The Eco Justice Project
The Eco Justice Project (EJP) is a digital publication and resource hub that raises awareness about global environmental challenges, promotes intersectional advocacy, and seeks to make climate information more creative, accessible, and inclusive by uplifting the voices of vulnerable communities and people.
Through articles, poetry, illustrations, photography, and interviews, The EJP is an educational platform founded on sustainability values that is dedicated to sharing underrepresented stories, fostering community connections, and building an archival record of advocacy for people and the planet.
Artistry in the Archipelago
With a vision harness art and culture for environmental education and advocacy, Artistry in the Archipelago serves to bridge the connection between creativity and conservation across the Bahamas. Environmental art is a core part of Bahamian identity and a powerful catalyst for stewardship and collective action. This initiative hosts intergenerational immersive art, cultural crafts, photojournalism, and creative writing workshops to provide engaging opportunities for Bahamians to envision and champion a sustainable future and preserve their cultural heritage.
See My Island: Summer Program
Lauren designed and led See My Island, a unique two-week creative storytelling and climate action camp for Bahamian girls, ages 11-16, to explore marine ecosystems and learn how to communicate how their home is changing through photography, writing, art, and film. The camp culminated in an evening showcase of the girls’ projects to their friends, family, and community. I had the privilege of bringing this idea to life through a collaboration between the Sean Connery Foundation, The Island School, and Girl Rising’s Future Rising program.
Black Girl Blueprint
A Society and Pop-Culture Podcast
Black Girl Blueprint was founded on the belief that Black girls have long been the ones to set the trends and transform the culture in a way that only we can.
To put it simply: this podcast is devoted to spotlighting Black women by showcasing authentic Gen-Z Black girl perspectives. Our episodes center the voices and celebrate the accomplishments of young Black women who have made their own impact on and within the culture.
Notable Guests:
Elaine Welteroth, Journalist and Former Teen Vogue Editor-in-Chief
Zolee Griggs, Disney and Hulu Actress
Hailey Colborn, Miss Teen USA 2018
Naomi Wadler, 16-year-old Gun Control and Anti-Racism Activist
Kyemah McEntyre, Fashion Designer
These girls are so authentic, and hilarious, and they don’t miss a single beat! It’s so nice to see a space where young Black girls are lifting each other up and having conversations that feel like two friends over brunch.
— Lexi R
Lauren and Makeen are my besties in my head at this point. They have such a nice balance of fun/lighthearted banter and insightful and introspective dialogue. I laugh with them. I gossip with them. I learn from them. Can’t wait to see what’s up next!
— blackgirlpodlover
Columbia Climate Conversations
Centering Diversity in Climate Conversations
Lauren created Columbia Climate Conversations as junior at Columbia University. She moderated a series of panels on topics concerning our planet, people, and communities. This initiative centered diverse perspectives in conversations where they have been historically marginalized by bringing antiracism and intersectionality to the forefront of conversations about climate change. Columbia Climate Conversations created a bridge from the world of environmental science, sustainability, and climate activism with an explicit emphasis on the perspectives of people of color into the Columbia Climate School communities, and a bridge from academia into communities where the needs and concerns of students of color are prioritized.
Lauren Ritchie 