Meet Meghana Kunapareddy | High School Junior

We had the good fortune of connecting with Meghana Kunapareddy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Meghana, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for the Sustainabilidate Podcast definitely came from my love for debate. So, I have done debate and public speaking since 7th grade, and one thing that’s always remained a consistent topic has been this notion of sustainability and dealing with the environment of a fast-growing world. Fast forward to my freshman year of high school, where I started using a lot more social media and would see people my age posting infographics and small quotes all the time about different social issues relating to race, gender, and even climate change, but when we would actually talk about these issues in person, not a lot of people really knew a lot about them, and I wanted to find a way for teens (and adults!) to have a way to readily digest information as it pertained to what I cared a lot about – namely sustainability. So in my sophomore year, I started my podcast – The Sustainabilidate, where I talk to experts in companies, nonprofits, government positions, and professors about sustainability through various avenues, in a way that is easily digestible for everyone. From there, I was invited to present at the U.S. Summit on Transformative Education, where I developed a climate justice lesson plan for integration into the k-12 education system in the U.S., and am now using that experience to teach students in KatyISD & HoustonISD schools about sustainability!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think my favorite part of making my podcast is getting to talk to so many different people from so many different backgrounds, that are all as passionate about sustainability as I am. For example, I did a few episodes with representatives from various Universities in the U.S., such as Cornell, Columbia, Rice, UT Austin, Etc., and it was amazing getting to hear about these universities’ sustainability initiatives and how students can get involved. Since my podcast is primarily aimed at youth, I think it’s so awesome that listeners get to hear about areas of sustainability that they can relate to.

When I started my podcast, it was a challenge because I was afraid that I would look as though I didn’t know what I was talking about, or that nobody would listen to the podcast. However, with each new episode that came out, seeing my audience grow on Spotify has really encouraged me to continue producing episodes and helping more people learn about the importance of sustainability in all walks of life and career paths. From my podcast, I’ve received so many amazing opportunities, such as getting to speak at the U.S. Summit on Transformative Education and working with the nonprofit Sustainable and Just Future to bring climate education to school districts across Texas to teach students about the importance of being aware of the issues that come with climate change and the various social issues that come with climate change. I hope that those who listen to my podcast are able to come away knowing that just by making themselves aware of the importance of sustainability, they can make a difference.

I am so excited to continue to spread awareness about sustainability and work further with such amazing people to advance climate action and especially involve youth in fights against climate inaction and environmental injustices. Especially this summer, I am working with Columbia University as an Eco-Ambassador to help make the book – Age of Sustainable Development into content that is digestible for high schoolers and middle schoolers. It will likely come out this fall, so I encourage everyone to check it out! The entire reason I started my podcast was to make awareness on environmental issues easy to digest for youth, and I am so excited to be working on this book, as it not only furthers my mission but will be such a valuable resource for any high schooler wanting to learn more on subjects relating to sustainability.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love this question! Living in Houston, I think there are so many things to do that it’s hard to pick just a few things. But, one place that my family ALWAYS takes our family or friends when they visit is the Waterwall. Especially since it’s been in so many movies and is so recognizable, I think it’s always really fun to see and there are so many things to do in the area. Since I am a major shopping addict, I would definitely give us at least a day at the Galleria shopping mall, walk around, do some ice skating, and of course, eat some great food.

I think no trip to Houston is complete without visiting Discovery Green and going canoeing, and just walking around downtown for a day, and maybe even visiting the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, which is one of my favorite places. It has some amazing displays and art pieces and is absolutely beautiful. I think a lot of times when people think of Houston, they immediately think of NASA, and so of course, we would have to visit the Johnson Space Center. Even though it’s more of a touristy thing to do, it’s definitely super exciting to visit and look around!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my mom, who has always supported me and helped me so much with my podcast and with everything that I have done.

Website: https://thesustainabilidate.godaddysites.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesustainabilidate/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghana-kunapareddy-11ba16213

Other: Spotify Podcast Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/2lVfZWJYt8zORudKEF4Ki9?si=48854be0e3de452a