Hey there,
Firstly, if we haven’t yet connected, I’m Yarminiah, a first-generation Afro-Latina creative director in love with photography, storytelling, and cultural preservation in the face of climate change. I’m in your inbox to bring a human-centered perspective to climate, and help professional BIPOC creatives own their position in climate communications. I share insights from my own experience of pivoting into a climate career to support your journey, connecting cultural identity, storytelling, and sustainability in ways that spark awe.
I created The Awe Cast as a play on words, an affirmation that a forecast of awe in the midst of our climate crisis is not only possible, it is here.
This newsletter and podcast is a space to grapple with all the complexities of moving through climate, creativity, and culture. The Awe Cast makes room for our lived realities and the vastness of our cultural wisdom, sensibilities, and creativity.
Now that we’ve got that cleared, let’s dive into today’s letter!
Moving Forward
The recent US elections, and where that leaves us as as culturally aware, awe-centered creatives.
The climate progress we’ve made in the US in the last four years will take a huge blow with our new president-elect. We are entering a new climate era and whole new set of legislative challenges along with it.
Please do what you need to find respite in this moment.
And then, when you’re able, come back, and decide.
Decide if you will show up in the next four years for yourself, your community, and humanity.
You don’t need to know how exactly. The main thing is to decide.
Climate solutions are available now, and they need to be adapted by a diverse group of people all across the globe. We need a whole bunch of people working in all kinds of sectors to make adaptation possible. And one aspect of that is how we communicate climate awareness and preparedness within our communities. Artists, creators, culture-leaders, step to the front.
That means YOU!
If you’re thinking, Yarminiah - I’m a creative of color who has never worked in social impact before, I want to, but have no idea how to start showing up as a creative speaking about climate change. Then, I have just the opportunity for you :)
My upcoming virtual, free masterclass for creatives of color shares how I pivoted into climate, how to build a climate portfolio that communicates your values and helps your creative point of view stand apart!
In Conversation
In this week’s Awe Cast podcast episode, I’m happy to bring you my first guest in conversation about culture, creativity, and climate.
As one of the first BIPOC creatives I’ve met irl who is working in climate, I wanted to bring the conversation directly to you so you can join in and hopefully find belonging in the themes we discuss.
During New York Climate Week, I met so many inspiring people — one of whom was Jonathan Chan-Choong, a multicultural creative whose work in climate communications deeply resonates. We met at a Creatives for Climate event, where the room was buzzing with people from diverse backgrounds, all committed to reshaping the narrative around climate. Jonathan and I spoke about how to find belonging as a mixed-race kid, and how cultural identity is intertwined with climate change.
Jonathan and I immediately connected over a shared belief that cultural identity is not just relevant but essential to how we approach climate solutions.
🎧 ✨ Scroll to the top of this newsletter to listen to the full episode! ✨ 🎧
Cultural Identity and Climate Action
For many of us, climate issues aren’t distant; they’re woven into our lived experiences and family histories. This is a perspective Jonathan and I discussed at length in our conversation — how cultural identity can shape our understanding of climate issues and deepen the stories we tell. Together, we explored how honoring our roots gives us unique insights that can redefine climate messaging in ways that truly resonate across communities.
If you’re interested in how cultural identity can elevate climate work, listen to our conversation. Jonathan and I dive deep into why it’s essential to bring our whole selves — including our cultural backgrounds — into this work. Our conversation is a reminder that climate action isn’t just a technical solution; it’s about storytelling, connection, and understanding the values that guide us. Listen to the full episode by scrolling to the top of this letter !
I hope you see yourself reflected in this conversation. Share it with a friend, revisit it when you need a mirror.
You’re Invited to My Virtual Masterclass 🎨
If you’re ready to build a creative career in climate solutions that align with who you are and amplifies your community, cultural experience, and point of view, Build Your Climate Portfolio with Purpose is for you. We’ll explore ways to tap into your creative superpower and build a portfolio that showcases your value. Reserve your spot, and tell a friend!
In awe,
Yarminiah
3 Awe ‘Tings from Yarminiah
a short list of awe-inspiring content to get you through the week.
🎥 The Issue Space candid convo about the expectations of DEI
🎥 Dr. Margarita Rosa stays fly while educating us on Caribbean culture!
📖 This essay on why preserving folk culture despite climate change matters
3 Awe ‘Tings from Jonathan
🎵 Loyle Carner specifically this song Not Waving, Drowning
📖 No Logo book by Naoimi Klein investigating branding and capitalism
📖 The Fire Next Time James Baldwin, a classic read on racism + identity!
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