Why did you decide to apply to the Panda Ambassador program?
Before applying to the program, I followed WWF’s projects and advocacy work. In particular, I appreciate the work that WWF does bridging science to effective advocacy and environmental work across the world. When I saw the Panda Ambassador program, which was an opportunity to engage locally and raise awareness around some of WWF’s priority projects, I knew I wanted to be a part of that group.

What do you think is the most important thing people can do to help save the planet?
Vote! Find candidates and propositions that support environmental protections, and use your vote to elect representatives who will fight for our planet and our natural resources.

What gives you hope for the future?
I have a lot of hope for the future! One thing that gives me hope is seeing the younger generation standing up to fight for our planet and sustainability. There are so many kids doing inspirational and groundbreaking things, whether that’s fighting through legal battles, advocacy work, or starting their own companies. I am also inspired by the number of companies, large and small, that are shifting toward more sustainable products and manufacturing methods.

Why did you decide to apply to the Panda Ambassador program?
Being a Panda Ambassador has been an empowering experience that I am grateful to be a part of. I would encourage anyone who is looking to do more to help make the world better to apply to the program.

What have you done as a Panda Ambassador that you are most proud of?
Participating in Lobby Day this year was incredibly rewarding for me. I never really pictured myself getting an opportunity like that. I really enjoyed listening to presentations on how to tell our story, meeting other Panda Ambassadors, and practicing the day before we met with our representatives.

What do you think is the most important thing people can do to help save the planet?
When it comes to the environment it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and paralyzed at the sheer magnitude of what we’re facing. But doing something that feels manageable (even if it seems small and ridiculous) can be impactful. If you’ve never worked out in your life, you don’t wake up one morning and go run a marathon. You build up to it. Sometimes painfully slowly. The same is true about taking action on the environment.

What gives you hope for the future?
I’d say it’s more like determination than hope. Given everything happening both abroad and domestically—it’s a lot to handle. Plus, I think if you are just blindly hopeful about the future, you’re not really paying attention. But that's not a reason to stop fighting. The only thing I can give, is everything I’ve got—and I think a healthy, sustainable planet is worth fighting for.

Why did you decide to apply to the Panda Ambassador program?
After months of watching the US government take a regressive approach on environmental issues (including its stance on fossil fuels, national parks funding, and the Paris climate accord), I felt like I needed to get involved. Since the health of the planet is reflected by the health of the animals around us, I'm hopeful that if we're able to take care of them, they'll actually be taking care of us. WWF's Panda Ambassador program is a great fit for me, allowing me to keep my day job and still have an impact.

What have you done as a Panda Ambassador that you are most proud of?
Lobby Day in March was a terrific experience. I felt energized by hearing from other Panda Ambassadors, getting a deeper understanding of important legislation, and connecting directly with our elected officials to let them know that voters care about environmental issues and expect Congress to act accordingly.

What do you think is the most important thing people can do to help save the planet?
Tweak our lifestyles to reduce our carbon footprints—recycle, eat less meat, buy fewer things that last longer—and generally be conscious of what we take from the world around us. If we all try to take a little less and give back where possible, we'll make tremendous strides toward a better, more sustainable world.

What gives you hope for the future?
I'm encouraged by the surging numbers of consumers and employees who seek out companies that give back socially and environmentally, and I'm hopeful that this demand can create a positive feedback loop that sets us on the right track for sustainability.