Paola Sakai
Group CEO @Yorkshire Dance
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WORK HISTORY
Group CEO @Yorkshire Dance
Leeds, GB
As a member of the board of directors (trustees), I lead on sustainability, advising the leadership team on their climate and sustainability strategy.
EDUCATION
National Autonomous University of Mexico
Post-graduate Diploma in Programming, Planning and Budgeting, Public Sector Planning
Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education
BSc in Business and Management, International Business/Trade/Commerce
University of Leeds
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Climate change adaptation
Mexican Autonomous Institute of Technology
Post-graduate Diploma in Stock Finance, Finance and Financial Management Services
National Autonomous University of Mexico
BSc in Economics, Microeconomics and Finance
SKILLS
ABOUT PAOLA SAKAI
I am a Lecturer in Sustainability, Economics, and Policy at the University of Leeds, specializing in climate resilience, adaptation, mitigation, and organizational strategies. My work connects research, policy, and practice to help businesses, cities, and governments prepare for and thrive in the face of climate change.My academic journey began in Mexico, where I earned a BSc in Business Administration (ITESM) and a BSc in Economics (UNAM), complemented by diplomas in Stock Finance (ITAM) and Budget and Planning (UNAM). I later completed my PhD at the University of Leeds, focusing on sustainability and climate economics.Driving Climate Resilience for Businesses I lead research on the economic impact of flooding on SMEs, including a landmark study on the 2015 Boxing Day Floods in Calderdale, UK. My findings informed the Flooding Commission of Calderdale Council and the UK House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee, shaping strategies to protect SMEs. I also explore mitigation and insurance solutions, working with partners such as WYCA, EA, iCASP, UCVR, Sedwick, Ambiental, and Defra’s Flood Task Force.Urban Climate Resilience and Strategic Planning Cities are at the frontline of climate change. I led the Triangle City Project, fostering cooperation between three cities in three countries and creating CODETRI, Latin America’s first Trinational Economic and Sustainable Development Council. As part of Climate Smart Cities, I modelled CO₂ emissions in Lima, Peru, and advised on climate strategies in Calgary, Canada. I also examined how the UK water sector uses climate data for adaptation.Policy Impact and Engagement Awarded a UKRI Research and Innovation Fellowship, I developed frameworks for urban planning that integrate disaster risk reduction with health, well-being, and inclusive growth. My tools have been adopted by governments and civil society, including contributions to the Director of Public Health Annual Report 2025 for Leeds.Teaching and Vision I lecture in Sustainability Economics and Policy at Leeds and Financial Mathematics at UNAM. My mission is to translate research into action, empowering stakeholders to build climate resilience and unlock opportunities for inclusive growth within our planetary boundaries.
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