#206 Making Climate Justice Accessible with Pooja Tilvawala

Welcome to the 206th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. It’s South Asian Heritage Month, and this year’s theme is all about celebrating the stories that make up our diverse and vibrant community.To join me today to discuss this further is Pooja Thilvawala.Listen to the episodeIf you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.About my guestPooja (she/her) is an Indian-American climate justice advocate, opportunity curator, and youth engagement expert with 5 years of experience in the global climate movement. She has degrees in Economics and International Studies with a focus on Justice, Ethics, and Human Rights from American University in Washington, DC. Since 2020, she has served as the Founder and Executive Director of Youth Climate Collaborative (YCC) which aims to create a more just, inclusive, and intergenerational climate movement that allows young people to take meaningful climate action while sustaining themselves and their initiatives.  She is also the CEO of Jaali.io and an Advisor to Rivet, which is creating the world's largest microgrant fund for youth-led action by harnessing youth purchasing power through brand/company partnerships. She is an active member of YOUNGO (the children and youth constituency of the UNFCCC), a member of the United Nations Major Group on Children and Youth, and most recently, was double-nominated to serve as the North America youth advisor to the UN Secretary General for climate change. Her purpose in life is to nurture her curiosity and creativity, encourage herself and others to challenge the status quo, and unite people to improve the quality of life for all. In today’s showAbout Pooja, and what she's working on at the moment [02:49]How she got into her line of work. [05:39]On navigating the grey-white campaigning space of climate change [09:31]What the term "climate justice" means to her. [14:09]Her top three mental health tips. [26:19] Quotes I love being outside.In the US, rural communities suffer and they don't get enough attention.I really like paddleboarding, and I want to restart doing dance classes.if you're trying to address problems in a community, you should have the solution design be community-led and driven.I also like taking action with friends. Resources Connect Pinky on Instagram and LinkedInLinkedin.Visit her website and LinkTreeFollow Youth Climate Collaborative on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedInJoin my Mailing List and receive my free e-Book hereCheck out my TEDx talk: The Connection between Culture, Race and Mental Health Work with me