Sandara Schimanek

At HCWH Europe, I'm part of a dynamic team committed to the Born Green Generation project, dedicated to reshaping eco-friendly maternity and pediatric care units for a healthier, sustainable start to life that protects the most vulnerable. My role at HCWH Europe involves co-creating a model for eco-friendly maternity units as well as neonatal and pediatric units that incorporate environmental sustainability and aim to create a toxic-free environment for children in their first 1000 days of life. Another core responsibility is developing training material and a university course for (future) healthcare workers in cooperation with our partner universities.

My journey into healthcare began as a midwife. After accumulating seven years of invaluable experience in nurturing new lives and understanding the critical needs of expectant mothers and newborns, I fulfilled my life-long dream and joined Doctors Without Borders (MSF). During my mission in Mosul, Iraq, my awareness grew drastically about how crucially our environment impacts human health. Directly confronted with so much suffering, my drive to deliver healthcare sustainably and equally for all humans and the environment became stronger than ever. To be able to act on this in my future career, I decided to build my theoretical knowledge by studying for a Master’s degree in International Health & Social Management.

Beyond my work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, mostly outside in nature. I especially love the beautiful mountains of my home country, Austria. Whenever it’s possible, I choose to be there hiking or just enjoying the view.