Journey of Wricha Johari: Founder and Director of World Around You (WAY)
Journey of Wricha Johari:
Wricha (Desai) Johari is a passionate advocate for
environmental sustainability and co-founder of the WAY Everything Connects
Foundation. With a background in media, communication research, and social work,
she has dedicated her life to bridging the gap between people and the
environment. Her journey began with her education at the Centre for Development
Communication, where she gained valuable insights into the power of
communication in effecting social change.
Founding WAY
In 2009, Wricha and her friend Prakshal Mehta founded the
World Around You (WAY) organization, aiming to promote sustainable living
through environmental education and communication. Their vision was clear: to
reinforce the importance of environmental manners in society and to encourage a
more eco-conscious mindset among individuals and organizations. Over the years,
WAY has grown into a significant platform for fostering behavioral change and
raising awareness about environmental issues.
Leadership and Innovation
Wricha serves as the Director of WAY, where she leads
various projects that focus on environmental research and strategy development.
Under her guidance, WAY has become known for its innovative approach to
connecting communities with environmental issues. Wricha’s leadership style is
characterized by collaboration and creativity, making her a vital force in the
organization’s success.
Behavioral Change Communication
One of Wricha’s key contributions is her specialization in
Behavioral Change Communication. She recognized that education about
environmental manners was often neglected in schools and homes. To address this
gap, she designed a three-year-long program for school children that
incorporates effective communication tools to teach them about environmental
responsibility. This initiative aims to instill eco-friendly habits from a
young age, ultimately contributing to a more environmentally aware society.
Journey of Wricha Johari: Founder and Director of World Around You (WAY)-Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/social change through communication
Celebrating Environmental Culture
Wricha is also the Festival Director of the India
Environment Festival (IEF), one of the largest curated environmental festivals
in India. This event serves as a vibrant platform for various
stakeholders—including students, professionals, and NGOs—to collaborate on
local environmental issues. Wricha’s commitment to bringing people together to
celebrate and address environmental concerns has made the IEF a highly
anticipated annual event in the community.
Upcycling Initiatives
A unique project spearheaded by Wricha is called PenPals,
which focuses on upcycling waste plastic pens. This innovative initiative
transforms discarded pens into useful products, promoting a circular economy
and raising awareness about waste management. Wricha’s quirky and creative
ideas make this project not only effective but also engaging, encouraging
people to think critically about their consumption and waste.
Recognition and Impact
Wricha’s contributions to environmental communication have
not gone unnoticed. She has been selected as a Global Shaper by the World
Economic Forum, a recognition given to young leaders who are making a
difference in their communities. Additionally, she has received multiple
awards, including the Women Achiever Award by Udgam Foundation and the Daughter
of Gujarat award by Swayam Siddha Foundation, reflecting her dedication and
impact in the field of environmental education.
Collaborations and Partnerships
Throughout her career, Wricha has collaborated with various
state governments, international organizations, and corporate entities to drive
impactful environmental initiatives. Her work on the "Prakruti ki
Pathshala" project, a state-wide school program initiated by the
Government of Gujarat, exemplifies her ability to engage with multiple
stakeholders in promoting environmental education and action.
Building a Community of Changemakers
At the heart of Wricha's mission is her belief in the power
of storytelling to connect people with the environment. She aims to engage
communities from all walks of life in climate action through her narratives and
projects. By fostering a sense of responsibility and community, Wricha
encourages individuals to take part in environmental stewardship, creating a ripple
effect of positive change.
A Lasting Legacy
As Wricha Johari continues her work with WAY and various
environmental initiatives, her legacy of connecting people with the environment
grows stronger. With a focus on innovative communication and community
engagement, she is not just shaping the conversation around sustainability; she
is actively creating a movement towards a more environmentally conscious
future. Through her relentless dedication, Wricha inspires countless
individuals to adopt sustainable practices and become advocates for a healthier
planet.
A timeline based on Wricha Johari's journey and
contributions:
2007 - Wricha graduates from the Centre for Development
Communication, gaining insights into social change through communication.
2009 - Co-founds the World Around You (WAY) organization to
promote sustainable living.
2010 - Launches the three-year program for school children
focused on environmental responsibility.
2015 - Wricha becomes the Festival Director of the India
Environment Festival (IEF).
2018 - Initiates the PenPals project to upcycle waste
plastic pens.
2020 - Recognized as a Global Shaper by the World Economic
Forum.
2021 - Receives the Women Achiever Award from Udgam
Foundation.
2022 - Collaborates on the "Prakruti ki Pathshala"
project with the Government of Gujarat.
2024 - Continues to inspire communities through innovative
communication and storytelling for environmental stewardship.
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