By Sophie Beck & Olivia Bickel
As graduate students deeply passionate about social change and storytelling, Sophie Beck and Olivia Bickel are thrilled to contribute to the "Telling the Story of the Delaware River Watershed" project. Their goal is to capture and share the inspiring narratives of water activists who are driving positive change within the watershed community. Through a series of short videos, Sophie and Olivia aim to amplify the voices of individuals and communities actively engaged in protecting and restoring the Delaware River and its surrounding areas. By highlighting the personal stories, struggles, and triumphs of these dedicated activists, they seek to shed light on their motivations, challenges, and unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.
Involving multimedia storytelling, this project will aim to evoke empathy, inspire action, and foster greater public awareness and engagement with the environmental challenges facing the Delaware River Watershed. Audiences will connect on a deeper level with the human dimension of conservation efforts through compelling visuals, interviews, and immersive storytelling techniques. The project’s finalized media will emphasize the interconnectedness between communities, ecosystems, and the broader environment. Our goal is to ignite a sense of appreciation, empathy, and stewardship for this vital natural resource among diverse audiences while also empowering individuals to become advocates for positive change within their own communities.
Olivia
From a young age, Olivia felt a fundamental urge to work against social injustice. Filmmaking has become her creative and influential outlet. She studied Communication with a concentration in media at Villanova University, where she co-directed the documentary LIMBO, which was well-received on the festival circuit and had a profound personal impact on her. Olivia is set to receive a master’s degree in Communication for Development and Social Change from Temple University this summer. At Temple, she honed her video production skills in producing, directing, scriptwriting, storyboarding, camera operation, and editing, becoming proficient in Adobe Creative Suite applications like Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Illustrator. Her short film project, Love Is…, taught her the importance of effective communication, teamwork, and attention to detail in filmmaking. Olivia’s expertise in film production and storytelling motivates her to be involved with sharing the stories of the Delaware River community members.
Sophie
With a strong commitment to community engagement and social and environmental justice, Sophie brings a wealth of experience in civic advocacy, communication, and leadership to the project. She is set to earn a master’s degree in Communications for Development and Social Change from Temple University and holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications with a focus on Civic Advocacy & Legal Studies from Weber State University. Throughout her career, Sophie has amplified underrepresented voices and fostered inclusive spaces for dialogue and action. In previous roles at Temple University and the Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office in Salt Lake City, Utah, her dedication to equity and mentorship was amplified. Additionally, her involvement in community initiatives, such as the Ogden Civic Action Network, highlights her expertise in asset-based community development. Sophie’s diverse experiences and commitment to justice are the primary forces drawing her to the Delaware River Watershed storytelling project.
Together, through the art of storytelling, we can foster a deeper connection to the Delaware River Watershed and cultivate a collective commitment to its preservation for generations to come. Please stay tuned for upcoming behind-the-scenes videos and other updates on the "Telling the Story of the Delaware River Watershed" project!