Inspired by the communities who campaigned against the Alto Maipo Hydroelectric Project in Chile, Hayley subsequently pursued studies in Environmental Science, Spanish, and Anthropology at the University of Denver. Her thesis focused on the impact of social and environmental campaigns on Chile’s hydro-development. Hayley has worked throughout Latin America with local communities and environmental campaign leaders to address and document the threats posed by mega-dams in an increasingly globalized and power-hungry world. Using film to create awareness, her videos are currently used in graduate and undergraduate Environmental Science classes. Her insights were recently featured on TEDx.

In the hour ahead we talk about her path: starting from a love of running rivers to developing a curiosity about the impact of dams not only on rivers but also the land and its people. in our conversation, we visit Uganda, Bolivia, and Chile and recount some of the stories she would tell in her studies and films.

We expand on her plans to embark on another important project in Bolivia and in the end, she provides some insightful reflections and advice from her life so far running some of the biggest water in the world.

WHAT YOU WILL HEAR:

• Hayley recounts her latest journey to Uganda and having to say goodbye to rapids on the White Nile
• We talk about her 2014 Chile thesis project on hydroelectric power and its impact on local villages
• Her first insights on the debatable benefit of renewable energy through hydroelectric dams
• How she was inspired to study environmental science
• She elaborates on the unintended consequences of hydroelectric projects
• Hayley shares how she feels is her best way to respond to the issue both as an advocate and activist.
• She introduces her latest Film and advocacy project in Madidi National Park, Bolivia
• She finishes reviewing other opportunities with her platform as female athlete and shares her perspective of the importance of pushing past perceived limits