The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of Sustainable Travel

Tracey Ford is the Founder of Local Insights, a social enterprise dedicated to connecting locals with tourists, offering them authentic personal encounters that go well beyond the typical guidebook experience. Previously, Tracey held a government role working with the armed services, where she specialized in coordinating logistics for events with a focus on cultural considerations among attendees.In this conversation with host Amy Hager, Tracey Ford shares her journey and the unique path that led her to her current role. During this discussion, Amy and Tracey dive into the impact of The RISE Travel Institute's Flagship Certificate Program. This program has played a pivotal role in enhancing Tracey’s comprehension of responsible tourism, cultural sensitivity, and inclusivity. Tracey’s goal is to create a positive impact on the world through tourism, making it a better place one friendship at a time. She aims to leave behind a legacy of promoting world peace by connecting people from diverse backgrounds.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Video and Audio Editing: Kate Mulvihill - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel InstituteGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: On My Way by Kevin MacLeod (License) 

Jabulile Ngwenya is a travel coach and advocate for sustainable and responsible travel at Travel Africa with Jabu. With a vision to reshape perceptions of travel to Africa, Jabulile's impactful work is rooted in changing the narrative. In her RISE Flagship Course Capstone Project, she focused on tribal photography, aiming to bring attention to the profound identities behind the subjects. She firmly believes that every individual carries a story and a name, urging us to see beyond the surface.In a conversation hosted by Amy Hager, Jabulile delves into the essence of travel as an avenue of abundance. She underscores the significance of understanding the lives of the people we encounter on our journeys, stressing that they are more than just extras in our personal narratives. Her insights illuminate the transformative power of travel, as it expands horizons and challenges our perspectives.Jabulile's perspective on the world is a testament to her belief that there's always more to explore, learn, and experience. In a moment where all we may have is a screenshot of our current reality, travel serves as a reminder of the boundless opportunities and connections awaiting us. This interview is an invitation to venture beyond our assumptions and engage with the richness of the world through meaningful interactions.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel InstituteVideo and Audio Editing: Kate Mulvihill - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel InstituteGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: On My Way by Kevin MacLeod (License) 

As the owner of Travel with Ann Experiential, Ann Becker consults with nonprofits and small travel businesses with the goal of raising and including more diverse voices, making strategic connections, contributing fresh perspectives as well as thought leadership and counseling. Ann's extensive experience includes successfully operating experiential tours in lesser-known destinations in Costa Rica and neighboring countries.In this interview with host Amy Hager, Ann emphasizes the significance of sustainable and thoughtful tourism, highlighting its ability to create meaningful and enduring experiences for host communities, travelers, and the environment. She discusses the importance of travel leaders to design immersive trips, enabling visitors to listen, learn, share stories, and actively support the development of sustainable communities that benefit everyone involved. Through her work, Ann aims to promote responsible travel practices and contribute to the well-being of local populations and the planet. Ann is also the Principal Strategic Advisor at RISE Travel Institute. Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel InstituteVideo and Audio Editing: Kate Mulvihill - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel InstituteGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: On My Way by Kevin MacLeod (License) 

A leader in the field of sustainability in tourism, Lambert Hategekimana is General Manager at Rwanda Eco Company and Safari. Before his 10+ years in the tourism sector, Lambert worked as an educator. Now, he works alongside some of his former pupils to introduce travelers to Rwanda and other East African countries. In 2022, Lambert was a guest instructor for the course “Conscious Travel in Rwanda” as part of the RISE Conscious Travel Series.Lambert discusses with host Amy Hager about the value of communities’ sustainable development through empowerment and exposure to the external world.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel InstituteVideo and Audio Editing: Kate Mulvihill - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel InstituteGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: On My Way by Kevin MacLeod (License) 

Keri Pfeiffer, a digital nomad for almost seven years, works remotely as the Head of Account Management at WeTravel, an online payment platform for tour companies. Following completion of the Sustainability and Anti-Oppression in Travel program at RISE, Keri is now a guest instructor with the course "How to Travel Ethically as a Digital Nomad." In this interview with host Amy Hager, Keri discusses her views on being an ethical digital nomad and how completing the RISE Certificate Flagship Program has inspired more thoughtful travel habits.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Video and Audio Editing: Kate Mulvihill - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel InstituteGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: On My Way by Kevin MacLeod (License) 

Sofia Godoy is the Founder and Chief Operations Officer at Etnica, a social enterprise that connects locals to travelers that visit Guatemala and Mexico. She shares the history of Etnica as well as some key examples of how to plan a Guatemala itinerary that is community-based and intentional about supporting local artisans.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Video and Audio Editing: Kara KingGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: On My Way by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/songLicense: https://creativecommons.org/licenses

Thinley Choden is a social entrepreneur and consultant devoted to showing travelers the "real" Bhutan as the Co-Owner and CEO of Bhutan Tours and Travel. She sits down with host Amy Hager to talk through the meaning of conscious travel, encouraging travelers to put aside the romanticized image of Bhutan and explore the multi-faceted identity of this fascinating country.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Video and Audio Editing: Kara KingGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: On My Way by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/songLicense: https://creativecommons.org/licenses

Kim Hass is the President and Founder of Haas Media and the Executive Director of the public television series “Afro-Latinos with Kim Haas.” Her travel show explores the tremendous impact that Afro-Latinos have had and continue to have on the culture and history of Latin America. She shares some of her experiences creating a public television series and how she hopes the show will amplify the contributions and powerful voices of the Afro-Latino community.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Video and Audio Editing: Kara KingGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: On My Way by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/songLicense: https://creativecommons.org/licenses

James Mwenda, Founder of James Mwenda Expeditions, shares his expertise in sustainable safari adventures and provides some tips on how to make a safari more than just an Instagram photo opportunity. He shares how to be a responsible wildlife tourist and truly reconnect with the natural world.Host: Host (Amy) Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Video and Audio Editing: Kara KingGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: On My Way by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/songLicense: https://creativecommons.org/licenses

Gabriela Sonnleitner is the General Manager of the Magdas Hotel in Vienna, Austria. Austria's first hotel run as a social business, the Magdas provides job training to refugees and asylum seekers, offering support to those struggling to find employment in the city. Listen to Gabriela explain the joys and difficulties of running a social business and elaborate on her hotel’s commitment to sustainability. Host: Host (Amy) Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Video and Audio Editing: Kara KingGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: On My Way by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/songLicense: https://creativecommons.org/licenses

Mary Pat Champeau, Director of Graduate Programs at The Institute for Humane Education and Board Secretary at RISE Travel Institute, discusses the importance of learning how one’s everyday choices in their lives can impact their surroundings. She explores how activism is sometimes as simple as educating oneself about how the environment, human, and animal welfare are all interconnected.Host: Host (Amy) Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Video and Audio Editing: Kaelyn SandersGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: On My Way by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4163-on-my-wayLicense: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 

This week, Amy sits down with Dr. Anu Taranath, Author of “Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World.” Dr. Taranath is also co-teaching a course entitled Locating Ourselves in the Spectrum of Power for RISE Travel Institute. Through a discussion of her book and her work with RISE Travel Institute, she details how to approach difficult conversations about worldwide inequities with grace, encouraging building community and the space to work through these tough questions together.Host: Host (Amy) Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Video and Audio Editing: Kara KingGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: On My Way by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/songLicense: https://creativecommons.org/licenses

Today on GivingTuesday 2021, we are raising funds for RISE Travel Institute. All donations made today will go toward tuition grants and travel scholarships for students with demonstrated financial need. Our goal is to raise $10,000 by the end of the year. We have raised just over $6,500 so far and so we need your help to reach our goal. Our guest is Taylor Ruoff, a tuition grant recipient and graduate of our Pilot Program. Hear about Taylor's experience as a RISE student, why the grant she received helped her in a time of need, and what she'll be doing next. Please donate here: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org/ways-to-giveHost: Host (Amy) Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Video and Audio Editing: Kaelyn SandersGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: On My Way by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4163-on-my-wayLicense: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Kayra Martinez is a flight attendant and Founder and Director of the non-profit Love Without Borders for Refugees in Need, which supports refugees in Greece by building spaces where art and creativity flourish.  She touches on how she got started, the powerful stories within her refugee art exhibitions,  and the importance of travel as a method to learn, share, and create.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Digital Editing: Kara King - Digital Content ProducerGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: On My Way by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4163-on-my-wayLicense: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Catarina Rivera, Co-Founder of ExplorEquity (https://www.explorequity.com), which supports local communities by partnering with small businesses, community-based tourism initiatives and sustainable travel operators globally while connecting travelers to real social justice issues, discusses her passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion in both workspaces and travel and what it is like for her to travel as a disabled individual.Host: Host (Amy) Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Video and Audio Editing: Kaelyn Sanders Graphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: On My Way by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4163-on-my-wayLicense: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Daniel Turner discusses the intricacies of tourism and its effects on animal welfare, species protection, habitat protection, and beyond. Turner is Co-founder and director of Animondial, an organization that provides impartial advice and practical support to better manage tourism’s impact on animals and the natural environment.Host: Host (Amy) Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Video and Audio Editing: Kaelyn Sanders Graphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: On My Way by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4163-on-my-wayLicense:https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Hyungjoon Jin, a K-12 educator, and the Board Treasurer at RISE Travel Institute discusses his approach to making real, lasting systemic change in education and travel. He delves into his powerful and sustainable long-term project in Guatemala and gives examples of how to think strategically about the systemic issues at play in many aspects of our lives, including travel.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Graphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: On My Way by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4163-on-my-wayLicense: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Eliza Raymond, Co-founder of Good Travel and Senior Advisor for Curriculum Development at RISE Travel Institute, shares her expertise on volunteering while traveling and sheds light on what a truly mutually beneficial, positive travel experience looks and feels like. She challenges us all to go beyond the “bucket list,” and open ourselves up to more meaningful travel experiences.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Video and Audio Editing: Romar Dingo - Digital Media and Information Technology Specialist at The RISE Travel InstituteGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: On My Way by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4163-on-my-wayLicense:https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode, RISE Senior Advisor and Development Coordinator at Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, Genevieve Huneault, shares her expertise on regenerative and indigenous tourism experiences. She also explains the transformative impact that travel has had on her life and shares some helpful tips for those planning their first trip abroad.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Graphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: On My Way by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4163-on-my-wayLicense: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of The RISE Traveler, Amy sits down with Justine Abigail Yu, Senior Advisor at RISE Travel Institute. Justine advises RISE on its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) strategy and has devoted her career to creating a more just and equitable world for all. She shares her positive outlook on the future of travel, thoughts on how to incorporate a DEI mindset in order to truly achieve sustainability, and to how to better support local communities while traveling.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Video and Audio Editing: Romar Dingo - Digital Media and Information Technology Specialist at The RISE Travel InstituteGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: On My Way by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4163-on-my-wayLicense: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/About: Justine Abigail YuJustine Abigail Yu is a communications and marketing strategist who has worked with organizations operating in North America, Central America, East Africa, and Southeast Asia. Her expertise lies in growing enterprises from the ground up through strategic digital marketing, compelling storytelling, and genuine community engagement all through an anti-oppression lens. Justine currently serves as Wanderful's Communications Director. She is also the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Living Hyphen, an emerging magazine that explores the experiences of hyphenated Canadians – that is, individuals who call Canada home but who have roots in often faraway places.She and the publication have been featured on international, national, and local media outlets including NextShark, CTV National News, CBC Metro Morning, CBC Ontario Morning, and CityTV’s Breakfast Television, among other news outlets.Justine Abigail is a fierce advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion – and ultimately, anti-oppression. Her mission is to stir the conscience and spur social change.