In this episode, Khadija sits down with Rickeem Lashey for an honest conversation about belonging in ocean and climate work. They unpack why conservation efforts are stronger when communities are included from the start, and why young people should feel empowered to contribute even without a specific qualification or job title. Rickeem shares his growing confidence as a PhD student in sustainable transitions, focused on making environmental justice more meaningful and practical for communities.

Together, they reflect on the realities of showing up in global spaces like UNOC3, the barriers Caribbean organisations and British Overseas Territories face when it comes to access and representation, and why visibility matters for small island communities. The conversation also zooms into the Cayman Islands, touching on mangrove protection, development pressures, and the role of youth-led groups pushing for change. They close on storytelling, photography, and community as powerful tools to shift narratives and expand who gets to be seen, heard, and trusted in conservation.