Creating Connections for A Sustainable Tomorrow

Panel discussion preparation at the entrance of the Discovery Center.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a foundation passionate about their community to create a world with resources accessible to all that leads to a prosperous life. Founded by Bill and Melinda Gates in the year 2000, the Gates' have been committed to fighting against the inequities in the world through their powerful voices and actions to raise awareness amongst many. At the Discovery Center in Seattle, WA, visitors can explore the exhibits presenting various design innovations, history, and enticing questions that give them the power of discovery to be involved. They even host programs and events throughout the year to promote networking amongst likewise minds and highlight opportunities to take action. I took this opportunity to attend an event titled "Creating Connections for A Sustainable Tomorrow" and got to experience the space in-person.

About 40 young, aspiring individuals like myself attended the event with open-mind and concern for the issues amongst our communities as we yearned for answers together on how we could begin addressing them in our every day lives. As I walked through the Discovery Center's exhibits and the events various booths, the room echoed with engaging conversations and excitement for change. Soon after, the presentation panel began as we sat down to listen while we ate different flavored empanadas provided to us. The panelists for the event were Taylor Roberson, Afrikaan Sahra, and Fadumo Roble. Roberson fought for access to quality education, Sahra advocated accessibility of necessary resources for immigrants, and Roble promoted empowerment amongst immigrant women.

Panel discussion begins.

A graphical poster shown alongside the hallway of the visitor center.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) was introduced to us at the beginning of the panel discussion through an informative video. Adopted by the United Nations, it is an urgent call for action by all countries to address the world's challenges through various goals that assist in creating a sustainable future for tomorrow.

Informational booths from different organizations networking with attendees.

A booth stand encouraged attendees to engage with their poster question.

The panelists made known how strong a voice can be. Its strength in power and number within an educated community can make waves of change around us. Sahra stated, "you have the power of language to influence others," and that we must surround ourselves with people that will contribute to bettering ourselves, our future, and the next generations future. In order for us as people to create solutions, we must first identify the problems and become aware. Roberson advised us to start small because the, "little things are something many are capable of doing". Roble added on stating that if you start off with one, it can then lead to addressing "15 or even 20 issues at the same time". They urged us to start; to try; to get involved; to network; to continue to keep our eyes open and pay attention to our work and its impact.

In all honesty, I attended the event in curiosity that sustainable design through architecture would be addressed, not knowing that it would not be mentioned nor be the forefront of the discussion. Instead, I left the Discovery Center with questions to ponder on, wondering how I could implement what I learned into my design journey and where to start. Listening to the discussion panel and engaging in the event gave insight on the inescapable domino affect that one person can make on the world.

What are some issues within your community and how can we make a change together?

The hallway of the Discovery Center leading to the anticipated exhibits.

An interactive station within the permanent exhibit.