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SARA ADAMS

HI, I'M SARA

I'm a Clever Communicator, Motivated Merrymaker, Science Storyteller, Conscious Consumer, Always Aquaphile, and Sometimes Captain.  

I've worked in research, program planning and evaluation, communications management, business development, and social impact strategy.  Across countries, regions, and neighborhoods. In food production, clothing retail, public health, and environmental protection. I've found more similarities than differences across all those experiences.  

My sweet spot is using storytelling to motivate action (largely in the areas of climate action and health equity). More recently, I've been growing my social impact and sustainability strategy muscle. I dream of a role where business is a source of good, critically addressing the impact of cultivating materials for production through to cultivating engagement with customers. 

Miranda Bennett Studio is a small sustainable clothing brand. We cut, dye, sew, style, and ship all from our production and flagship spaces in Austin. We prioritize plant-based dyes, natural fibers, and versatile designs to eschew fast fashion standards. None of our scraps or items end up in a landfill. 

In 2022, we began a comprehensive review of our environmental, social, and governance practices. We undertook a B Corp Assessment and obtained the Austin Green Business Leader certification. We are setting goals and defining a strategy to reach them. 

Business for Good

Miranda Bennett Studio

Environmental Justice and Climate Action

Below are a few articles I wrote during my time at EarthLab, an interdisciplinary institute connecting researchers at the University of Washington with climate change-makers in the community. 

Nature and Health •

Recreation after Evacuation: How the Eagle Creek Wildfire Affected Recreation in the Columbia River Gorge

Here in the Pacific Northwest, we’re all too familiar with the effects of wildfire. From devastating loss of life and personal property, to reduced air quality and services, wildfires have acute and long-term impacts on our communities. Often, wildfires occur during the “fifth season” at the peak of late summer/early fall recreation when Washingtonians and visitors alike are hiking, biking, climbing, and enjoying the long days. A new study by researchers from Nature and Health at the University of Washington
WOAC •

No “Safe Space” for 12 key ocean species on North American West Coast

For the generations who grew up watching Finding Nemo, it might not come as a surprise that the West Coast has its own version of the underwater ocean highway – the California Current marine ecosystem (CCME). The CCME extends from the southernmost tip of California up through Washington. Seasonal upward currents of cold, nutrient-rich water are the backbone to a larger food web of krill, squid, fish, seabirds and marine mammals.

Select Earned Media

San Francisco Chronicle •

California’s vital ocean current will soon see major disruption. Here’s what’s at stake

Enormous disruption is predicted for the California Current marine ecosystem, which runs the length of the West Coast and is considered one of the most rich and abundant ocean regions in the world. With human-caused climate change, some of the most important species that live in that zone will experience major changes by the end of the century, in some cases facing a 25% lower chance of survival, a new study found. “Everything from plankton and seaweeds to fish and marine mammals and birds, al
ABC News •

What we know about the COVID-19 variant spreading in South Africa

While U.K. Health Secretary Matt Hancock raised alarm bells this week by saying the COVID-19 variant first identified in South Africa was a bigger problem than the new variant detected in the U.K., health experts say there's more to the story. "The thing we’re trying to highlight is that evolution of the virus is not unexpected," said Dr. Richard Lessells, an infectious disease expert researching the variant in South Africa. "We expect this because we are allowing this virus to spread at quite

Health Equity

Below are a handful of articles I wrote while supporting the Primary Health Care and Malaria teams at PATH, a global public health organization. 

PATH •

Genomic sequencing explains variant spread in Zambia

Now in early 2021, more variants of concern are being identified. These variants may differ from B.1.351—for example, they may be more virulent or have a longer incubation period. The PATH-UNZAVET team is actively looking for sudden changes in the incidence of a mutation as a clue to what is happening. However, to do that, the team needs to understand how COVID-19 cases are trending. “We are trying to promote a linkage between the sequencing group and the ZNPHI clinical and surveillance teams

Zambia pushes on to end malaria

Zambia has made great gains against malaria over the last decade, but the country still sees more than five million cases each year. The Zambian government is addressing this challenge at both the national and community levels with the support from the Program for the Advancement of Malaria Outcomes (PAMO). Funded by the US President’s Malaria Initiative, PAMO’s strategy centers on increasing coverage of proven malaria interventions, strengthening program management capacity, and improving syst

PATH Malaria: 2020 in photos

Editor's note: for the latest version, see PATH Malaria: 2022 in photos. When the world looks back on 2020, progress against malaria might not be top of mind. But even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global malaria community continued advancing its mission to eliminate this deadly and costly disease. Here are ten images from 2020 that capture our efforts. Community health workers help lead the elimination effort against malaria. Now, they’re also helping slow the spread of COVID-19. T

What is “PHC” and why is everyone talking about it?

What is “PHC” and why is everyone talking about it? A primer on primary health care—what it is, why our sector is talking about it, and how we can make it better. At the Mopani Chamboli Clinic in Zambia, nurse Rebecca Saiko provides nutrition assessment, counseling, and support to a patient. Photo: PATH/Gabe Bienczycki. Let’s start from the beginning. PHC stands for primary health care—the most basic package of essential health services and products needed to prevent disease, promote health, a

Protecting gains against malaria—in a pandemic

We know that outbreaks can have devastating effects on delivery of routine health services. For example, during the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak, researchers estimate that service disruptions resulted in as many as 10,000 additional preventable deaths due to malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis. Each year, malaria control and elimination efforts save nearly 600,000 lives and prevent close to 100 million new cases. As countries respond to COVID-19, we must safeguard these incredible gains. The global