What was it like to be part of founding Uproot?

"Exhilarating, empowering, exciting. Before we founded Uproot, I'd had so many conversations with other journalists about the need for more environmental justice stories, and more environmental journalists of color in the field. It was thrilling to collaborate with other EJOCs — ones I'd read and admired for years! — to build something that was by us and for us."
Jane C. Hu 
(she/they)
Independent journalist


"Founding Uproot was such an exciting time of my life. It was stressful, for sure, because none of us had ever embarked on a journey like this. But it was so, so rewarding. The founding of Uproot connected me to so many other journalists of color in my field that I might've not had a chance to connect with otherwise. It also instilled in me newfound leadership skills that have allowed me to flourish elsewhere."
Yessenia Funes 
(she/hers)
Climate Director, Atmos


"Uproot came together as a result of a meeting of about two dozen journalists of color in 2019. It was exciting to be part of a group of exemplary environmental journalists, thinking through the challenges of working as a reporter of color in the industry, and dreaming up ways to support each other."
Naveena Sadasivam
(she/her)
Senior Staff Writer, Grist

What does Uproot mean to you now?

"Community. I love reading the impactful work other Uprooters have created, and to see Uproot folks winning awards and fellowships in the field — and I'm glad to know we have a place to gather, share intel, and celebrate our wins."
Jane C. Hu 
(she/they)
Independent journalist


"Now, Uproot means community. It's mean grounding. It means solidarity. It means growth. It's one of my proudest achievements, something that could have only been born from love and camaraderie. "
Yessenia Funes
(she/hers)
Climate Director, Atmos


"I've been thrilled to see Uproot blossom into a network for environmental journalists of color that boasts of hundreds of members, hosts valuable panel discussions, and generally increases visibility for reporters of color. It's also been great to connect with journalists in the Bay Area through Uproot, and I can't wait for the next happy hour!"
Naveena Sadasivam
(she/her)
Senior Staff Writer, Grist

How did you hear about Uproot? Why did you want to join?

"I initially joined the Uproot Project after struggling to connect with other journalists of color. Since joining Uproot, I’ve formed connections that will last a lifetime. From finding mentors to meeting to talk anti-racism, the Uproot Project has changed my life for the better."
Maya Richard-Craven 
(she/they)
Climate Justice Reporter

"I joined Uproot almost right at its inception. At the time, I was in a dark place in my life, a bit rudderless, and seeking to make a change from Engineering into Science Writing. What I craved was community, mentorship, and informal educational opportunities. Uproot provided all three."
Alex Ip 
(he/him)
Editor in Chief, The Xylom

What have you gained from Uproot?

"I have established relationships, whether it be through receiving mentorship or mentoring, that will last a life time."
Maya Richard-Craven 
(she/they)
Climate Justice Reporter

"I gained access to a lot of new learning opportunities, such as the SEJ/Uproot Fellowship for SEJ 2022 in Houston, in addition to the IJNR Post-SEJ Trip to South Texas Coast. I received a lot of advice and reference materials for my J-school application process. I gained a lot of writers and a member of the advisory board for The Xylom (shoutout to Paola Rosa-Aquino!). Lastly and most importantly, I gained a lot of new friendships."
Alex Ip  
(he/him)
Editor in Chief, The Xylom

What does Uproot mean to you?

"Uproot means community. It means finding support and guidance from journalists from a diverse array of backgrounds. Uproot will always hold a special place in my heart due to the bonds I’ve formed and guidance I’ve received."
Maya Richard-Craven  
(she/they)
Climate Justice Reporter


"Uproot is a safe space for EJOCs to gather, support one another, and challenge one another to become better humans and journalists. I am so grateful that it existed the way that it is. We EJOCs are here to stay, and Uproot is a big reason why."
Alex Ip  
(he/him)
Editor in Chief, The Xylom

Now, we want to hear from you! Help us celebrate two years of The Uproot Project by telling us how Uproot has impacted your work. @uproot_project

#HappyAnniversaryUproot