For more than twenty years, I have been exploring the question of how we, as a society, want to live together, and how democracy can remain vibrant even in times of crisis, technological upheaval, and growing polarization. Through the HOPEPUNK podcast, in my talks, and in my work as a consultant, I shine a light on people, projects, and ideas that tackle personal or societal challenges with hope and optimism. I’m interested in the stories of people who take on and overcome challenges, build bridges, take responsibility for social issues, and demonstrate the unifying and constructive power that lies within our societies.
The motivation behind my professional work stems from my personal life: I was born in Spain, grew up in Germany, the U.S., and England, and studied in Switzerland (and the U.S.). This was followed by stints in France and the U.S. I have now spent most of my life in Germany. I feel a strong connection to the place where I live. As a European, I am grateful for the political and legal framework that allows me to move freely throughout Europe. I am aware that this is a privilege not everyone enjoys.
My husband’s severe illness—the complex multisystem disorder ME/CFS—and the caregiving that came with it were life-changing for me. Seeing just how helpless we still are in the face of this disease—which affects approximately 650,000 people in Germany alone and incurs annual economic costs of more than 60 billion euros—and witnessing the strength and dignity with which a person can bear such a fate has changed my perspective on the world. Through my husband, I’ve learned that hope is a choice—and just how much strength can be found in connection, compassion, and mutual support.
More information on ME/CFS is available, for example, from the German Society for ME/CFS (www.mecfs.de).
After earning my Ph.D. in political science at the University of St. Gallen, my path led me to the intersection of academia and practice. I founded an association (Publixphere e.V.) designed to connect young people interested in politics with established institutions and decision-makers. I conducted research on the political public sphere in Europe at Freie Universität Berlin, coordinated an international research network (Network of Internet & Society Research Centers) at the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG), and served as a fellow and affiliate at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University. There, I worked at the intersection of democracy, the public sphere, and digital transformation, always with a focus on Europe. As a co-founder of Alliance4Europe and the initiator of the HOPEPUNK podcast, I remain committed to building a resilient democratic society.
The HOPEPUNK podcast emerged from this combination of personal experience and social activism. The term “hopepunk” was originally coined by fantasy author Alexandra Rowland; you can find more context here. I am very grateful to Alexandra for explicitly supporting the use of the term by others, including this podcast.
The future requires reflection grounded in empathy and curiosity rather than cynicism, in humanity rather than resignation, and in the courage to prioritize what unites us over what divides us. For I am convinced that if we focus on what works in our society, then—even in the face of current challenges—we have a chance for a bright future.
Hope is the decision to shape it together.