JaKyah Beatty MPP ’24 has been leveraging her skills to tackle some of the world’s most pressing global sustainability challenges. With a diverse background that spans a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising from Kent State University, to international policy endeavors at SPP and abroad, Beatty’s journey exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary approaches in solving complex global issues.
As a Robertson Fellow, Beatty gained insights into effective policymaking for sustainable development and environmental challenges, gaining the opportunity to connect with global leaders in African affairs. “I learned that effective policymaking requires a nuanced understanding of local contexts, as well as the ability to navigate complex international relationships,” Beatty shared. This has influenced her approach to collaborative and inclusive policymaking to ensure that sustainable development goals are both achievable and meaningful.
In 2024, Beatty was awarded the prestigious Fulbright Research Award to investigate the economic and environmental impacts of global overconsumption on Ghana’s textile industry. She accounted firsthand the challenges of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. “Ghana is the largest importer of secondhand clothing. While local grassroots efforts are innovative responses to the issue, the scale of the problem is overwhelming,” Beatty noted. “Residents face hazardous conditions, such as toxic fumes from burning garbage and pollutants in the soil and water, creating significant health risks.”
Beatty also highlighted the paradox within the fashion industry’s environmental policies in sub-Saharan Africa. “Sustainability initiatives, such as bans on secondhand clothing imports, aim to protect local textile industries and mitigate environmental degradation. However, these measures can inadvertently conflict with the socioeconomic needs of local communities that rely on the resale of affordable clothing for their livelihoods,” Beatty described.
Despite these challenges, Beatty is optimistic that policy can play a critical role in solving these issues. Beatty explains that policies that balance economic stability with environmental sustainability can mitigate these challenges. “For instance, instead of simply increasing landfill capacity, policies should focus on reducing waste at the source—by regulating overconsumption in the Global North and investing in local recycling and textile innovation,” stated Beatty. “By aligning environmental policies with the economic realities faced by communities, we can create sustainable models that empower local economies while also addressing pressing environmental challenges.”
Beatty’s commitment to community empowerment has been evident throughout her career, particularly during her time as a community youth empowerment volunteer in the Peace Corps in rural Fiji from 2019 to 2020. “Fiji is on the front lines of environmental degradation, and international environmental policies sometimes fail to reflect the specific vulnerabilities of small island nations,” Beatty explained. She noted that while many women possess a profound knowledge of the issues impacting their communities, they are not fully represented in decision-making processes due to deeply rooted cultural norms.
Beatty emphasized that effective policy solutions should involve local communities directly, giving marginalized voices a role in leadership and decision making to ensure they have a seat at the table in shaping impactful solutions. “By centering local voices, particularly women, in policy discussions and encouraging their leadership in governance, we can foster more inclusive, effective approaches that support both gender equality, climate justice and economic empowerment,” Beatty emphasized.
Reflecting on her time at the School of Public Policy, Beatty credited Professor Thomas Hilde and his sustainable development courses as particularly influential, as well as the study abroad programs. “These opportunities broadened my understanding of global issues, from Indigenous land rights and environmental protection in the Amazon to the impacts of ecotourism in Indonesia and the proposal of a new capital city, Nusantara, to be built as an eco-city in response to the sinking of Jakarta,” Beatty explained. She shared that the most valuable skills she gained at SPP were developed through class discussions and learning from the diverse perspectives of her peers.
For current and prospective students and aspiring policymakers, Beatty offered words of encouragement. “Imposter syndrome is real, but pushing through it and stepping out of your comfort zone is worth it.”
