Xiye Bastida

Xiye grew up in San Pedro Tultepec, Mexico—a town deeply connected to Otomi land and tradition. After severe flooding and drought, her family moved to New York City. When Hurricane Sandy hit, everything clicked: climate change wasn’t someone else’s problem—it was tangible. Real. Personal. She decided to act.

At school, she organized local strikes that grew into citywide Fridays for Future events. She co-founded Re-Earth Initiative, a youth-led global organization focused on equitable climate education and justice. She didn’t chase likes—she mobilized thousands.

Xiye’s social media? It doesn’t just follow trends—it fuels change:

  • Instagram filled with call-to-action flyers and accessible climate explainers

  • Reels and interviews advocating Indigenous knowledge, justice, and intersectional climate policies

  • Messaging rooted in empathy, clarity, and leadership—not clickbait

    She’s not just online—she’s in the rooms where decisions happen:

  • Spoken at UN forums, World Urban Forum, and COP26

  • Featured in Teen Vogue’s doc We Rise, candidly sharing the emotional toll of activism

  • Led youth-based policy initiatives across the U.S. and Latin America

  • Recognized on Time’s TIME100 Next list and awarded the UN Spirit Award for her leadership

Xiye doesn’t settle for awareness—she models consistent care. She bridges big issues with personal story and tangible next steps. That’s why her leadership matters—and moves people.

🌟 Thrive Tip

Watch: Your Inner Fire Is Your Greatest Strength | Xiye Bastida | TEDx — calm, inspiring, intersectional climate justice.
Quote: “Stubborn optimism ... I will never give up because there's always something to fight for.” — Xiye Bastida
Why it matters: ✨ Hope is a skill, not a distraction. Xiye shows us how to speak truth, act from roots, and organize beyond trends.

✨ Start Today:

Step 1: Don’t just post—plan

Pair facts with next steps: petitions, local actions, resources. Activism needs structure, not just noise.

Step 2: Speak from your roots

Draw strength from your culture, your community, your story. That’s authenticity—and authority.

Step 3: Stay consistent

Xiye doesn’t retreat after one strike. She shows up again and again, balancing fight with rest, strategy with heart.

💬 Your Turn:

What climate issue at your school or neighborhood needs more attention—and how could you start leading real action around it?