Kunskapsbank för forskning och erfarenhetsutbyte inom integrationsområdet i Norden
Alyssa Bittner Gips

Alyssa Bittner-Gibbs (Åland)

Country: Åland
Country of origin: USA

Project Leader for “Everyone Can Flourish” (sv: Alla kan blomstra) – Deepening and Anchoring”, in service of Åland’s Development and Sustainability Agenda with a special focus on advancing social sustainability, participation, and well-being through community-driven change. As part of a new collaboration with UN-Habitat, I also help to brainstorm the development of a toolbox for inclusive, sustainable development, to facilitate the replication of Åland’s vision globally.

Areas of expertise: With an M.Ed. in Policy, Planning, and Administration from Boston University and a Master’s in Political Science from Stockholm University, I specialize in governance, strategy, and social transformation—not just in theory, but in practice. My work is about bridging policy and lived experience, ensuring sustainability efforts genuinely reach people where they are.

As Vice Chair of the Integration Council of Åland and Chair of Åland Nature and Environment, I focus on fostering belonging and participation, whether through environmental advocacy or strengthening communities. I also serve as a substitute member of the Mariehamn City Board of Directors and am an active member of Rotary Club–Godby, where I engage in conversations with like-minded, good-hearted people that turn ideas into humanitarian action.

Passion in life: Writing is both a passion and a microhabit—I read good words so I write good words. One day, I hope to write the great 21st Century American-Swedish-Ålandic novel—where Hemingway’s sharp simplicity meets Stein’s rhythm, Conrad’s outsider gaze dissects power and belonging, and Kierkegaard’s existential longing threads it all together.

And then, there’s my other hobby—lunch. I make a microhabit of inviting people for fika or a meal, not just to hear their stories but because I believe in the gift of hospitality—the power of a shared table to create connection. I love hosting dinner parties where good food, laughter, and big conversations turn a meal into something more: a space where people feel welcome, heard, and part of something bigger.

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