Why did you decide to become a campaigner?

I don't know if there was ever a conscious time in my life where I thought, “I want to be a campaigner.”

In my heart of hearts, I always found a strong connection with the earth and a responsibility to protect nature; add to that, the fact that I was a young person coming of age at the peak of the climate wars – like many others I felt driven to make change.

Initially I had gone to university to become an environmental lawyer, studying environmental science (something for me) and law (per my mother's advice: something to live off).

I knew that activism and change-making would always be a part of my life, but it wasn't until I was involved in the school strike movement in 2018 that I realised – hey, this could be my job.

But when I look back on it, I was always a campaigner. As a child, I would set up art shows in my bedroom, charge my family entry to see it, and then donate the proceeds to environmental organisations. In primary school, I founded an environment club. In high school, I argued with anyone and everyone about the importance of climate action, animal rights, and nature protection (often to the dismay of my family and teachers).

Learning about the world of 'professional campaigning' through the school strike movement was a wakeup call for me and once I realised it was possible, I didn't look back.

What do you do as a communications campaigner at EJA?

Technically – I strategise and implement advocacy and storytelling campaigns about our legal work. Functionally, that looks like campaign planning, digital content production, meeting with community, storytelling, and lots and LOTS of learning.

What drew you to Environmental Justice Australia?

At the very core of my personal theory of change as an activist is the belief that change is only possible when it's intersectional and rooted in justice.

To borrow the words of trade unionist and environmentalist Chico Menes, “environmentalism without class struggle is just gardening.”

Throughout my career I have found it difficult to reconcile my multi-dimensional approach to change making with the siloed style of campaigning that is pervasive in some areas of the movement.

What drew me to EJA was simple: they get what it means to drive intersectional change. They understand the importance of embedding justice at the heart of every strategy, campaign, and advocacy action.

Not only that, but as a young woman living with a disability, the organisation provides a safe space where I can feel empowered to bring my whole self to work and do what I love.

What advice would you give someone who wants to follow a similar career?

Being a campaigner is an incredible privilege and more than just a job. Considering that, it's important to hold yourself to the standards you expect from the world that you're trying to create.

That will look different for everyone, but for me that means treating myself with kindness and forgiveness, following my instincts, and calling things out when they don't feel right, even if it's hard.

What's your hope for the future?

The great thing about the future is that it's unknown, which is exciting and opens the doorway for creativity.

All I hope is that more people, animals, cultures, and natural places can thrive with secure and dignified existences.

On a slightly less important note, I also hope the future contains a type of dairy-free cheese that tastes good.