A Moment of Pride: Speaking at NEWF Congress 2019

In 2019, I had the honour of being invited as a “New Voices” speaker at the Nature, Environment, and Wildlife Filmmakers (NEWF) Congress. This platform is a melting pot of creatives, scientists, and environmental storytellers, all united by a passion for driving impactful change. Standing on that stage to share my journey in ocean biogeochemistry and my perspectives on storytelling in science felt surreal. It was a defining moment, one where I realized the power of blending science and storytelling to spark meaningful conversations about our planet.

Becoming a NEWF Fellow: A Journey of Growth

Following the congress, I was privileged to join the esteemed ranks of NEWF Fellows. This fellowship brings together individuals who are not only experts in their fields but are also committed to innovation in communicating environmental and social issues. As a fellow, I gain access to a supportive network of like-minded individuals, resources for creative development, and opportunities to collaborate on transformative projects.

Diving into a New World: The NEWF Diving Course

NEWF took their support a step further by selecting me for their specialized diving course. This program is tailored for storytellers and conservationists who want to explore and document the underwater world responsibly. The diving course was not just a technical training but a profound learning experience. It deepened my connection with the ocean, enriched my understanding of marine ecosystems, and empowered me to integrate underwater storytelling into my broader narrative as an ocean biogeochemist and science communicator. But that’s not all it did, because it additionally helped me get in touch and understand sides of my spirituality I knew nothing about.

NEWF’s Support for M’Afrika By Kolisa

Fast forward to 2024, NEWF’s support extended to a venture close to my heart: M’Afrika By Kolisa, my African-inspired clothing brand. This brand merges cultural heritage with modern aesthetics, celebrating African identity and storytelling through fashion. With NEWF’s encouragement and platform, M’Afrika By Kolisa gained more visibility and support among a diverse audience. Their belief in my vision reaffirmed the importance of bridging culture, science, and environmental consciousness in creative ways.

The Influence of NEWF on My Career and Life Choices

NEWF’s impact on my career and personal journey has been profound. Their unwavering support and belief in my potential have shaped many of my choices, from embracing interdisciplinary approaches to science communication to pursuing bold ventures like M’Afrika By Kolisa. They have shown me the power of storytelling, not just in science but across all facets of life, as a tool to inspire, educate, and drive change.

Every single time I remind myself and others that storytelling is a superpower because no one else has the exact story as yours, I think of NEWF!

Gratitude and Vision for the Future

Looking back, my association with NEWF has been a cornerstone of my career evolution. They have nurtured my growth as a scientist, communicator, entrepreneur, and storyteller. As I continue to navigate the intersections of science, culture, and innovation, I remain deeply grateful for their role in my journey. I’m excited to see how our collaboration evolves and how we can continue to inspire others to create, innovate, and advocate for our planet.

To learn more about NEWF, visit their website and see all the opportunities offered!