Hope as an Act of Courage: A fireside chat with Dia Mirza and Grace Cordsen
In a world increasingly defined by uncertainty, what does it mean to remain hopeful, and how can we turn that hope into action?
Join Dia Mirza, acclaimed Indian actor, producer, environmental advocate, and UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador, and Grace Cordsen, polar explorer, climate journalist, and Stanford PhD researcher, for an inspiring conversation about the power of storytelling, the responsibility of advocacy, and the importance of making complex global challenges accessible to all.
Drawing on their experiences across film, international advocacy, scientific research, and exploration, Dia and Grace will reflect on what it takes to move people from awareness to action, the opportunities and challenges of representing global causes, and, ultimately, what gives them hope for the future.
Speakers
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Dia MirzaAward-winning Actor, Green Entrepreneur, Founder of One India Stories, UNEP Goodwill Ambassador and UN SDG AdvocateDia Mirza
Award-winning Actor, Green Entrepreneur, Founder of One India Stories, UNEP Goodwill Ambassador and UN SDG Advocate
Dia Mirza is an award-winning Actor, Green Entrepreneur, Founder of One India Stories, UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador & United Nations Secretary-General's Advocate for Sustainable Development Goals. Dia has tirelessly leveraged her global platform to address diverse issues, including pollution, climate change, wildlife conservation, and gender rights. Her name in the BBC's 100 Women List in 2023 highlights her dual impact in the realms of entertainment and activism. Her journey as a constantly evolving actor, human being, and a powerful voice for sustainability has made her a trailblazer and a role model for many.
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Grace CordsenPolar Researcher & Science Communicator - PhD Candidate, Stanford UniversityGrace Cordsen
Polar Researcher & Science Communicator - PhD Candidate, Stanford University
Grace Cordsen is a PhD researcher at Stanford University studying how environmental governance, communication, and education can strengthen conservation outcomes in the polar regions. Her research explores the intersection of tourism, policy, and human behavior, with a particular focus on measuring whether experiences in Antarctica and the Arctic can inspire lasting environmental stewardship.
Alongside her research, Grace has spent years working in the field as an expedition leader, polar researcher, and science communicator. She has managed remote field operations in Antarctica, conducted research from the Arctic to the Antarctic, and collaborates with scientists, policymakers, Indigenous partners, and expedition operators to help bridge the gap between research and public engagement.
Grace is passionate about making complex environmental challenges accessible to broader audiences and developing practical approaches that connect scientific knowledge with meaningful action.