation. HSC is dedicated to advancing global cooperation and empowering alliances that drive progress toward a shared future. As a platform for visionary thinking and collaborative action, we bring together leaders, innovators, and changemakers to develop bold ideas and shape solutions for tomorrow. HSC fosters meaningful connections and collective momentum for a more resilient, inclusive, and future-oriented world.
Managing Director
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Dr. Imke Rajamani
Dr. Imke Rajamani
Managing Director Finance & Event
Biography
Dr. Imke Rajamani is the Managing Director for Finance & Event at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC). Her responsibilities focus on strategic business development and partnerships, ensuring organizational excellence and implementing innovative and sustainable event design. Before joining the HSC in July 2023 Imke Rajamani served the Falling Walls Foundation as Director for Science Entrepreneurship and Managing Director. Imke Rajamani is a historian by training and an alumna of the Max-Planck-Institute for Human Development, Freie Universität Berlin and the University of Hamburg. Her PhD thesis on anger, media and democracy in postcolonial India was awarded the prestigious Otto Hahn Medal in 2016. She holds certifications as systemic coach and mediator.
Event and Guest Liaison
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Dr. Alexa Ruppert
Director Event & Development / Deputy Managing Director
Dr. Alexa Ruppert
Director Event & Development / Deputy Managing Director
Biography
Alexa Ruppert ensures that everyone and everything is in the right place at the right time during the Hamburg Sustainability Conference, and supports the Executive Board in all operational tasks. Previously, she was part of the executive management of an international scientific conference as an authorized representative with core tasks in partner, data and event management as well as communications.
Phone: +49 40 238345382 -
Bennet Gabriel
Senior Project Manager Guest Liaison & Stakeholder Management
Bennet Gabriel
Senior Project Manager Guest Liaison & Stakeholder Management
Biography
In case you require any support with your delegation's participation at the HSC, please reach out to Bennet.
Phone: +49 176 21587873 -
Clara Miebach
Project Manager Event & Development
Clara Miebach
Project Manager Event & Development
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Nicole Müller
Junior Project Manager Guests & Evaluation
Nicole Müller
Junior Project Manager Guests & Evaluation
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Katharina Quintero
Project Manager Guest & Sustainability
Katharina Quintero
Project Manager Guest & Sustainability
Biography
Specializing in inclusive event logistics and sustainable conference design, Katharina manages the Travel Fund, enabling participants from the Global South to attend and amplify their voices on an international stage. With a strong focus for both impact and detail, she also oversees the conference’s sustainability certification in collaboration with the Green Events network and ensures a smooth audit process on site. Her work bridges operational precision with purpose-driven strategy, advancing practical solutions for more responsible event organization. Known for turning complex coordination into seamless participation, Katharina champions the idea that meaningful dialogue begins with equitable access - and that sustainability should be measurable, visible, and actionable at every level of an event.
For inquiries regarding state visitors and their respective delegations, please write to delegation@sustainability-conference.org.
For any other guest-related questions, please write to guests@sustainability-conference.org.
Program and Partners
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Sarah Maryanne Odera
Director Program & Global Engagement
Sarah Maryanne Odera
Director Program & Global Engagement
Biography
Sarah Maryanne Odera is the Director of Programs at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC), where she leads with passion and purpose. With a career that bridges Europe and Africa, she brings a wealth of experience in environmental strategy, project development, and stakeholder engagement. Her academic foundation in Global Political Economy equips her with a nuanced understanding of sustainability and policy, driving meaningful progress in the field.
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Julia Bogisch
Project Manager Program & Partners
Julia Bogisch
Project Manager Program & Partners
Biography
Julia Bogisch is Project Manager for Program and Partners at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC). With a background in Cultural and Social Anthropology and International Relations, Julia brings an interdisciplinary perspective to sustainability. She has gained experience in both the private and public sectors across several countries, with a focus on the intersection of culture, innovation, and sustainability.
Phone: +49 40 238345372 -
Claudia Brüninghaus
Senior Project Manager Program & Partners
Claudia Brüninghaus
Senior Project Manager Program & Partners
Biography
Claudia Brueninghaus ist responsible for our Round Tables and Public Engagement events throughout the year - making sure we take the goals, spirit and qualities of the Hamburg Sustainability Conference to wherever else we gather people. Decades in professional conferencing and events management as well as many engagements as stage moderator for ministries, NGOs and theatres have added professionalism and a steady hand to Claudia's hosting qualities. Neither of both seems to effect the extent of curiosity for people and their encounters, though: The belief in the magic of personal encounters is going strong!
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Christopher Büdeker
Senior Project Manager Program & Partners
Christopher Büdeker
Senior Project Manager Program & Partners
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Fritz Finne
Senior Project Manager Program & Partners
Fritz Finne
Senior Project Manager Program & Partners
Biography
Fritz Finne is Senior Project Manager for Program & Partners at the HSC, supporting session coordinators in shaping impactful formats under Forum 2: Unleashing Investments for the SDGs. He also assists the Managing Director with strategic political outreach and leads HSC’s Youth Engagement efforts. Before joining HSC, Fritz worked in both the public and private sectors, including at a gov-tech startup and within the Federal Government.
Phone: +49 40 334653197 -
Robin Haug
Senior Project Manager Program & Partners
Robin Haug
Senior Project Manager Program & Partners
Biography
Robin Haug is Senior Project Manager for Program & Partners at the HSC, supporting the conference program through identifying, acquiring and matching powerful speakers from all around the world to fitting HSC formats. He also focuses on building strong relationships with the private sector and further networks to expand the impact of HSC and the global sustainability agenda. Before joining HSC, Robin worked as a consultant in various private sectors and in various positions in German party politics.
Phone: +49 40 238345375 -
Dr. Carl-Martin Hißler
Project Manager Partner & Due Diligence
Dr. Carl-Martin Hißler
Project Manager Partner & Due Diligence
Biography
Dr. Carl-Martin Hißler is Project Manager Partner & Due Diligence at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC). He is responsible for the assessment of potential partner companies and partner foundations. In close cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), he conducts comprehensive risk analyses to ensure that partnerships comply with ethical, social and environmental standards. Carl-Martin studied political science at the University of Potsdam and holds a PhD in the same field. Before joining HSC, he worked for a publishing house in Berlin, as a Franchise Consultant in Hamburg and as a Project Manager at Wegweiser Media & Conferences GmbH.
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Marie Mühlmann
Senior Project Manager Public Engagement (on parental leave until 2027)
Marie Mühlmann
Senior Project Manager Public Engagement (on parental leave until 2027)
Biography
Marie Mühlmann is leading Hamburg’s sustainable transformation as Head of Hamburg Sustainability Week and Senior Project Manager Public Engagement at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference gGmbH. She coordinates the Hamburg Sustainability Week, taking place from June 1–6, 2025. The event brings together local stakeholders to develop innovative solutions for a more sustainable city. With her expertise in stakeholder engagement and event management, Marie fosters collaboration between civil society, businesses, public administration, academia, and the cultural sector to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals at the local level.
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Marie Schönfels
Project Manager Program & Partners
Marie Schönfels
Project Manager Program & Partners
Biography
Marie Schönfels is Project Manager for Partner & Program at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC). She holds a degree in Politics, Administration, and International Relations from Zeppelin University and is currently pursuing a Master's in Urban Geography at Humboldt University of Berlin. Prior to joining HSC, she gained experience in political and strategic communications as well as environmental policy through roles at a political consultancy and the Environmental Law Institute in Washington, D.C.
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Alona Soltanova
Project Manager Program & Partners
Alona Soltanova
Project Manager Program & Partners
Communications and Design
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Lisa Keppler Wagner
Director Brand & Communications
Lisa Keppler Wagner
Director Brand & Communications
Biography
Lisa Keppler Wagner is the Director Brand and Communications at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC). She leads the development and implementation of the overarching communication strategy, including brand positioning, design, and campaign direction. With an academic foundation in linguistics and extensive experience across all facets of brand strategy, campaign development, and creative storytelling, she contributes a comprehensive, integrative perspective to the organization. Her entrepreneurial experience as the founder of a successful DTC e-commerce business is complemented by a broad communications background spanning the non-profit sector, political communication, fintech, software, science communication, and systemic consulting. Before joining the HSC, she built the communications department at the Falling Walls Foundation and led the digital transformation of the Falling Walls Science Summit.
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Ai Xinh Akkoyun
Student Assistant Communications
Ai Xinh Akkoyun
Student Assistant Communications
Phone: +49 40 238345385 -
Nina Ludolphi
Senior Communications Manager & Social Media Specialist
Nina Ludolphi
Senior Communications Manager & Social Media Specialist
Biography
Nina Ludolphi is Social Media & Communications Specialist at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC). As a strategic communications expert specializing in public engagement on complex societal issues, she has led high-impact campaigns for federal agencies and NGOs, including Germany’s national road safety initiatives and the Office of the Independent Commissioner for Child Sexual Abuse Issues. At the Hamburg Sustainability Conference, Nina helps shape narrative strategy and ensures cohesive and compelling communication across all channels.
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Roman Rehor
Senior Communications Manager Video & Design
Roman Rehor
Senior Communications Manager Video & Design
Biography
Roman Rehor is the Communications Manager at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC), where he specializes in creating compelling moving image content that brings sustainability narratives to life. He studied philosophy and speech science in Berlin and Regensburg, developing a deep understanding of communication dynamics. Before joining HSC, Roman crafted video art for opera and shaped communications as an instructional designer. He is also a professional voice over speaker.
Phone: +49 40 334653191 -
Olena Taran
Senior Manager Press & Media
Olena Taran
Senior Manager Press & Media
Biography
Olena Taran is Senior Manager Press & Media at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC), where she leads the press office, manages media relations and oversees HSC media partnerships. A versatile communications professional with over a decade of experience in public relations and press work across the commercial, cultural, public, and non-governmental sectors, she has a proven track record of crafting compelling narratives, cultivating strong relationships with local and international media and successfully implementing high-level strategic communication initiatives. Olena holds a Master's degree in Linguistics from Kyiv National Linguistic University and a Bachelor's degree in Communication and Politics from Freie Universität Berlin.
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Darwin Veser
Senior Communications Manager
Darwin Veser
Senior Communications Manager
Biography
Darwin Veser serves as Senior Communications Manager at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC). Prior to joining HSC, Darwin acted as Chief of Staff to Parliamentary State Secretary Niels Annen, MP. He holds a Bachelor's degree in History and Political Science from Freie Universität Berlin and a Master's degree in International Security from Sciences Po Paris.
Phone: +49 40 2383453 87
Executive Affairs
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Philine Kruse
Senior Project Manager Partnerships & Fundraising
Philine Kruse
Senior Project Manager Partnerships & Fundraising
Biography
Philine Kruse serves as Senior Project Manager Partnerships & Fundraising at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC), where she develops and manages strategic partnerships with international partners from the private sector and philanthropy. With a background in the NGO and foundation sectors, she brings experience in cross-sectoral program management and impact-driven stakeholder engagement. Philine holds an MSc in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies and a BA in International Relations.
Phone: +49 176 2002 3810 -
Clara Umstätter
Project Manager Boards and Executive Affairs
Clara Umstätter
Project Manager Boards and Executive Affairs
Biography
Clara Umstätter is the Project Manager for all HSC boards and committees. Hence, her main responsibility is to coordinate and prepare the Partner Meeting, Supervisory Board and HSC Council in addition to supporting the Managing Directors with executive affairs. She holds a Master of Science degree in "International Administration and Global Governance" from the University of Gothenburg and did an internship at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) before joining the HSC.
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Franziska von Harsdorf
Executive Assistant Program
Franziska von Harsdorf
Executive Assistant Program
Finance and Operations
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Mathias Dumke
Director Finance & Operations
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Jenny Pusch
HR Generalist
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Yara Rieper
Project Manager Grants & Finance
Yara Rieper
Project Manager Grants & Finance
Biography
Yara Rieper works as an Executive Assistant at HSC, providing dedicated support to the managing directors, particularly in the areas of Finance and Operations. She holds a Master of Arts in Economics, Law, and Social Sciences from the University of Erfurt. With her interdisciplinary academic background and hands-on experience, she contributes to driving efficient business processes.
Phone: +49 40 238345370
Hamburg Sustainability Week
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Jana Popihn
Head of Hamburg Sustainability Week
Jana Popihn
Head of Hamburg Sustainability Week
Biography
Jana Popihn is leading Hamburg’s sustainable transformation as Head of Hamburg Sustainability Week and Senior Project Manager Public Engagement at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference gGmbH. As arts and media manager she comes to the team with experience in the field of arts, culture and theatre. This multi-perspective background and knowledge in stakeholder engagement and event management she coordinates the Hamburg Sustainability Week in 2026 - at the interface of sustainability, civil society, science, businesses and cultural perception.
Phone: +49 40 238 345 384 -
Hanna Brandt
Communications Manager
Hanna Brandt
Communications Manager
Biography
Hanna Brandt is Communications Manager at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC), shaping communications and stakeholder management for the Hamburg Sustainability Week. With a background in Public Relations and Corporate Communication, she focuses on translating complex sustainability topics into engaging content and fostering meaningful stakeholder dialogue. Prior to joining HSC, Hanna contributed to projects related to digital infrastructure and digital inclusion within public-sector contexts, gaining experience in coordinating communication across political and institutional environments.
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Milena Düstersiek
Junior Project Manager Program & Event
Milena Düstersiek
Junior Project Manager Program & Event
Biography
Milena Düstersiek serves as a Junior Project Manager in the team responsible for the Hamburg Sustainability Week (HSW).