Marin Moms Join Forces to Raise Awareness on Climate Change in Bhutan (Part 2)
It’s not every day that you witness a group of women discussing bike preparation, training, and conditions in the mountains of the Himalayas. Yet four women with a common purpose of raising awareness on the impact of climate change came together in Mill Valley, California late in 2017. These women signed up for Climate Ride Bhutan (April 18-24, 2018) in the hope of discovering the people and culture of the “happiest place on earth”, rainforest conservation, environmental preservation, and simply traveling to a country they have wished to visit for the longest time.
Meet Cecily Mak and Shamini Dhana and enjoy this interview on what they hope they will find, the challenges they will face and the support they received on their journey to Bhutan.
Q1. What made you join Climate Ride Bhutan?
Cecily Mak: a Marin native, is a mother of two boys at Old Mill School in Mill Valley. She leads business and legal at the Silicon Valley late-stage start-up Flipboard, Inc., teaches Digital Media law at UC Hastings, and enjoys coaching start-up CEOs in the tech and media space as an advisor. When not with loved ones or at work, she can be found running on Mt. Tam or spending time at one of her many favorite spots along the Northern California Pacific Coast.
CM: I have wanted to visit Bhutan ever since spending time in Tibet in 2001. I saw a fellow supporter I know post about her fundraising efforts and quickly contacted her to learn more. The combination of factors -- the organization, the timing, the charitable goals, and the opportunity to visit this remarkable place in such a unique way told me this was an opportunity that I couldn't miss.
Q2. Is there anything in particular you’d like to learn, discover, understand?
SD: I’d love to understand how the Gross National Happiness (GNH) index fits into the lives of people - young, old, across walks of lives and occupations. Additionally, with the advent of the internet and smart phone, I’m curious to comprehend what the impact has been on the people and culture of Bhutan.
Q3. How have you prepared for this trip - physically, mentally and emotionally?
CM: In addition, running and overall being a healthy human, I've definitely focused on riding as much as possible in recent weeks. I live at the base of Mt. Tam in Mill Valley, so the trails and fire roads calling for me are seemingly endless. With some friendly nudges from friends and family I've been out doing something almost every day this year in preparation for this trip.
“It is not lost on me how fortunate I am to be able to embark on a journey such as this. My hope is that I am able to return at least half as much as I suspect I will take away to the organizations and people supporting us in getting there. Whether it is inspiring others to do/give/create something meaningful or take a risk for a greater good, my mission is to pay it forward and hopefully share some inspiring gems from the adventure along the way.” ~ Cecily Mak
Shamini Dhana: founder and CEO of Dhana, Inc., a Certified B company and an ethical fashion brand committed to connecting people and our planet through the medium of fashion. She brings to the eco-fashion world over 20 years of corporate executive experience, is a board member of Climate Ride, Associate Producer of The True Cost movie and advisor to Ellevate Women’s Network and Ethical Fashion Forum. Shamini lives in Mill Valley with her husband and two children, enjoys the outdoors hiking, biking and a Nature enthusiast.
Q4. As a mother, how will this trip impact your family?
SD: It is always difficult to be away from my family and missing one of my daughter’s dance competitions. However, with the help of good friends, a wonderfully supportive and loving husband and family, we will manage as we have in the past. It’s always a good reminder that it takes a village to raise a child and keep the day to day activities in motion.
“There is much beauty and wisdom in the land of Bhutan that I so hope to embrace and learn from. The people of Bhutan have a deep respect and connection to Nature that is ingrained in their culture and lifestyle. It is with no wonder happiness is a way of life in Bhutan. I am truly grateful to have this opportunity of an adventure only to share with the world.” ~ Shamini Dhana, Climate Ride Board Member and Founder/CEO, Dhana Inc.
Q5. What is the one thing about Bhutan and sustainability that has got you intrigued, inspired and invigorated?
CM: I am fascinated by the fact that the country is carbon negative, largely due to its dense forest (currently 80% and not to ever dip below 60% by law) and limited development. I know a number of us are doing our part to not contradict the purpose of this trip by purchasing carbon credits to cover our travel to get there.
Q6. Bhutan is in a remote part of this world and not easy to get to. Is there a risk factor you are willing to take to travel to a region like this and why?
SD: Everyday, I travel through life knowing there are just so many things and variables that are beyond our control. What we can control is our thoughts and the choices we make – that is a gift and an opportunity not to be taken for granted. Everything else after doing all what it takes … the work, organization, planning …. You just have to “go with the flow” and let the journey unravel itself whilst staying mindful of the moments.
Q7. How will you hope to share your experience after this trip?
CM: I am not sure yet. Perhaps a dinner/gathering for my supporters, photos for those who want to see them, the appropriate posts/sharing via blog/social media. I have a sense I'll know when I return what is best.
Q8. Will you be looking forward to taking a break from work and commitments during this trip?
SD: My life-work is somewhat blurred, and the boundaries genuinely overlap. This is the gift of life and I would not want to change it as its truly fulfilling. As someone who has always been in awe of Nature and our connection to her, I travel the world in search of cultures and communities who reflect this way of life. Ultimately, travel, adventure and even fashion are all connected to Nature, everyone wears clothes and so I find myself working whilst on any trip.
Q9. Was it challenging to fundraise for this trip? Any insights?
CM: I was incredibly fortunate to have many people from all corners of my life contribute to make this possible, so no. The challenge is always looking for the right way to pay it forward as quickly and meaningfully as possible. For some that is a heartfelt thank you card. For others it is encouragement to do something similar for themselves or a cause they are passionate about. For others it is something completely different and unexpected. When we pay close attention, the answers reveal themselves and the cycle continues!
10. What about being on this team has made a difference to you?
SD: I love the fact that even though we are all mothers, we come from varied backgrounds in terms of our childhood, places we were raised, education and work, we all share a kindred spirit of adventure, travel and love for the wild outdoors. The Dhana team represent women who share similar ethos in life - respect for people and planet and that we have the ability to make a difference in the world through our conscious choices.