One thread running through all of my work has been talking to people who are creating change and breaking down barriers. Whether it’s talking to Native American environmentalists in Dakota or roller derby players challenging social norms in Lebanon, these stories point the way to what’s possible.
Young indigenous leaders came together at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in November 2016 not just to protest the building of an oil pipeline through tribal lands, but also to share ideas about decolonising their minds and fighting for the future all over the world. I camped out alongside them and reported for Huck magazine on their ideas, stories and ferocious belief that they can make a difference.
I report regularly for Shawati’ magazine on environmental issues, including climate finance, green bonds, the United Nations Climate Change conferences and sustainable architecture.
Rae Smith grew up not realising she was born intersex, leading to years of emotional upheaval where her true self was kept secret. Then she found skateboarding, inspiring her to carve out space for others on the margins.
The women behind Roller Derby Beirut aren’t just pioneering athletes. They’re working hard to become future leaders in their home countries of Bahrain, Egypt, Tunisia, the UAE, Lebanon and Yemen. I trained with them in Beirut and chronicled their stories for Huck magazine.
People with non-binary gender identities in the UK face often face discrimination and harassment at work. For a reported feature published by BBC Capital, I talked to several non-binary professionals about how things can improve.
Roya and Elaha Mahboob are transforming girls’ technology education in Afghanistan, setting up a national girls’ robotics team and several nonprofits aimed at financial empowerment. I talked to the sisters and their students for an article published by Accenture.
Refugees can boost economies, if they are given the chance to work. I interviewed experts on migration and the founders of organisations creating careers for refugees to report on this topic for Philanthropy Age.
A young Berlin couple have set up an Airbnb-style website, Refugees Welcome, that pairs refugees with hosts willing to give up a spare room. I interviewed them for Vice magazine.
Environment
Migration and refugees
Gender and diversity
Adventure, extreme sports and the wilderness
