When we launched The Iris Project, onboarding the Advisory Panel was one of the very first things we did – and without doubt, one of the best. The Panel has shaped everything we’ve built since. Without their wisdom and insights, The Iris Project would look very different today. From the start, we knew it was essential that our work was guided by as many different perspectives as possible, so that we could reflect the diverse contexts in which young people are experiencing the climate crisis. That’s why Advisors typically serve for two to three years before moving on, making space for new environmental advocates to share their voices and experiences.
The Advisory Panel is at the centre of The Iris Project. Our Advisors mentor young leaders, guide our strategy and lead with empathy. Their trust-based approach, grounded in care, is a core element of who we are.
Each year, we move around Advisors to prioritise finding our prize-winners’ mentors with relevant regional and/or thematic expertise to guide and support them during their time as grantees. This way, more young people gain access to opportunities, and we continually bring new perspectives into how we run The Iris Project. Unfortunately, it also means that each year, we have to say goodbye to people who have added so much value and wisdom to the panel.
After two years with the Iris Project, we celebrate Francisco and Shreya as they wrap up their time on the Advisory Panel. They have made an enormous impact, helping projects grow from ideas into established organisations, spending hours reviewing prize applications and being thoughtful and kind leaders on the advisory panel.
Shreya brought her background as a climate justice activist in the climate negotiations sector. Some of Shreya’s expertise includes her experience coordinating the advocacy working group in the Loss and Damage Youth Coalition. She was recognised as an EE 30 under 30 for making a remarkable difference through environmental education. While on the Advisory Panel for The Iris Project, Shreya mentored Dipisha and the Project Sparsa team alongside Ankica, and mentored Aruna and The Tiwai Honey Initiative alongside Steve. Shreya’s quiet leadership is loudest through her actions. Her kind, thoughtful approach to her work has been incredibly valuable and a gift to work alongside.
Francisco has a climate activism and consulting background, focusing on oceans and community building. Fran has worked with communities, organisations, and governments, designing and coordinating national campaigns, participating in marine conservation efforts, and negotiating at national and international Climate Policy and Youth Participation Forums. Fran joined the Iris Project Advisory Panel as the Runner-Up mentor, guiding six projects through, which was for many, their first grant experience: this year, Fran has supported Jabel and Guardianas del Estuario alongside Alyssa. Fran is a natural ecosystem builder, and we are grateful to have worked with someone who brings such energy and action into the climate space.
This year, saying goodbye to Francisco and Shreya is especially hard. They’ve each brought immense value to our work in their own beautiful ways. When Fran joined two years ago, we threw him straight into the deep end, asking him to facilitate our group mentorship programme for six runners-up. He went above and beyond – representing them at COP28 in Dubai, opening his networks, and offering his time and energy with such joy that he could brighten even a 4 am call. More recently, he has been an incredible mentor to Jabel, travelling to Guatemala to build a truly reciprocal relationship and helping to turn an idea into a fully operational organisation. Fran is a natural connector, a brilliant ocean policy advocate, and someone we will miss deeply.
Shreya has brought a calm, steady, and deeply kind presence to the Panel. She reminded us all that caring for our own wellbeing is inseparable from caring for the planet, and even took on the role of wellbeing focal point for The Iris Project. She has been a generous mentor to both Dipisha and Aruna – travelling to visit projects in Nepal, sharing her expertise in loss and damage and climate justice, and showing up with consistency and compassion. Her quiet leadership and depth of knowledge have been a gift to all of us.
It has been a privilege to work alongside both of them. They have left a lasting mark on The Iris Project, and we cannot wait to see what they do next.
– Millie Edwards, Director of The Iris Project
Thank you for your time. You are paving the way for many.
