The Rebuild S2E10 - Voices for Justice: Eileen Park Robertson on Resilience and Advocacy

In this episode of "The Rebuild" podcast, hosts Carmen and Beth interview Eileen Park Robertson, the founder of Anecdotia, a production agency focused on climate, racial, and social justice storytelling. The conversation covers Eileen's journey from journalism to filmmaking and her work in climate activism and policy. She shares insights on resilience, advocacy, and the importance of community, especially for marginalized groups.Key points from the discussion:•Eileen's Background: Eileen discusses her early aspirations to be a journalist and her experiences working at ABC News. She describes how the changing landscape of journalism, particularly during the Trump presidency, led her to start her own production company focused on social justice issues.•Transition to Government: Eileen recounts her unexpected entry into government as the communications director for the mayor of Portland. This role exposed her to the inner workings of city planning and the interconnectedness of climate policy with various aspects of community well-being.•Climate Activism and Intersectionality: Eileen emphasizes her passion for climate activism and the importance of addressing its intersectionality with race and social justice. She highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities and her role as a "bridge builder" in policymaking.•Challenges and Resilience: Eileen opens up about the challenges she faced, including experiencing anger, humiliation, and shame while working in Portland. She emphasizes the importance of therapy, healing, and building resilience to cope with such experiences.•Experiences with Racism: Eileen shares her experiences with increased anti-Asian hate during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the backlash she received after her wedding was featured in Vogue. This led her to become a vocal advocate for racial justice and to amplify the voices of other Asian women.•Finding Joy and Ease: Eileen discusses the strategies she uses to preserve her joy and set boundaries, including letting go of toxic relationships and practicing mindfulness to stay present.•Future Projects: Eileen shares her plans to focus on storytelling through the voices of women, particularly matriarchs, and to amplify female-led stories through her production agency.•Importance of Storytelling: The episode emphasizes the power of storytelling to connect people, inspire action, and drive social change, particularly in the context of climate, racial, and social justice.