Episodes

  • Why attend Wisconsin Water Week?

    Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    In this episode:

    How does Wisconsin Water Week provide an opportunity for collaboration, learning, and networking? What workshops and hands-on opportunities help attendees learn about various topics related to water management? Why is it important to take a holistic approach and share best practices to address climate change and invasive species?

    Click play now to soak up what Grace Hasse, Ally Spang, and Kirsten James have to share about Wisconsin Water Week!

    Let’s get SDG Talking!!

    Do you have a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

    And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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  • The innovative strategies behind Wisconsin Water Week:

    Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    In this episode:

    How can communities balance self-interest with collective environmental responsibility to effectively manage natural resources like lakes and rivers? In what ways can personal experiences and stories, like those shared at Wisconsin Water Week, influence and enhance our approach to environmental conservation and mental health? What role can and should farmer-led initiatives play in watershed management, and how can different stakeholders collaborate to address challenges like nonpoint source pollution?

    Dive in with Eric Olson - the Director and Lakes Specialist at Extinction Lakes at the University of Wisconsin's College of Natural Resources.

    Eric assists communities and non-governmental organizations in their natural resource stewardship efforts by developing leadership and community capacity to address challenges and problems related to sustainable natural resource use. Interpreting research related to ecological and community resiliency and conveying significant results to relevant publics.

    He delves into the history and significance of Wisconsin Water Week, emphasizing the state's unique approach to lake management and conservation through community involvement and local governance, and much more...

    So hit play now to hear what he has to share!

    Let’s get SDG Talking!!

    Do you have a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

    And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠.

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  • Pale is healthy and tan does not always equal beautiful!

    Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    In this episode:

    The dangers from overexposure to Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and tanning beds How to have a healthy relationship with the sun Sun safety tips and habits including protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen

    We are joined by Laura Sofen who shares her melanoma diagnosis story and emphasizes the importance of sun safety.

    She highlights her journey from melanoma diagnosis to becoming an advocate for skin health. Laura, alongside her sister Rebecca, created an Instagram page @sun_safety_sisters to share sun safety tips, UPF clothing recommendations, and more.

    Follow along with them on Instagram and help them throw shade at skin cancer!

    Let’s get SDG Talking!!

    Do you have a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

    And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠.

    ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠LinkedIn

  • A sneak peek of the Wisconsin Lakes & Rivers Convention – a cornerstone of Water Week:

    Welcome back SDG Talkers!! Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)!

    In this episode:

    The history & evolution of Wisconsin Water Week Why you should participate in the Wisconsin Water Week experience A chance to explore the biggest threats & opportunities around Wisconsin’s waterways

    Hear from Wisconsin Water Week speakers Sara Windjue & Amy Kowalski.

    Sara is a Leadership & Capacity Development Specialist while Amy is a Communications Specialist, Extension Lakes in the College of Natural Resources at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

    Both of their careers have been dedicated to environmental education and sustainability, and both are passionate about bringing attention to encouraging others to preserve the legacy of Wisconsin's lakes.

    So hit play now to get the inside scoop!

    Episode Resources:

    Wisconsin Water Week Lake & Rivers Convention

    Let’s get SDG Talking!!

    Got a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can!

    And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our ⁠website⁠!

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  • Help Kevin reach his fundraising goal before the Chicago Marathon on 10/8/23! (link below:)

    Welcome back SDG Talkers!! Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)!

    In this episode:

    Where do your donations to Kevin's Chicago Marathon fundraiser go? What makes Shirley Ryan AbilityLab the top rehab hospital in the world? Examples of using technology to support & empower each patient throughout the road to recovery

    Find out from Dr. Allen Heinemann - the Director of the AbilityLab's Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research (CROR)

    Dr. Heinemann conducts health services research with a focus on developing and applying outcome measures in rehabilitation care. His team developed the Rehabilitation Measures Database to help clinicians and scientists select instruments for patient care and research applications.

    Hit play now to discover a broader perspective on what it means to empower people in need!

    And don't forget to DONATE TO THE SHIRLEY RYAN ABILITYLAB by visiting this link!

    Let’s get SDG Talking!!

    Got a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can!

    And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our website!

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  • Welcome back SDG Talkers!! Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)!

    In This Episode:

    How the IWA Young Water Professional works nationally around the world Insights into IWA Emerging Water Leaders Forum in Rwanda

    Hear from Isabela Espíndola who has over 10 years of experience in international relations and environmental issues.

    She holds a PhD in Human Geography, an MSc. in Environmental Sciences and a BA in International Relations and Economics. Isabela has also been a passionate advocate for Women & Youth's effective engagement, especially in the global arena.

    At the International Water Association (IWA), she is the focal point for Young Water Professionals and regulators communities within IWA, working to create cohesive forces for collaborations and among different stakeholders.

    Resources:

    Isabela Battistello Espíndola - Google Acadêmico Isabela's Instagram and Twitter

    Let’s get SDG Talking!!

    Got a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can!

    And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our website!

    Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

  • What's it like living in one of the most remote, under-resourced regions of Nepal? And how can it get better?

    Welcome back SDG Talkers!! Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)!

    In This Episode:

    Localization in the context of globalization Understanding the importance of agriculture in development Leveraging technology to overcome barriers

    Find out from Emily Friedman, the Director of Innovation and Operations with the Oda Foundation based in Karnali, Nepal.

    Emily is passionate about international development and has deepened her understanding of rural community development by working in Eastern Panama, Vietnam, and now in Karnali, Nepal - a place deemed a 'silent emergency' by Unicef for the lack of access to clean water, health resources, economic opportunity and more.

    Emily's goal is to use her skills in administrative strategy, human-centered design, and strong people skills to lift up and support the most marginalized populations through grass-root sustainable solutions, because "when we lift up the most vulnerable, we lift the human race as a whole." Her specific interest lies in tackling the most pressing issues, including ongoing humanitarian crises, cyclical poverty, lack of educational resources, and food shortage issues/malnutrition effects.

    Resources:

    Oda Foundation's LinkedIn and Instagram

    Let’s get SDG Talking!!

    Got a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can!

    And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our website!

    Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

  • How can art be a vehicle for social change?

    Welcome back SDG Talkers!! Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)!

    In This Episode:

    The Afro-Mexico history and future The interconnection between art and development Black voices in unconventional spaces

    Learn from Tayler Ava Friar who is a writer, art historian, TEDx speaker, and global communications specialist with previous roles at The United Nations, World Bank, and Google. She is also the founder of ART|unknown. - a platform that explores the intersection of art, black voices and the SDGs. Her most recent exhibition FLOW of Change: focused around Black voices for climate action was the largest climate-inspired water installation in Mexico City, marking the opening of the COP27 Conference in Egypt.

    With a deep commitment to reexamining histories from a decolonized lens, Tayler is a PhD candidate in Art History at the University of Cape Town. Her thesis is entitled “A NUANCED GAZE: EXPLORING THE BLACK FEMALE BODY ARCHETYPE THROUGH CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN WOMEN ARTISTS” which has been partially published with Aix-Marseille University in Provence, France.

    So listen now to get inspired from her passion and discover collaboration opportunities!

    Resources:

    Creative Knowledge Resources Fellowship Vogue feature

    Let’s get SDG Talking!!

    Got a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can!

    And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our website!

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  • What role does the private sector play in financing?

    Welcome back SDG Talkers!! Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)!

    In This Episode:

    What were the outcomes of UN Water Week? Are public-private partnerships an opportunity to leverage? Unique examples of public-private partnerships in action

    Hear what WASH expert Jacob Amengor has to share!

    Jacob has over 8 years of experience in drinking water treatment, on-the-ground project management and community engagement. Jacob chairs the International Water Association Young Water Professionals Steering Committee and is a former Young Leadership award winner. Jacob started the WASH Advancement Centre, which focuses on provision of solar-mechanized water systems and clean toilets in rural areas. So listen now to discover his incredible insights!

    Resources:

    UN Water Conference: From Mar del Plata to New York and Beyond

    Let’s get SDG Talking!!

    Got a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can!

    And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our website!

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  • Part 6 - Forum on Circular Water Economy at NYU with WEF:

    Welcome back SDG Talkers!! Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)!

    Thanks for joining us for our mini series recorded at the Forum on Circular Water Economy hosted at NYU in partnership with the Water Environment Federation and the NYU Department of Civil and Urban Engineering.

    In This Mini Series: You'll hear from students attending:

    Manhattan College Columbia University NYU The University of Missouri

    Find out what Luana de Brito Anton, a full time Doctoral Student at New York University, has to share about photodegradation!

    Let’s get SDG Talking!!

    Got a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can!

    And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our website!

    Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

  • Part 5 - Forum on Circular Water Economy at NYU with WEF:

    Welcome back SDG Talkers!! Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)!

    Thanks for joining us for our mini series recorded at the Forum on Circular Water Economy hosted at NYU in partnership with the Water Environment Federation and the NYU Department of Civil and Urban Engineering.

    In This Mini Series: You'll hear from students attending:

    Manhattan College Columbia University NYU The University of Missouri

    Get to know Alma Rocha, a Future Leader Fellowship PhD student at New York University's Silverman Laboratory, and an InFLOW Intern at the Water Environment Federation.

    At WEF, Alma assists with the WEF INFLOW Program (INtroducing Future Leaders to Opportunities in Water) and other
    workforce initiatives, prepares material for scholars, connects water industry professionals, plus has led students and young professionals of under-represented backgrounds through the world's largest water conference-WEFTEC.

    So find out what she has to share about her research on the extracellular antibiotic resistance gene ampR now!

    Let’s get SDG Talking!!

    Got a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can!

    And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our website!

    Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

  • Part 4 - Forum on Circular Water Economy at NYU with WEF:

    Welcome back SDG Talkers!! Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)!

    Thanks for joining us for our mini series recorded at the Forum on Circular Water Economy hosted at NYU in partnership with the Water Environment Federation and the NYU Department of Civil and Urban Engineering.

    In This Mini Series: You'll hear from students attending:

    Manhattan College Columbia University NYU The University of Missouri

    We chatted with Mwale Chiyenge - an Environmental Engineering Ph.D. Candidate at New York University.

    Listen now to discover more about her research on bacteriophage and sunlight inactivation!

    Let’s get SDG Talking!!

    Got a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can!

    And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our website!

    Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

  • Part 3 - Forum on Circular Water Economy at NYU with WEF:

    Welcome back SDG Talkers!! Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)!

    Thanks for joining us for our mini series recorded at the Forum on Circular Water Economy hosted at NYU in partnership with the Water Environment Federation and the NYU Department of Civil and Urban Engineering.

    In This Mini Series: You'll hear from students attending:

    Manhattan College Columbia University NYU The University of Missouri

    Hear from Gnanaraj Augustine, a Graduate Research Assistant at Columbia University.

    Gnanaraj recently earned his M.S.-Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Engineering degree from Columbia, and is now working on 1) quantifying the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) from wastewater treatment facilities in aerobic and anoxic zones; and 2) characterizing the emission caused by microbial activity within the treatment facility.

    While an undergrad, Gnanaraj incorporated sustainability into cutting-edge technologies to improve the need for current water quality technology and worked on projects that center on wastewater quality and treatment methods. He has a strong interest in climate change and water quality systems, and enjoys learning new things - with a particular interest in microbiology, GHG climate change, water and wastewater - plus taking advantage of the numerous research opportunities that are made accessible to him. So take a listen to find out what he's currently researching!

    Let’s get SDG Talking!!

    Got a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can!

    And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our website!

    Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

  • Part 2 - Forum on Circular Water Economy at NYU with WEF:

    Welcome back SDG Talkers!! Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)!

    Thanks for joining us for our mini series recorded at the Forum on Circular Water Economy hosted at NYU in partnership with the Water Environment Federation and the NYU Department of Civil and Urban Engineering.

    In This Mini Series: You'll hear from students attending:

    Manhattan College Columbia University NYU The University of Missouri

    Let's chat with Isabel Vasquez who is a Graduate Research Assistant at with Manhattan College's Chemistry and Environmental Engineering Departments.

    Isabel graduated with a BS in Civil Engineering, Concentration in Applied Mathematics, and Minor in Environmental and Civil Engineering from Manhattan College in 2022, and earned her MS in Environmental Health Engineering this year. She is currently conducting research concerning the reduction of petroleum-related contaminants in water using ultraviolet lights and chemical powders with the goal of transforming water reuse in the petroleum industry at her alma mater, so take a listen to find out more!

    Let’s get SDG Talking!!

    Got a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can!

    And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our website!

    Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

  • Part 1 - Forum on Circular Water Economy at NYU with WEF:

    Welcome back SDG Talkers!! Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)!

    Thanks for joining us for our mini series recorded at the Forum on Circular Water Economy hosted at NYU in partnership with the Water Environment Federation and the NYU Department of Civil and Urban Engineering.

    In This Mini Series: You'll hear from students attending:

    Manhattan College Columbia University NYU The University of Missouri

    First we'll hear from Gerardo Gentil Orozco who is currently working as Doctoral Researcher at the School of Natural Resources in the University of Missouri.

    Gerardo has earned his LL.M from Pennsylvania State University, law degree from Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla-Colombia, and is former public law teaching assistant. Having interned at the Global Network for the Study of Human Rights and the Environment, been a member of the Environmental Law Clinic of Universidad del Norte, and worked in the submission of contributions to bills in the Colombian Congress as well as reports to the United Nations Bodies, Gerardo stands out for his research work and high impact litigation on national matters.

    Let’s get SDG Talking!!

    Got a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can!

    And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our website!

    Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

  • What challenges arise for you during the creation process?

    Welcome back SDG Talkers!! Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)!

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    What are the obstacles within the innovation process? A reflection of the UNLEASH process from the talent perspective How can future UNLEASH talents get involved?

    Let's find out from UNLEASH talents Helena Karatvuo and Melody Waterworth!

    Helena currently works in Seaport OPX's engineering division, holding responsibilities from climate change and environmental module development to client support and training and front-end prototyping plus much in between.

    Melody is the Founder and Managing Director of Waterworth Consulting - a Private Limited Company providing a wide range of front-to-back solutions for iNGOs, Non-profits, Governments, Social Businesses and Private entities.

    Let’s get SDG Talking!!

    Got a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can!

    And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our website!

    Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

  • Inspiring change makers, one youth at a time...

    Welcome back SDG Talkers!! Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)!

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    How does diversity of minds drive innovative solutions? How can gamification be used to mobilize people for action? How the Super Girl app helps Azeri female youth overcome stigmas

    A huge congrats to the Super Girl app team - one of the top teams in the entire UNLEASH lab and "Most Inclusive Solution" within the SDG 4 Quality Education Track!

    We get to chat with team members Khanimnisa Ismayilova, Chetna Gupta, Prayog Mali, & Kim Chouard about their winning idea.

    As part of the lab's innovation process, the team had to frame a problem, ideate solutions, create a prototype and test it in just 5 days. Then they pitched their ideas to experts, and the chosen SDG Track Winners (one for each SDG) were sent to the finals.

    This dynamic team came up with the Super Girl app as their solution, and was awarded as the "Most Inclusive Solution" among 200 teams! They are currently building a community through the mobile app to enable Azeri high school girls to create awareness, foster engagement, and take action to achieve the SDGs.

    Let’s get SDG Talking!!

    Got a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can!

    And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our website!

    Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

  • Here's why water is important for ALL of the SDGs:

    Welcome back SDG Talkers!! Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)!

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    How can water & economic modeling improve Bolivian water access? Why should you explore the global UNLEASH community? Reflections on UNLEASH 2019 in Shenzhen, China

    Check out what UNLEASH 2019 Talent, the Latin American Ambassador for WaterSciencePolicy, and Research Associate at Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) Cláudia Coleoni has to share!

    At SEI, Cláudia provides technical and scientific support in the implementation of strategies and projects related to water management, river basin planning, and sustainable sanitation. With more than a handful of degrees and over 4 years of experience in water resources management, her main interests lie on water resources management and governance, climate change, sustainable development, international relations and public policy, urban environmental management, urban forestry, and geographic information systems (GIS).

    Let’s get SDG Talking!!

    Got a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can!

    And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our website!

    Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

  • How can higher education actually teach problem-solving skills?

    Welcome back SDG Talkers!! Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)!

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    How can higher education connect to project-based learning opportunities in the field? Why smaller nonprofits need help gaining access to new technology Personal experiences from the UNLEASH Plus process

    We got to chat with the InAGlobe team members: Jaime Aguilera Garcia, Sergi Fayos Villalta, Davide Villa, and Olivia Cauvi!

    InAGlobe is a non-profit educational organization that aims to redirect innovation and development through educational institutions and their students. By giving engineering students the possibility to solve current problems as well as problems found in the context of developing countries, the team aims to drive a new generation of socially aware problem solvers, enable a dynamic interchange of ideas, plus bridge and save the gaps between educational systems and cultures in an ever more connected and globalized world.

    Let’s get SDG Talking!!

    Got a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can!

    And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our website!

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  • Are you a social entrepreneur with a well tested idea who needs help bringing it to the next level? UNLEASH Plus could be the place for you!

    Welcome back SDG Talkers!! Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)!

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    Why does UNLEASH Plus exist? What is UNLEASH Plus? How would it help me achieve my impact goals or build the foundation of my venture? How has the 6-month program evolved and where is it going from here? Success stories from inspiring UNLEASH Plus alumni entrepreneurs

    We hope this great conversation with the UNLEASH Plus Co-Leads Lakshmi Hiranandani and Bryce Watson will inspire you to apply and/or read more about the program, so head over to the UNLEASH Plus website here!

    You can also find out more by joining a conversation with Lakshmi and Bryce on March 8th or 14th, where you can get an overview of the program and literally “Ask Them Anything!”

    Register at the links below!

    Option 1: Wednesday, March 8th from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm (GMT) – Registration link here! Option 2: Thursday, March 14th, from 3:00 am – 4:30 am (GMT) – Registration link here!

    Let’s get SDG Talking!!

    Got a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can!

    And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our website!

    Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn