About Us
NSLI founders Megan and Braden Penhoet appreciate the power of American innovation and industry, as well as rising concerns regarding growing income inequality, sustainability and community economic development.
The Nordic Scholars Leadership Institute arises from the Penhoets' Nordic family roots, starting with Swedish Finns’ immigration to the Pacific Northwest at the beginning of the 20th Century.
The Penhoets' professional work in university innovation at U.C. Berkeley, international educational programs at Stanford University, and leadership for sustainability research at Malmö University drives the NSLI mission. Academic research, professional expertise in innovation and higher education combined with their family summers in Sweden form a strong appreciation for Nordic models.
Meet the Team
Director and Founder
Megan Penhoet
Educator, Speaker, Researcher Global Leadership, Sustainability & Ecopreneurship
Global Swede Award, 2021 Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
BA International Relations, Stanford University
MA Leadership for Sustainability, Malmö University
PhD Global Leadership, Indiana Tech University (2029)
Co-Director
Madeleine Shachat
Specialises in sustainability-focused business analysis, corporate responsibility, and business ethics.
Lived and studied in Denmark, Sweden and Finland (current).
BA Social Sciences, The Evergreen State College
MSc Corporate Environmental Management,
University of Jyväskylä, Finland
Co-Founder
Braden Penhoet
Academic innovation
Corporate Law
Startup accelerator Advisor
Social Venture Partner
BA International Relations, Stanford University
Doctor of Law (JD), University of California Los Angeles
MBA, Haas School of Business, University of California Berkeley
Development Intern
Andrew Rose
Andrew is a 2026 Nordic Scholar who brings experience in legal and policy research, civic leadership, and institutional governance to support NSLI’s fundraising research, development strategy, and philanthropic partnerships. He is Director of Carleton College's Mock Trial team, an American Studies advisor and a History Dept. curriculum committee member.
BA American Studies, minor in History
Carleton College (2027)