Rebecca has worked in the international development and charity sector since completing an MA in Intercultural Communication and Education at Durham University. She is currently the All Our Futures project coordinator at The Junction Foundation, which involves overseeing youth-led climate projects. She has a BSc in Natural Hazards Management with International Development Studies from the University or Chester.
About
I have worked for a Small International Development Charity supporting Schools for Life and Sustainable Agriculture Training in Africa, as well as volunteering: as a Grant Writer; delivering projects and clubs in primary and secondary schools; with the Red Cross; and helping to organise LCOYuk 2019.
Preferences
- Location: Yorkshire and the North East
- Availability: daytime, evening, in person, online
- Key stage: KS3, KS4 and KS5 (and primary)
- Themes: environment, hazards, international development, climate change, youth voice, social action, monitoring & evaluation
Current or most recent role
I currently coordinate the All Our Futures climate action project at The Junction Foundation, which empowers young people and communities in Redcar and Cleveland to develop their green skills and awareness of climate change, and positively engage with and improve green spaces in their local areas.
Previous experience
I have been involved in a variety of outreach, delivering presentations to partner schools of our Schools for Life whilst I worked in International Development, as well as talks on Climate Change and Social Action in a variety of school and community settings. I have also spoken at my old secondary school and University about my career so far, the lessons I have learnt, and advice I would give others. I have also done a lot of networking throughout all of my positions, and as a volunteer, gaining expertise from those already in the sector by reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn, as well as visiting and learning from other projects and organisations across the North East, and forming partnerships which have shaped my current project. Through my volunteering and paid work, I have regularly worked with underrepresented groups, and my current project focuses on reaching those least likely to access green spaces and engage in positive social action.
Why I want to become a professional ambassador
By becoming a professional ambassador, I hope to inspire the next generation of geographers, promoting awareness of the breadth of opportunities open to young people interested in and/or studying geography, and supporting them as they make decisions about their next steps.
Types of activities
- Talking about current job and career pathway
- Attending a careers fair
- Running activities about my career sector and the opportunities available; talking about what geographical skills I use at work and how geography is used in the 'real world'
- Inspiring young people to choose geography
- Classroom based activities or working with small groups of students to talk about career options
