Apart from the collaborations with brands, and future features and speaking opportunities, Im going to be working on a longer format writing project.

After getting into some modeling the summer after graduating, I immersed myself in the sustainable fashion movement.

Building upon my preexisting science and activism background, I started growing my platform as a speaker and ambassador in sustainable fashion, and Im excited to be returning to Columbia soon to start my master of science in Sustainability Management.

For me, that term covers my sustainable fashion expertise, micro-plastics and marine research background, youth climate activist identity, and limitless environmental justice leader aspirations moving forward.

On Working With 5Gyers Ive been a 5Gyres Ambassador since 2015, and am so lucky to have participated in research expeditions in the Bermuda Triangle, the Arctic, Indonesia, and the Galpagos Islands as Science Communications Manager.

I could talk forever about micro-plastics Fashion Beauty Modeling I started modeling after I was asked by my friend, designer Marcia Patmos, to model for her.

The collection was published in Vogue, and I found my name in the article, followed by, environmental scientist and activist.

I thought to myself, not only did Marcia want to represent and empower her models as individuals, but maybe being a model and an individual are not mutually exclusive.

Lo and behold, the demand for individuals or ambassadors, rather than just models, is growing faster than ever.

Patmos, Ajaie Alaie, Another Tomorrow, Outerknown, Jungmaven, and Ariana Boussard-Reifel.

On Current Shift In The Fashion Industry I think that we all need to remember that industry and sustainable are two opposing words.

The industry as a whole is experiencing a crucial and major shift, like Gucci canceling the concept of seasons, and other major brands adopting thoughtful production tactics.

As individuals, we must remember that the true meaning of sustainability lends itself to breaking cycles of mass production and consumption, not fueling them (no matter how sustainable that recycled plastic bikini might seem).

Social Media Positivity I hope people laugh, relate, and learn I try to keep it real, and my social media is a reflection of my multifaceted self.

We have to be real about the climate crisis, but we also need to make ourselves happy, be creative, and empower others.

I share political justice issues, micro-plastics knowledge, regenerative agriculture, and sustainable fashion and beauty; but I also share my art, my modeling photos, my humor, my art, and my love of nature.

Typical Workday Well, before COVID-19, I would have said something like waking up around 7AM, making a matcha, answering emails, doing a modeling job or giving a talk, attending an event or panel, etc.

But ever since quarantine started, its looked like waking up around 8 or 9, emailing, and on any given day I might be recording a podcast, writing, doing a remote fashion collaboration, moderating a zoom panel, doing an IG live, etc.

I have also been working to coordinate a rapid response initiative for Indigenous communities in highly impacted areas on reservations, led by Seeding Sovereignty, which is an absolutely amazing organization that everybody should check out.

Seriously, you can go slow with this one; maybe start with a steel straw or bamboo toothbrush.

And most importantly, compost if you can (its easier than you think).

Future Projects Theres definitely a lot that Im excited about moving forward.

Mac Self Cleaner