Meet our Team: Julieta Mulangu

Who are you?

My name is Julieta Mulangu! I graduated from high school in June 2021 and have spent the past year as a student at Ambrose University, taking introductory courses and exploring different subjects. This coming Fall, I will be transferring to the University of Calgary to major in Global Development Studies.

Being born and raised in Calgary, I grew up taking weekend adventures to the Rockies with my family. The outdoors continues to be a big part of my life: I spent many summers working as a Cabin Leader at a summer camp, and hiking is one of my favourite pastimes. Additionally, I enjoy reading, learning new things, and spending quality time with friends and family.

One of the core pieces of my identity is my biraciality. My mom was born in the Philippines, and my dad in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As a young child, I would explain my ethnic background to curious individuals by telling them, “Mom is like peanut butter, Dad is like chocolate, me and my siblings are Reese’s Pieces!” As I grew older, I discovered better ways to articulate my racial identity, but it remained difficult to find my place in society. While externally I present to the world Black, my upbringing was infused with vibrant Filipino culture and food, along with my wonderfully large extended family. I’ve learned that my identity does not need to conform to the way in which others perceive me; I am both wholly Black and wholly Filipino. My experience as a biracial woman is unique and I am proud of who I am.

You’re interested in international development – why?

To me, the field of international development is compelling. It pursues the improvement of every individual’s quality of life. Through the elimination of poverty, injustice and discrimination, international development seeks to make the world a better place for all who live here. I believe that it is not enough for “advanced” countries to treat developing countries as charity cases. Through the implementation of things like education and proper healthcare, developing countries gain crucial resources to become independent, autonomous and self-sustaining. I want to see a world where each individual is equipped with the resources to positively impact the planet with their unique skills and strengths. I am not yet entirely sure what a future career in international development looks like for me, but I am passionate about issues concerning human rights and hope to build a profession in that field.

Why do you think diversity in sustainability is important?

 I think that diversity is a fundamental aspect of every field of work. There is no single way to understand a situation or issue; every individual has different life experiences that play a role in their specific interpretations of both the world and their professions. The same applies to sustainability: there is no exclusive way to interpret issues within the field of sustainability. As a predominately white field, it can be difficult for BIPOC individuals to share their perspectives and be heard by those in positions of power. I believe that through the inclusion of diverse perspectives in the field of sustainability, all professionals can gain a more robust understanding of issues within the sector by considering them through the lens of their peers. While plenty of companies have initiated the process of creating more inclusive environments, many have not applied these concepts in a perceptible way. Organizations must be held accountable to their pledges of diversity, equity, and inclusion by tangibly applying these values to their institutions.

What do you hope to get out of your internship with DiS?

I am excited to begin my journey in sustainability, meet new people, and learn from professionals in the field. Sustainability is something that has intrigued me for years. There is an abundance of pressing sustainability issues that occupy our world today, and it’s easy to feel powerless while trying to tackle these problems. As a young person, making a difference can feel impossible, especially when the ability to do so seems far beyond my sphere of influence. After all, the action of posting on social media to spread awareness or discussing issues with my friends can only go so far. I think that my internship with DiS is a practical way in which I can contribute to creating a more sustainable future for our planet. I look forward to completing research, reading, writing, and absorbing new information. 

Additionally, I am a strong advocate for creating spaces in which BIPOC can be seen, heard, and considered seriously.  It is an honor to work with an organization which holds these same values. Many issues in sustainability disproportionately affect minority groups, so it is crucial for BIPOC individuals to have an active role in the conversation.

What issues in sustainability are you most concerned about?

As a kid who spent a lot of time outdoors, I had a passion for protecting the nature that I so loved to explore. I thought I would do this by becoming a wildlife conservationist! It is interesting to see how my desire to take care of the planet we live in has adapted as I’ve grown older. Nowadays, the issues that I’m most concerned about are climate change and the relation between human rights and sustainable development.

Is there a quote or mantra that you most live by, and why?

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” -Maya Angelou

 While it is quite simple, this quote came as a revelation to me. For issues that I can control, I have the ability to influence the situation. For issues that are beyond my control, the only thing I can adjust is my outlook. I’m the only one in charge of my feelings and how I let a given circumstance affect my mental state.

What would you like to do next?

I am thrilled to continue my post-secondary journey by transferring to the University of Calgary! I’m eager to learn new things, find my niche, and gain a deeper understanding of what interests me. Along with my development studies courses, I am excited to learn a third language (Spanish), as well as take classes in African Studies, Anthropology, Geography, and Sustainability. One of my personal goals is to be a lifelong learner. I want to experience different cultures and continue to develop a global perspective. I hope to accomplish this through travel, reading more diverse books, and engaging in conversations with unique individuals.

Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future, and why?

While many of today’s media presents a disheartening view of the state of our world, I choose to remain hopeful. I believe that humans are creative and more than capable of finding solutions. As a species, we have been resilient in the midst of trials across time. It is true that there’s a lot going wrong in our world, but that means that there is so much room for individuals to take action. As long as there are people who continue to care about the state of the planet and who want to make a difference, I think we will be okay.