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Lillygol Sedaghat
National Geographic Explorer & Storyteller - Co-Founder, Suan Tian Stories
Professional Background
Lillygol Sedaghat is a distinguished National Geographic Explorer, multimedia storyteller, and speaker whose work centers around the intricate relationships between people, place, and change. With an impressive portfolio that includes creative music videos generated from the sounds of Taipei City's waste management systems, Lillygol demonstrates her innovative approach to storytelling. She has also developed engaging infographics such as '7 Things You Need to Know About Plastics & Recycling,' a vital resource in educating the public on environmental issues. One of her standout projects includes interactive photo and video story maps documenting an 800-mile bike journey down the Pacific Coast of the USA, where she explored the profound impacts of climate change and COVID-19 on coastal communities.
As a Global Ambassador for National Geographic's Planet or Plastic? campaign, Lillygol has garnered recognition for her contributions to the conversation around plastics and sustainability. Her impactful work was featured in the December 2019 edition of National Geographic Magazine, underscoring her commitment to tackling environmental challenges. She was actively involved in the National Geographic Sea to Source Expedition along the Ganges River, conducting essential research on plastic pollution, and served as a Fulbright National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellow, immersing herself in Taiwan’s waste management and circular economy strategies.
Education and Achievements
Lillygol boasts an academic foundation that strengthens her storytelling and advocacy. She holds a Master of Science in Nature, Society, and Environmental Governance from the prestigious University of Oxford. This program equipped her with the analytical tools required to address complex environmental issues. Furthermore, she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Political Economy from the University of California, Berkeley, with an outstanding GPA of 3.86. To broaden her language and cultural understanding, she also studied Chinese as a Second Language at Peking University and focused on Peacebuilding and Human Security at the University for Peace.
In addition to her impressive academic credentials, Lillygol has demonstrated her commitment to public speaking and youth leadership development. She has been a significant voice at numerous conferences, including the GeoTech Conference in 2020 and the Chautauqua Institute in 2019. Additionally, she has participated in notable events such as the UNEP Sea of Solutions Conference, the UN World Environment Day in Delhi, and various National Geographic regional events, showcasing her expertise and passion for environmental advocacy.
Contributions to Organizations
Lillygol’s professional journey has led her to take on various roles in organizations committed to making a positive impact on society and the environment. As a co-founder of Suan Tian Stories, she contributes to the organization’s mission of storytelling for change. Previously, she served as a National Geographic Sustainability Moderator, engaging in discussions surrounding sustainability and environmental protection. Her involvement in the Sea to Source: Ganges River Plastics Expedition as a storyteller and team member highlights her dedication to addressing plastic pollution.
She has also made remarkable contributions as a facilitator for the EmPower Climate & Gender Storytelling Bootcamp, where she worked with UN Women and the UNEP to empower individuals through storytelling. As someone who is deeply invested in youth leadership, Lillygol has served as a Leadership Development Consultant for the Taiwan America Student Conference, nurturing the next generation of leaders. Her earlier experiences include roles as a Global Programs and Policy Specialist at UC Berkeley's Goldman School of Public Policy and as an associate at the 1990 Institute.
Having worked in various educational capacities, including as a visiting teacher at San Diego Unified School District and a research team lead at the Global Partnerships Forum Book Project, Lillygol's diverse experiences underscore her multifaceted approach to education and storytelling.
Achievements
Lillygol’s impressive achievements speak volumes about her commitment to creating meaningful narratives around environmental issues and her ability to inspire others. Her recognition as a National Geographic Explorer not only reflects her expertise but also her willingness to push boundaries in storytelling. Being featured in a globally renowned publication like National Geographic elevates her status as an influential advocate for sustainability and environmental awareness.
Her efforts in promoting awareness about plastics and recycling, emphasized through her engaging infographics and comprehensive projects, demonstrate her effectiveness in communicating complex issues to diverse audiences. Lillygol's participation in high-profile speaking engagements solidifies her role as a leader in the environmental movement, inspiring others to take action and think critically about their impact on the planet.
In sum, Lillygol Sedaghat stands out as a remarkable figure in the intersection of storytelling, environmental advocacy, and leadership development. Her diverse accomplishments and steadfast commitment to educating others on the importance of sustainability make her an exemplary model for aspiring storytellers and environmentalists alike.
