Iceland, a place so cold it makes Austin’s winter feel like a balmy summer day! But hey, why Iceland of all places, right? Well, picture this: two fearless leaders, Pflugerville City Council, Kimberly Holiday, and myself, CEO of Saffron Trust, embarked on a mission with Leadership International to the land of ice and fire. Our goal, to bring back some seriously cool (pun intended) ideas for our community. While Austin may not have glaciers or volcanoes, it has its own unique landscape – from the rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country to the bustling streets of downtown. Austin is a vibrant tapestry of tacos, tech, and . . . well, more tacos! So, buckle up, Austin, because Lady Holiday and I are about to sprinkle some Icelandic magic on our beloved city from our recent visit!
Day 1 -Our Thrilling Start in Reykjavik, Iceland!
Our grand adventure kicked off in the vibrant capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, where a bustling population of approximately 122,000 residents call this city their home sweet home. As we descended from the plane, a warm and welcoming group of staff, led by the amazing Heidi Murray and the Women’s Leadership International team, greeted us with open arms, instantly making us feel like we belonged. The crisp Icelandic air filled our lungs, awakening our senses as we embarked on this exhilarating journey.
First Impressions: A City of Contrasts and Charms
Reykjavik’s enchanting blend of modern architecture and historic allure captured our hearts right from the get-go. The colorful rooftops and charming streets painted a vivid picture of a city steeped in culture and brimming with innovation. With a population just over 122,000, it was awe-inspiring to witness how Reykjavik stands as a global leader in sustainability and quality of life. The juxtaposition of the bustling urban hub against the untamed natural beauty that surrounds it left us in utter amazement.
As we settled into our new surroundings, the air buzzed with excitement among our group of dynamic women leaders. We eagerly shared our expectations for the journey ahead, brimming with hopes of gaining invaluable insights to bring back and benefit our communities.
Some of us chose to kick off our Icelandic escapade with an optional visit to the breathtaking Sky Lagoon. Fueled by the earth’s geothermal energy, this natural wonder served as a powerful reminder of the sheer force and endless possibilities of Mother Nature.
As the day transitioned into evening, we all gathered for a sumptuous dinner at the renowned Bryggjan Brugghùs. From the delectable Langoustine Soup to the mouthwatering Beef Tenderloin and the divine Chocolate Lava Cake, each dish showcased Iceland’s culinary mastery. Around the table, women leaders from diverse backgrounds shared their stories, challenges, and dreams, creating an atmosphere full of inspiration and camaraderie.
Day 2 – Golden Circle Tour
Day two kicked off with the sun barely peeking over the horizon, ensuring a jam-packed day for our Golden Circle Tour. The Golden Circle is a sought-after tourist route that unveils some of Iceland’s most jaw-dropping natural marvels. Our journey led us to the captivating Gullfoss Waterfall and the bubbling Geysir geothermal area, where the earth’s raw power was on full display.
Efstidalur Farm graciously welcomed our diverse group for a delightful lunch. We were treated to a steaming bowl of traditional Icelandic meat soup that warmed our souls, followed by a scoop of homemade ice cream that added a sweet touch to our authentic countryside experience.
Our adventure then took us to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Thingvellir National Park. Positioned at the meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, the park boasts a landscape that will leave you breathless.
The park’s unique geology served as a stunning backdrop for our deep dive into discussions on environmental conservation and sustainable development. We marveled at how Iceland’s innovative approach to harnessing natural resources could spark groundbreaking solutions in our own communities.
Day 3 – Cultural Immersion
With the jet lag now a distant memory, Kimberly and I were accompanied by our leadership team and embarked on what would become one of the most significant highlights of the entire trip. The day kicked off with a visit to the U.S. Embassy in Reykjavik. Engaging in tea with the First Lady, Madame Eliza Reid and discussing community development, we were privileged to meet esteemed government leaders, including Ambassador Carrin F. Patman. Her extensive career in public service and diplomatic expertise provided a unique perspective that left a lasting impression.
Day 4 – South Shore Adventure
Day four was nothing short of a hands-on, learning-rich adventure. It largely revolved around a trip to Iceland’s massive Hellisheiði Power Station, which is the biggest in the country and the eighth largest in the entire world. The facility got us wondering – if a small nation like this can harness the power of the earth to such an extent, what’s stopping us from doing the same back home?
Even beyond geothermal energy, renewables in general hold a great deal of promise for community development. Natural resources like wind and solar power – both of which are abundant around the world – can be infinitely tapped to generate clean, sustainable electricity. Investing in this infrastructure today is ultimately an investment in self-sufficiency, resiliency, and environmental health tomorrow.
The importance of preserving our planet was also top of mind later in the day at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and Sólheimajökull Glacier.
Day 5 – Old Harbor Exploration
The last day of our expedition brought us to the Ocean Cluster, a one-of-a-kind blue economy innovation hub established in 2011. Founder of Lava Show, Ragnhildur Ágústsdóttir, along with numerous other thought leaders shared innovative approaches to sustainability and economic growth. One example that stood out was the complete use of fish – no part is wasted in their latest scheme. Icelanders have also been harnessing the power of geothermal energy for centuries, using it not only for electricity but also for heating homes and even baking bread underground.
The Takeaways
This cross-oceanic venture would be fruitless if not based in learning. Saffron Trust Women’s Foundation leadership used the experience as an opportunity to discover new strategies, and particularly, see how Iceland’s unique approach to tackling societal issues works on the ground. Real-world leaders and community members’ stories provided invaluable insights into proactive and strategic measures capable of working back at home.
Sustainability and Sustenance
As we witnessed in Iceland, embracing sustainable energy solutions can transform not just the power grid, but the entire social and economic landscape of a region. Implementing similar initiatives in Texas could address environmental concerns while stimulating job growth and providing people with the means they need to make a living.
Resourcefulness
Icelanders prove that there’s no limit to what’s possible in your very own backyard. While geothermal energy isn’t as abundant in Austin, we can certainly learn to be just as resourceful.
Community
Iceland’s holistic view of social welfare, which emphasizes prevention and early intervention, may be our key to breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness. Their mix of public and private initiatives, coupled with smart urban planning, has resulted in a housing market that’s more accessible to all income levels.
Equity
Policies on parental leave, equal pay, and women’s representation in Iceland set a global standard. Was it a coincidence that most of the leaders we met on this trip were women or proof that social progress and gender equality go hand in hand?
Taking These Teachings to Texas
Iceland and Austin, two seemingly disparate locales, are converging to create a perfect storm of innovation and inspiration. While Iceland showcases its icy landscapes and fiery volcanoes, Austin shines with its vibrant culture and technological advancements. The fusion of these distinct environments sparks creativity and drives progress, offering valuable lessons for sustainable development and community empowerment.
Iceland, known for its astonishing natural wonders and strong commitment to sustainability, serves as a beacon of inspiration for Austin.
Austin, a thriving hub of innovation and diversity, mirrors the dynamic energy found in Reykjavik. The bustling streets of downtown Austin, teeming with tech startups and cultural hotspots, reflect the vibrancy of Iceland’s capital. Austin’s emphasis on sustainable practices, such as rainwater collection and wastewater reuse, aligns with Iceland’s dedication to environmental stewardship, paving the way for collaborative efforts in sustainability and resource management.
The pressing issues of poverty and homelessness prevention in Austin, Texas, and across the United States demand urgent attention. Current strategies have fallen short in addressing the root causes of these systemic challenges. As of 2024, a staggering 14.6% of residents in Travis County face food insecurity, raising questions about the accessibility of basic necessities in a country often hailed as a land of opportunity.
While replicating Iceland’s model may not be feasible due to differing contexts, valuable insights can be gleaned and adapted to suit Austin’s unique needs. Saffron Trust Women’s Foundation is dedicated to translating these insights into actionable plans, starting with initiatives in Austin to address food insecurity, promote affordable housing, and establish job training opportunities. By joining our community of changemakers, individuals can contribute to the development of programs that foster sustainable growth and social equity across the region.
Drawing from the innovative practices of Iceland and the vibrant spirit of Austin, we can pave the way for a more sustainable, inclusive future for our communities. Let’s harness the power of collaboration and learning to drive positive change and create lasting impact.
Together, Iceland and Austin form the perfect storm of collaboration and exchange. By leveraging the strengths of each location – Iceland’s natural beauty and sustainable practices, and Austin’s innovation and community focus – these two cities have the potential to drive positive change on a global scale.
The shared values of creativity, sustainability, and community engagement create a powerful synergy that propels both Iceland and Austin towards a brighter, more sustainable future. As Councilwoman Holiday and I, alongside a cohort of women from Leadership International, eagerly anticipate sharing our discoveries, we are excited about the transformative potential that lies in possible future partnerships.
Phyllis Everette is the Founder and CEO of Saffron Trust. To learn more about Reykjavik, Iceland, visit their website.
