A Quiet Leader Makes Big Change

Ayushi Gaur ’22 is following in the footsteps of her role model, Jane Goodall, as a quiet yet impactful leader. Inspired by a passion for environmental advocacy that began in middle school at St. Mary’s, Ayushi continues to take action through her passion projects and career pursuits. This summer, she took a major step forward as the 2024 Storytelling Programs Intern for the National Geographic Society. 

As a National Geographic Society intern, Ayushi supported and contributed to the non-profit’s storytelling that combines science, exploration, and education to spread awareness about the environment. 

She played a key role in compiling a database of Explorer contacts, organizing their locations, languages spoken, and their film and photography portfolios. Ayushi also delivered an internal presentation on the World Freshwater Initiative and the World Water Map. 

“I was excited about working with a non-profit because of my experience with the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) through their youth program, Roots and Shoots,” Ayushi said. “I love working with environmental non-profits.”

Ayushi’s relationship with the Jane Goodall Institute began in high school. Before discovering the JGI, she had already started making a difference on her own. She founded Biodiversity for a Livable Climate, which combines her passion for arts and environmental action. 

The virtual space showcased artists from Belgium to Australia that focused on environmental issues. Despite the success, Ayushi knew she still had more to give. 

A naturally quiet student, Ayushi credits her Upper School English teacher Ms. Julie Bielskis ’89 for encouraging her to apply for the Roots and Shoots Youth Advisory Council, which represents the voices of the younger generation at JGI. 

“I was very quiet at school, and Ms. Bielskis was the only teacher who knew about my interests outside of the classroom. She helped me realize the importance of both quiet action and quiet leadership,” Ayushi said. 

After joining the Roots and Shoots Youth Council in 2020, Ayushi integrated her ConservACTION Project into her work there, and the project has continued to grow. 

“It started as a community of artists that cared about the environment, and now, I’m moving away from broad topics and targeting more specific actions. Within the arts, dance is my passion, so I’ve choreographed some pieces that relate to climate change, oceans, and more,” Ayushi said. 

At the College of Charleston, Ayushi is pursuing a double major in marine biology and dance, allowing her to explore both of her interests and find their intersection in her activism work.

“Last spring, I choreographed a dance about the mass extinction event that our world is experiencing. It was my first in-person art and environmental advocacy showcase. It was awesome,” Ayushi said. 

Ayushi may not be the loudest person in the room, but she expresses herself through the stories she tells and the art she creates. Her Storytelling Internship and ConservACTION Project reflect her dedication to driving change. 

“In high school, I often associated leadership with the loudest people in the room. But in college, that changed,” Ayushi said. 

As a dancer, scientist, and storyteller, Ayushi doesn’t have to be loud – and she knows that for certain thanks to her role model. 

“I’m still quiet even now in college, but I’ve realized, through Jane Goodall, the power in being a quiet leader. You don’t have to be loud or talkative, you just need to be confident and passionate in your work to be a great leader, and I hope to be a great leader like Jane someday,” Ayushi said.