Linh Do

Inspirational Speaker, Social Commentator

Linh Do is a Melbourne based activist with a globe-trotting lifestyle, having worked in over 15 countries. She’s done everything from changing one million lightbulbs (and mindsets) in Australia to working at the UN to create social change on environmental issues, and in 2013 was named as Australian Geographic’s Young Conservationist of the Year.

Where were you born?

I was born in Footscray and raised in Melbourne’s west.

What other jobs have you had?

A fair few others – from co-founding a technology startup, OurSay, to working with UNEP (United Nations Environment Program) on youth engagement and running political campaigns. One of my favourite jobs has been leadership development with young people.

What themes are recurring in your work?

Sustainable development, social change and social justice are some of the recurring themes in my work. Young people and our role in creating change is another constant too.

What have been the highlights of your career?

Helping to install clean water wells in a Kenyan slum after working on the policy that funded the project was a pretty amazing experience. As was sharing a cab ride with Severn Suzuki in Rio and discussing policy and youth engagement!

Where have your works been published?

My bylines have included ABC’s the Drum, the Huffington Post, Next Web, the Herald Sun, the Age and the Guardian. And my photography credits have included the Atlantic, Fast Company, TreeHugger, Grist and traditional academic journals.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about everybody being able to access opportunities to fulfill their dreams. And fairy bread.

Haven’t I seen you before?

Maybe when I was three and appearing in Melbourne’s finest clothing catalogues? My face hasn’t changed since, I still have exactly the same dimples. That, or on Twitter.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

I’m currently working on a media organisation that will train young people to better communicate about the issues that matter, such as climate change. www.theverb.org // The Verb is possible.