Cynthia A. Phillips, PhD

Cynthia A. Phillips, PhD, is an accomplished entrepreneur and founder of 22nd Century by Design, a venture dedicated to fostering sustainable growth through innovative technologies and initiatives. Established in September 2022 and based in Phoenix, Arizona, the organization aims to create significant environmental and social impacts while supporting the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) .13

Professional Background

Dr. Phillips has over 25 years of experience in various leadership roles across multiple sectors, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and social impact. In addition to her role at 22nd Century by Design, she is also a Venture Partner at Renew Venture Capital, where she collaborates with underrepresented founders to address societal challenges through scalable business solutions .12

Her previous ventures include founding The Disruptive Factory (2017-2022), which focused on empowering women-led initiatives and innovative projects across the United States .1 She also serves as a Sustainability and Impact Advisor at Attobahn, Inc., and has contributed significantly as a board member for various organizations, including Verum Inventa .13

Education

Dr. Phillips holds multiple degrees, including a doctorate in Agricultural Economics and Econometrics, a Master's in Economics, and a Master's in Creative Writing .2 Her diverse educational background complements her extensive experience in strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation for non-profits, and business development.

Contributions and Initiatives

Through 22nd Century by Design, Dr. Phillips emphasizes the importance of designing a better future for upcoming generations by leveraging disruptive technologies. The organization not only acts as a venture development partner but also encompasses a donor-advised fund aimed at scaling impactful initiatives .13

In her role as a thought leader, she has been involved in creating platforms that highlight diverse voices and innovative ideas through initiatives such as The Disruptive Quarterly, which invites contributions from artists, writers, and entrepreneurs committed to social change .12

Overall, Dr. Cynthia A. Phillips exemplifies leadership in integrating sustainability with innovative business practices to address pressing global challenges.