BRON’s very own Alexis Lightbourne brings island perspectives to the forefront of global sustainability
NASSAU, The Bahamas – At Bron Ltd., possibilities are unlimited — and one Bahamian architect with a global sustainability vision is proving just that. Earlier this year, our very own Project Architect, Alexis Lightbourne, completed an extraordinary journey abroad. Representing The Bahamas and the wider CARICOM region, she was selected as one of only ten international participants in the prestigious Future Sustainability Leaders (FSL) Program hosted in Abu Dhabi.
The Future Sustainability Leaders (FSL) Program is a year-long initiative that connects university students and young professionals with global business leaders, policymakers, and technology pioneers to explore the latest sustainability best practices.
Alexis’s path to FSL began with a recommendation from her professor at the University of The Bahamas, Valaria Flax, who recognized her growing passion for sustainability in the built environment.
“Even though I earned my architectural license, I’ve always wanted to specialize in sustainable living,” Alexis said. “Sustainability to me is about preserving the places we live — building in a way that respects and works with the natural environment, not against it.” She pointed to the Bahamian vernacular traditions of building with wood, thatch, and palm, elevated on stilts to live more harmoniously with the landscape.
“Our ancestors built structures that coexisted with nature. Today, when we think about sustainability, it’s about honoring that relationship and ensuring that future generations inherit a livable environment.”
While participating in FSL, Alexis also spent 2024 studying for her architectural licensure, balancing both pursuits before the program concluded in early 2025.
Being selected as the sole representative from the region in the program was a moment of pride and responsibility for Alexis.
“It’s easy to forget how much knowledge and expertise exists in small island states,” she reflected. “We often get categorized through the lens of tourism, but we have deeply educated, forward-thinking people ready to contribute solutions to global challenges.”
Throughout the program, Alexis worked alongside peers from across the globe, including engineers, policymakers, and scientists. She said the diversity of perspectives was one of the most impactful parts of the experience.
Her core team reflected that global mix, bringing together varied expertise and cultural insight. It included Hamid Albastaki, an engineering management student from the UAE; Ximena Girón, a performance and improvement management engineer from Mexico; Hajar Alnaqbi, a computer scientist from the UAE; William Moreno, a biochemical engineer from Mexico; and Ahmed Baja, a renewable energy specialist from Sudan. Alexis contributed her architectural and design expertise, rounding out a truly interdisciplinary group that tackled sustainability challenges from multiple angles.
“Exposure to other cultures and industries opened my eyes to how people approach sustainable development. It made me realize that we can’t afford to stay in a bubble. If we want to strengthen The Bahamas, we have to be willing to learn from others and integrate broader ideas into our own context.”
One program highlight was the I4C Innovation Challenge, where Alexis and her team were selected among the top five finalists.
Their project proposed a forward osmosis desalination plant to address the urgent need for more accessible drinking water.
Alexis, who led the architectural design and 3D modeling efforts, presented the team’s concept during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week before a global audience of industry leaders and innovators.
“It wasn’t intimidating because presenting architectural models is something I do every day,” she said. “But it was exciting to see how people responded — especially since our team was the only one that brought the project to life visually.”
Looking ahead, Alexis is already charting a path to deepen her expertise. She plans to pursue further studies in Environmental Sustainability for Built Environments, with the goal of bringing specialized knowledge back to support BRON’s projects and the broader needs of The Bahamas.
“Going through this program made it clear that education never stops. The more we learn, the better equipped we are to design spaces that are resilient, sustainable, and in harmony with the environment.”
She also hopes to champion local efforts in flood mitigation, urban planning, and the restoration of historical Bahamian structures—areas that are increasingly critical as The Bahamas confronts the realities of climate change.
When asked what message she hopes her experience sends to other young professionals from small island developing states, Alexis is clear:
“The sky is the limit. Sometimes, you have to be a little delusional with your dreams — believe in them even before they make sense to anyone else. Advocate for yourself, create your own opportunities, and never be afraid to bring your unique voice to the table.”
Reflecting on her journey, Alexis summed up the experience in three words: exposure, culture, and creativity. It’s a journey that has not only expanded her world but reaffirmed her commitment to building a future where sustainability is at the heart of design — for The Bahamas and beyond.
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