Draft:Joanna Hellier

Joanna Hellier (Broomfield) is an Australian environmental advocate, director, producer, former model, and musician. She is celebrated for her extensive efforts in promoting sustainability and plant-based lifestyles in Thailand through Root The Future. Alongside her husband, Max Hellier, she has become pivotal in Thailand's sustainability movement, leveraging the platform to advocate for plant-based living and environmental conservation.

Early Life and Modeling Career
Originally from the UK, Joanna Broomfield moved to Adelaide, Australia, in her mid-teens and now resides in Sydney. She gained national recognition through her participation in the sixth cycle of Australia's Next Top Model, where she finished sixth out of 16 contestants. Known for her distinctive androgynous and grunge style, often enhanced with quirky, feminine accessories, Joanna's stint on the show demonstrated her versatility and dedication to the modelling profession.

Advocacy and Environmental Impact
Joanna, with her partner Max, founded Root The Future, Thailand’s largest plant-based and sustainability community. Their mission is to raise awareness about sustainability and plant-based foods through various community-building activities, charity runs, and shining a light on environmental issues. They provide a platform for many sustainable living establishments to make an impact in Thailand.

"Joanna and Max Hellier, the founders of Root The Future, are on a mission to raise awareness about sustainability and plant-based foods through various community-building activities and charity runs, shining a light on environmental issues and providing a platform for many sustainable living establishments to make an impact in Thailand." - The Thaiger. .

Notable Campaigns
Climate Awareness Bicycle Ride: Joanna and Max embarked on a 1,500km bicycle ride from Chiang Mai to Phuket to raise awareness about the annual burning season in Thailand and ocean pollution in Southern Thailand, while promoting a plant-based diet as a solution to combat these issues. The ride aimed to engage the community in taking small steps to positively impact the environment.

Innovate Your Plate: A competition aimed at fostering innovation and popularity of plant-based cuisine, specifically focusing on the use of pulse ingredients. The event invited restaurant owners, chefs, and food enthusiasts to create unique dishes, judged on taste, innovation, and popularity. Winners were rewarded with cash prizes, professional photoshoots, and video features, highlighting the versatility and appeal of plant-based foods.

Climate Hero Campaign: A partnership with VGI PLC to use digital screens on BTS stations and trains for promoting sustainable living and reducing carbon footprints. This campaign aimed to inspire the public to adopt daily behaviours that contribute less to climate change, such as using clean energy public transportation and eating more plant-based meals, by highlighting the significant environmental impact of livestock farming and promoting actionable solutions

Run The Future Marathon: In a compelling demonstration of commitment to both physical health and environmental sustainability, Root The Future organized a marathon event to raise funds for vegan restaurants impacted by the pandemic. The marathon, titled Run The Future, encouraged participants to pledge towards plant-based goals while participating in the run. Initially starting as a full marathon (42 kilometres), the event saw an increase in distance to 50km due to its popularity, which led to the formation of the Run The Future running club. This club meets every Saturday, further advocating for environmental awareness and promoting the benefits of a plant-based diet through the shared experience of running.

Public Speaking and Influence
Joanna has been an active public speaker, including engagements at the United Nations, where she has spoken about sustainability and environmental advocacy.

Root The Future Festivals and Events
Root The Future has hosted several festivals and events promoting plant-based living and sustainability. These events have drawn large crowds and featured various activities, including workshops, panel discussions, and live music performances.