Hi Friend,
Last month, I attended my first New York Climate Week - a multi-borough gathering of climate leaders and change-makers from around the world. It was quite an experience, and I had little idea of what to expect. And while I almost canceled my trip because I was so exhausted from months of traveling for work and life, I’m glad I showed up. I learned loads about how to prioritize my energy while also making time to hang out and break bread with my people.
Listen to the podcast episode of this newsletter to hear more about the #bts of how I navigated and showed up at NYCW, and how you can too.
I was pumped to be invited to the launch of an incredible climate project I helped lay the creative foundation for: The Future Thanks You, (TFTY) a campaign by Purpose made in collaboration with the United Nations that is redefining how we envision a future run by renewable energy. Shots out to the incredible Purpose team who brought this to life!!!
We each need more guidance in how to envision a full future beyond survival, one with tangible wellness, community, and sustainability at the forefront.
I’m so proud of how The Future Thanks You paints a literal picture of what our future could look like if we start acting on our available climate solutions now.
As part of the first phase of this project, I iterated on conceptual campaign solutions to emphasize renewable energy as a path to a sustainable future. Recognizing the drawbacks of doomsday climate messaging, we focused on delivering positive, actionable, and inspiring communications. After multiple sprints, brainstorms, and tough questions, our solution, TFTY, was born - a campaign designed to lead with practical hope and drive action towards a climate-positive future.
While in New York, I also reunited with friends, colleagues, fellow creative leaders and brilliant artists. I visited the Whitney Museum, glided through the Edges of Ailey exhibit and was a bit disturbed by this Portable Orchard installation that nodded to the distopia of our changing climate.
Being in such varied rooms of artistic and cultural expression reminded me why we need diverse voices in climate communications. Not everyone is a climate leader. Some of us are just getting by and looking for climate leader. And that’s fine. As long as we each begin taking responsibility for playing our part in a better future , beyond looking out for ourselves and loved ones.
In between Climate Week sessions, I attended my friend’s Christian faith conference Sower’s Summit and it was the re-up I needed. Faith and climate are often not spoken about in the same sentence but climate is all encompassing, it touches every single aspect of our lives here on Earth. It was a gift to be able to find a sanctuary in the midst of going from meeting to meeting and networking to worshipping God and speaking about inclusivity and justice in a faith-based setting.
The Power of Connection
Shortly after Climate Week, I attended CultureCon, a festival for BIPOC creatives whose work shapes and fuels culture. I left feeling deeply inspired by the energy, creativity, and vision shared by my fellow BIPOC creators and was so happy to reconnect with friends, old colleagues, and meet inspiring folks. The event reinforced for me that when we come together, we not only amplify our voices - we create powerful opportunities for learning, connection, and growth. For anyone wanting to make an impact in climate, surrounding yourself with diverse, purpose-driven creatives isn’t just inspiring; it’s essential.
Community-Building for Climate Creatives
These gatherings were a reminder of how essential community is for purpose-focused creatives. Working in this space can sometimes feel isolating, especially when the work ahead is challenging. But finding community, connecting with others who share a commitment to impact, and learning from different perspectives fuels the resilience we need to keep going. For anyone aspiring to make a mark in climate communications, building a network of supportive, creative peers will elevate your work and keep you grounded in the impact you’re here to make.
Don’t go at this alone.
I’ve loved building connections within The Bloom , a membership community and social impact newsletter where you can connect with other social impact career professionals. As a Climate Lead there I share resources, tips, insights and workshops for aspiring social impact leaders.
Now is the Time to Address Climate
When I tell people I work in climate as a creative, they always smile and say ‘ah how cool’, or ‘that’s important’. But no one speaks about getting involved. I think most people believe climate is out of their control, or that climate activists are ‘handling it’. I’ve heard folks say that recycling doesn’t matter (not completely true) and that we have no individual power in this crisis (definitely not true).
We all have a role to play in implementing climate solutions. It’s just about deciding to make a change now before you are forced to make it in the face of climate disaster.
Sounds intense, but it’s true.
Dr.Ayanna Elizabeth Johnson’s new book What If We Get It Right is an excellent place to start for practical solutions and future visions you can help realize.
As the climate crisis continues to grow more urgent, communicating our climate reality to get our society on board to start implementing solutions is critical. The need for diverse, culturally relevant voices in climate storytelling is real.
Sharing climate facts, resources and stories with our friends and families to raise awareness is key. That means the demand for sharp creatives - people who bring unique perspectives and innovative ideas to storytelling is growing.
A couple of years ago, the climate communication roles I’ve dreamt of didn’t exist. But I’m glad to see climate conversations becoming more mainstream. Three years ago, I pivoted my entire career to make sure that we continue in this direction as quickly as possible.
If you’re ready to channel your creative skills toward meaningful impact, this is your moment. My upcoming masterclass is designed to help you take that leap confidently. I’ll be sharing more about that in the coming weeks :)
In my next letter, I’ll share more about practical ways to build community in climate and find belonging in this climate crisis.
While in NYC, I met an awesome multicultural creative who when I heard him speaking about the role his cultural identity plays in his climate career, I knew immediately I had to have him on the Awe Cast Podcast to share his insight with you. I’m excited to share that conversation with you in my next letter!
NOW IT’S YOUR TURN
I want to hear from you (seriously). How are you exploring where you want show up in climate? Share all the inspiration and questions you’re considering in the comments!
3 Awe ‘Tings
a short list of awe-inspiring content to help you through your week
📹 Rimon music video with Habesha beauty on full display with gorgeous visuals
🎧 Conscious Hustler podcast episode ft. Dr.Marcus Collins with astute wisdom on culture and the impact it has on our daily lives, and why putting in the reps is worth it.
🎵 The Power of Your Dreams currently reading this fascinating book on stewarding vision and intentionally seeking God about our dream lives.
Thank you for being here. Let’s continue to celebrate the tiny wonders, the brilliant awe’s that sustain us, yea?
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