About Melanie Lewis
Designing the Conditions for Action
Founder of SENSiBiLiZER and creator of the Action Design framework.
Melanie Lewis is the founder of SENSiBiLiZER and creator of the Action Design framework. Her work sits at the intersection of sustainability, innovation, learning design, collective action and systems change.
Originally trained as an environmental biologist and conservation researcher, Melanie's career has evolved across universities, international networks, community organisations and environmental movements.
Throughout that journey, one question has remained central:
Why do some people move from concern to action while others do not?
This question has informed more than two decades of work designing programs, facilitating learning experiences, building communities, leading environmental initiatives and supporting collaborative action.
Today, Melanie helps organisations design the conditions that enable people to participate, contribute and create impact together.
Areas of Experience
- • Environmental science and conservation
- • Climate action and sustainability
- • Innovation and entrepreneurship
- • Learning and capability development
- • Community engagement
- • Volunteer leadership
- • Collective action and systems change
Recognition
Awards and Recognition
- • Paul Harris Fellow +2 for Service to the Environment and Youth
- • Best Research Paper, ANZ Third Sector Research Conference (2024)
- • Australian Research Scholarship
- • Marine Biological Association 200th Anniversary Research Award
Speaking & Thought Leadership
Speaking Highlights
Melanie has delivered keynote presentations, conference presentations and invited workshops across sustainability, innovation, community engagement and collective action.
- • Rotary International Convention, Singapore
- • Rotary International Convention, Melbourne
- • Rotary International Convention, Taipei
- • ANZ Third Sector Research Conference
- • ISPIM
- • SPRU
- • Transformations Conference
- • Marine Biological Association
- • University of Cambridge Conservation Science
- • University and community leadership events
Ideas in Action
Heart So Big is an emerging social impact movement exploring how small acts of kindness, stewardship and connection can create ripple effects throughout communities.
Built around simple acts of participation and symbolic yellow hearts, the initiative serves as a living laboratory for testing and evolving Action Design principles in real-world settings.
The project reflects a core belief that meaningful change often begins with small actions that invite others to participate.
Leadership & Governance
Building Change from the Inside
In addition to designing programs and initiatives, Melanie brings extensive leadership and governance experience gained through nonprofit, university and volunteer networks. These experiences provide a practical understanding of how organisations make decisions, engage stakeholders, mobilise volunteers and sustain long-term change.
Selected roles
- • Regional Director Oceania, EndPlasticSoup
- • District Environment Chair, Rotary
- • Past Rotary Club President
- • Advisory Committee Member, Humanitarian Innovation Awards
- • Stanford Innovation Fellow
- • Program Designer and Facilitator, EXPANSIVITY
Work With Melanie
Available for program design, facilitation, keynotes and collaborative initiatives.
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