Partnership for ImpACT

While contributing for society under the corporate social responsibility scheme is largely claimed by many corporations these days, only a handful of them really stand true to the term. It’s often used as a PR stunt, seen as a charity and used for short-term gain, overlooking the long-term positive and sustainable impacts these partnerships can yield. 

The beauty of true corporate social responsibility however lies in meaningful collaborations, where all parties intend to make ImpACT for the betterment of the world, with or without any business gain. In our series of Partnership for ImpACT, today we introduce such a partnership – with our amazing Creative Partner, Quevis and Co., who has been an integral part in our journey since the very beginning. 

Led by the passionate LGBTQ+ entrepreneur Clinton Albuquerque, Quevis and Co not only delivers impeccable branding but also champions noble ideas with spot-on execution and an inclusive approach. It’s an honour to have their pro-bono services in amplifying our efforts to end domestic violence and we 100% recommend them for creative partnership. 

Hi Clinton! You and your company Quevis and Co. have played an instrumental role in Spring ACT’s journey. How did you come to know about Spring ACT and unfold this amazing partnership?

During the pandemic, I was a part of the core team that set up BerlinVirtualChristmasMarket, a non-profit platform designed to help Christmas Market vendors sell their goods online when the physical markets had to close. It was a great experience, seeing how we could support these small businesses during such a tough time. It motivated me to explore more of these opportunities to support non-profit organisations and social causes. 

Coincidentally, this is when I came across an ad on Facebook looking for volunteers to support them. I thought it was a perfect opportunity to do more. So I reached out and had a call with Rhiana Spring, the Founder and CEO of Spring ACT, who I thought was fantastic. After our conversation, I was excited to come on board and help with all the design-related activities. 

You have designed the website, Sophia Chatbot and other branding materials for Spring ACT. Please walk us through your thoughts of school when designing these components? 

Rhiana, the Spring ACT team and I had many discussions about the right name for the organisation to establish a strong brand identity when we first started partnering.

We went through a lot of ideas, and it took weeks of persuading, but we finally convinced Rhiana to include her name as part of the brand identity since she is the main driving force behind Sophia.

Spring signifies a new beginning and it just perfectly aligns with the vision of the company, emphasising the possibility of having a new life where one feels empowered and safe, on contrary to staying in an abusive relationship. 

The term ACT was inspired by another member of Spring ACT, Diodio, signifying the urgency and importance of ACT from everyone to eradicate social injustices. 

When we were designing the logo, I wanted to integrate a tech element into it, as technology lies at the heart of Spring ACT’s efforts in bringing about social justice. We wanted to ensure the branding represents optimism and therefore I chose yellow as the brand colour. It stands for encouragement, trust, reliability, and security—all qualities that are key to Sophia.

I must say it has been a collaborative and rewarding process, and I’m really proud of the final outcome.

What about Spring ACT you like the most?

I grew up in an environment with an abusive father and never knew of any support or assistance for domestic abuse in India back then. This personal experience is why I firmly believe in what Chatbot Sophia can offer for people suffering from domestic violence globally. I understand firsthand how crucial resources like Sophia are and I feel truly honoured to be a part of a team that I know can make a positive difference in the fight against domestic abuse. 

When I started I thought If we could help even one person, it would mean the world to me. 

“Today, seeing that thousands of users have already interacted with Sophia is just incredible and reinforces why the support Sophia provides is so important.

Spring ACT uses generative AI to provide their services. How do you think technology like AI can help eradicate social injustices? 

I believe AI can play a huge role in tackling social injustices. It can analyse data to spot patterns of discrimination and help target interventions more effectively. AI can monitor and report online hate speech and harassment, making digital spaces safer. It can also connect people suffering from abuses with resources by recognising signs of distress in their communications. In the legal system, it can help ensure fairer outcomes by reducing human biases.

Overall, AI has the potential to significantly reduce social injustices and create a more equitable society. I’m excited about the positive impact it can have, especially to see how it radically changes the efforts to prevent domestic violence. 

Tell us about yourself, your family and the early days of your life. 

I come from India where I had a rather turbulent start to my childhood and emancipated myself from my abusive father when I was just 11 years old. From that point on, I decided to take charge of my own destiny and have been independent ever since. My mother was my rock during those challenging times, and I deeply miss her.

When I turned 21, I moved to Bali, where I lived for about 14 years before settling down in Berlin. Each step of my journey has shaped my resilience and determination to create a better life for myself and others.

What is your hobby?

I love scuba diving and salt water aquariums. 

How did your journey into branding start and how did you start Quevis and Co.? 

I majored in Applied Art with a focus on visual communication and advertising. While in Bali, I co-founded Quevis & Co. with a former colleague—an endeavour in creative consultancy spanning design, branding, web, and digital marketing.

Sustainability is deeply meaningful to me. If a brand prioritises positive environmental impact, I’m passionate about amplifying its influence even further. 

What has been the biggest challenge in your life and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge in my life has been grappling with and overcoming the deep-seated anger stemming from childhood abuse. For years, it felt like a heavy burden, affecting my own sense of well-being.

However, meeting my godsons was a turning point. It wasn’t an overnight transformation, but their influence has been profound. 

What is your vision for an injustice-free world?

My vision for an injustice-free world is one where everyone is treated fairly and equally, regardless of their background or circumstances.

It’s a world where systemic inequalities are eliminated, and all individuals have access to opportunities for growth and success.

“Discrimination is replaced with empathy and understanding, creating a society where everyone feels safe, valued, and free to pursue their aspirations without barriers or prejudice.

Do you have any favourite quote that you live by?

“Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but about learning to dance in the rain. 

– Vivian Greene

It is a powerful reminder that challenges and hardships are an inevitable part of life. This has encouraged me to embrace resilience with a positive attitude.

What’s your advice for people starting their own business/career in branding?

Start with your passion for branding—it’s the fuel for creativity. Keep learning and adapting to industry changes, staying curious and flexible. Build strong relationships through networking and collaboration—it opens doors and fosters growth. 

Why and how do you think corporations and professionals can contribute for social good?

Corporations and professionals I believe have a crucial role in promoting social good. They can use their resources and influence to support initiatives that benefit communities and the environment. Professionals can contribute by volunteering their skills and expertise to mentorship programmes and nonprofit projects. By fostering a culture of social responsibility and actively engaging in community activities, corporations and professionals can make a significant impact in addressing societal challenges and driving positive change.

Curated By Ahona Azad Choyti for Spring ACT