Celebrating Holidays, Human Connection, and Exploration–No Matter Where You Call Home
Hi,
Happy midweek! And if you’re celebrating Christmas, I wish you a happy and meaningful celebration!
Ready for this Wednesday’s newsletter? Let’s dive in!
Imagining Celebrations Beyond Earth
The holidays remind us of human connection—our ability to gather in gratitude and joy, whether you're celebrating Diwali, Hanukkah, or Christmas.
Last Thanksgiving, I found myself far from home, aboard a ship in Antarctica. This transformative experience with Homeward Bound, a global initiative for women in STEMM, got me thinking: How might we celebrate holidays on Mars?
💡Food for Thought: Imagine a feast of lab-grown proteins and algae-based dishes, served on 3D-printed tables, with the Martian landscape as a backdrop. What would Christmas or Thanksgiving or New Year on Mars be like?
The wonderful thing is that the heart of the holidays stays the same: gratitude for human connection and our shared vision for a better future—on Earth or beyond.
Antarctica, Silver Linings, and Inspired Action
After returning from Antarctica, I’ve reflected deeply on its fragile ecosystem, threatened by climate change. Here’s the silver lining: the experience was a powerful reminder that the future is ours to shape. That’s why since my return, I’ve channeled this inspiration into:
A blog series on Antarctica featuring insights from Dr. Mark Brandon.
Co-authoring an article on AI Sustainability with the Atlantic Council GeoTech Center.
A podcast on space and sustainability with Inclusion Geeks.
And more–including launching this newsletter!
💡 Action Point: What small action can you take this week to support a sustainable future?
Leadership Lessons from the HMS Beagle
Here’s a #funfact for you since we’re in the topic of voyages and explorations: Almost 200 years ago, on December 27, 1831, the HMS Beagle set sail, carrying a young Charles Darwin on a journey that would revolutionize our understanding of the world.
Here’s what Darwin—and my voyage to Antarctica—taught me about leadership:
Observation is crucial.
Experiments improve ideas.
Collaboration is key.
💡 The biggest takeaway? Understanding the world around us is exciting, fulfilling, and absolutely awe-inspiring. Even better: by collaborating on solutions to today’s greatest challenges, we build a better tomorrow.
If you want a deeper dive, you can read more about this in my blog post.
Now that’s a wrap!
Be voracious,
Tiffany
Work with Tiffany
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