Sophia Christoe

The road ahead isn't necessarily smoother, but at least the path and the tools in my backpack are clearer and sharper!

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What was the most valuable thing you got out of the program?

My voice to speak up to uphold my vision of a sustainable future is stronger and more grounded.

Why are you passionate about sustainability? What was the moment or event that made you decide to become a ‘change maker’ in your field?

Growing up in country Victoria on our family farm I was always connected to the land and seasons - my family working with Mother Nature was what literally clothed, housed and put me through school. My ecological consciousness was awoken in the Howard era (thanks John Butler!), so merging my roots in agriculture with my passion for sustainable ecosystems was inevitable. My awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander struggles for self-determination and land rights grew at this time too, as you can't talk sustainability without understanding the colonised history of this continent first. Studying agroecology at uni and getting involved in activism at this time highlighted that not many people were combining a practical understanding of agriculture and a vision for sovereignty with a grassroots system-change mentality. It's three worlds I'm dedicating myself to work between for the future of our social and cultural health, food system and ecological sustainability!

How did the program play a role in directing your current path or project?

Thanks to the Future Makers Fellowship I've got a clearer understanding of my unique skill set and role in creating the future I envision. The road ahead isn't necessarily smoother, but at least the path and the tools in my backpack are clearer and sharper!

In 25 words or less, tell us why leadership for sustainability is important.

We've got a responsibility to look after the future for all species. And if not me, then who?

What do you plan to do next on your sustainability journey?

Keep uniting farmers, environmentalists and leaders on a shared conversation about the future of our food agro-ecoystem!

What do you plan to do next on your sustainability journey?

Keep uniting farmers, environmentalists and leaders on a shared conversation about the future of our food agro-ecoystem!