Julia Heemstra
“Amanzi Rising: Water, Equity, and Global Awakening”
Julia Heemstra, founder of Amanzi Water To Schools, will share her powerful work addressing water access in underserved communities, particularly in South Africa. With firsthand experience from the frontlines of the global water crisis, Julia invites us to examine how clean water is not only a necessity, but a human right — one that reflects the deep inequities still present in our world. Her talk is both an awakening and a call to action, illuminating the intersections of poverty, dignity, education, and water justice — and how each of us can be part of the solution.
Julia Heemstra is a South African-born humanitarian, endurance athlete, and advocate for sustainable water solutions. She is the founder of AMANZI: Water to Schools, a nonprofit dedicated to providing sustainable water access to rural schools in South Africa's Eastern Cape province. Her commitment to culturally sensitive, climate-smart humanitarian intervention is further demonstrated by her graduate studies in humanitarian action at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and Oxford Brookes University. An accomplished endurance athlete, Julia has set records in challenging events such as the "Moranic" Teton Triathlon, which involves biking, swimming, and climbing Mount Moran in Wyoming's Teton Range. Her experiences have profoundly influenced her perspective on the dual nature of water as both a life-giving and potentially destructive force. Julia's multifaceted journey reflects her dedication to personal growth, community service, and a deep respect for the natural world.