Sumeena Keshow

"I'd love to travel back to Fiji and work in the community there - learn and experience what they are doing right now and to see if I can help by sharing some of my experiences and give them support."

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

It was amazing to experience how great communities can be built - sharing ideas, learning from one another - invaluble.

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

One of my friends - who was training to be a product/industrial designer - came to dinner brandishing a new product saying ' look how great this is, but so stupid at the same time!' lamenting the absence of its 'life cycle' responsibility. My friend had begun a CSL course in Melbourne. Every time I saw her, she'd tell me I really should think about doing the course next year, as it would help hone my interests and ideas and give me ways to use them in 'real life'. (I did enroll course in Melbourne, but I moved to Northern NSW before it began. The very next week, I was driving & caught an interview on the local radio stating a 'rural' CSL course is happening in the Byron region - it was like it followed me! I took it as a sign... I jumped online and registered for an interview.)

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

I've always been collaborative in my work style, but the course really emphasised the importance of honing ideas together as projects go along. Bouncing ideas around and evaluating what we are doing as we go is fantastic, especially if you work in a way where you collectively design a project, then all go away and 'do your bit' - remembering to check in and see how everyone is working to make the 'whole' is really important - it helps produce a cohesive product/outcome/project, as opposed to everyone working away and then coming bakc at the end and trying to 'fit' it all together.

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

Where I was before I found CSL, I think I was really unsure of my ability and my value in the wider community. (Not sure if this would have been the same if I was in the city?) Supporting others in the local community develop better, smarter, more sustainable ways of doing things, creating things - is so valuable - it's all about the 'grass roots'!

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

I'm so involed in my work right now, I'm not sure what else I can fit in! If I end up with some time to spare - I'd love to travel back to Fiji and work in the communiity there - learn and experience what they are doing right now and to see if I can help by sharing some of my experiences and give them support.

What are three words you would use to describe the Fellowship Program?

Enlightening. Interesting. Amusing.