Sophie Silkes | Tech for Sustainability

communications & engagement strategy to bridge science, policy, & sustainability.

I build content and experiential programming for evidence-based, impact-focused, network-driven teams.

what i do

how i do it

Brand and content strategy

The most ambitious, complex mission deserves a concise brand strategy that reflects clarity at every touchpoint. As the antidote to meandering (though well-intentioned) newsletters, excellent content strategy aligns experiential, digital, and aspirational elements with memorable calls to action.

Content development

From thought leadership, fundraising campaigns, and impact activations, to UX copy, annual reports, and speechwriting—I build content that brings key messages to life and inspires audience action.

Engagement programming

Whether we're creating a bespoke funder network, building global membership communities, or designing experiences for venture cohorts—I design engagement strategies for all kinds of audiences in alignment with core organizational goals.

and the numbers look great

10,000+

members convened across networks I've created and stewarded.

200+

ventures supported through programming I've activated—accelerators, grantee engagement, funder networks, and more.

100+

events produced, alongside the United Nations Ocean Conference, Web Summit the Skoll World Forum, and more.

recent collaborations

Coalition for Digital Environmental Sustainability

IBM Impact

Developing the digital presence and messaging framework for the United Nations' digital sustainability initiative, the Coalition for Digital Environmental Sustainability (CODES).

Building the inaugural website and digital experience for IBM's first-ever ESG report and framework launch.

Sustainable Ocean Alliance

Leading the first marketing team at SOA. Managing program marketing, impact communications, and external relations across all SOA programs. Top projects included creating SOA's impact reporting strategy and first two annual campaigns, facilitating multiple global cohorts of founders, grantees and youth advocates, and supporting key ocean advocacy campaigns.

Braindate

Designing the marketing machine at e180, the creators of Braindate—an event app leading to in-person learning experiences. My work included launching the marketing team and building core assets including a new website, blog, suite of B2B sales tools.

highlight reel

Reports and Publications

Canadian, American, and Transboundary Approaches to Marine Protected Area Planning in the Salish Sea (2026)

Thesis published to fulfill the degree requirements of my Masters in Sustainability Studies at Harvard Extension School.

The 2024 British Columbia Blue Economy Ecosystem Survey (2024)

Role: Writer, editor
In collaboration with: COAST (Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies) and the University of Victoria's Impact Investing Hub

Our Year in Ocean Impact: the 2022 Sustainable Ocean Alliance Report (2023)

Role: Project owner, writer, editor, creative director
In collaboration with: Sustainable Ocean Alliance
Results: Inaugural report launch at the United Nations Ocean Conference. Corresponding PR and social campaign yielded coverage in Inc., Forbes, TechCrunch, and more.

Sustainable Food Systems: Landscape Assessment for Canadian Philanthropy (2016)

Role: Interviewer, researcher, writer, and editor
In collaboration with: the McConnell Foundation, Community Foundations of Canada, MakeWay, Vancity Community Foundation, the Real Estate Foundation of BC, and more.
Results: Influenced investment and grant allocation decisions for the Canadian Food Funder Collaborative, which granted $16.5M collectively to food systems projects.

Content and Brand Strategy

The Coalition for Digital Environmental Sustainability (2023)

Role: Lead brand and content strategist; website copywriter and editor.
In collaboration with: The Coalition for Digital Environmental Sustainability, comprised of leaders from the United Nations Environment Programme, the United Nations Development Programme, Future Earth, and the German Environment Agency.