Empowering Communities Through Youth-Led Mapping with Maria Timbawala

In this episode of Mapping the Conversations, host Valrie Grant speaks with Maria Timbawala, President of the Jamaica YouthMappers Chapter and a 2024 YouthMappers Leadership Fellow. Maria shares her journey into the geospatial world, starting with her involvement in campus mapping projects and evolving into her leadership role. From tackling misconceptions about geospatial science to spearheading impactful mapping initiatives like trail mapping in Holywell and contributing to global SDG goals, Maria highlights the challenges and opportunities in engaging youth with geospatial technology. She also discusses the role of partnerships, the importance of representation, and her vision for transformative impact on sustainable development in Jamaica and beyond. Whether you're a geospatial enthusiast or a newcomer, this episode offers valuable insights into the dynamic interplay between technology, youth leadership, and global impact. Connect with YouthMappers: Global Instagram: @YouthMappers Jamaica Chapter Instagram: @uimonayouthmappers Facebook: YouthMappers YouTube: YouthMappersChannel Connect with Us: Valrie Grant: LinkedIn Mapping the Conversations: Mapping The Conversations | GIM International (gim-international.com) | LinkedIn Join the Conversation: Have ideas or questions about youth leadership and geospatial innovation? Share them with us on social media. Thank you for tuning in to Mapping the Conversations! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, subscribe, and share it with others who are passionate about the future of geospatial technology.