In this inspiring episode of the Chai Break Podcast, I'm joined by Shivani Ramesh—a Strategy & Implementation Analyst at ENGIE Impact, environmental engineer, and passionate sustainability advocate. Shivani takes us on a journey from her roots in India to her career in global decarbonization, offering practical wisdom for anyone grappling with climate anxiety and wondering, “What can I do?”

We explore the power of bite-sized climate action—small, intentional steps we can take in our homes, communities, and careers to contribute to a more sustainable future. Shivani shares powerful stories of grassroots activism in her own family, from organizing neighborhood cleanups in Chennai to local government initiatives in Westchester, NY.

This episode is for anyone who wants to understand how citizen-led action, climate-conscious careers, and community collaboration can drive change, no matter where you live.

🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why tiny, consistent actions can create large-scale impact
• Shivani’s journey from Rishi Valley School to ENGIE Impact and the spark that started it all
• The importance of civic engagement and how her mother’s clean-up drives led to launching Citizen Matters in India
• How her aunt’s sustainability leadership in Westchester County helped unlock funding for clean energy
• Local NYC tips: how to get involved in composting, community gardens, and more
• Why climate anxiety is real—and how to channel it into purpose
• A behind-the-scenes look at The Soapbox Project, a growing community turning worry into climate action
• How to pivot into a sustainability career or integrate climate-conscious thinking into your current work
• 5 bite-sized actions you can start today to live more sustainably

🔗 Resources mentioned in the episode:

• ENGIE Impact
• Citizen Matters
• The Soapbox Project
• NYC Composting

🎧 Grab your chai and tune in—this is a chaiversation you don’t want to miss.