By Sharon Ryan
For Megan Sam, storytelling is more than communication — it’s a way to connect people to hope. Her passion for environmental storytelling grew through a series of formative internships, from capturing oral histories to collaborating with scientists at the World Wildlife Fund. Those experiences taught Megan the power of relatable characters and clear narrative arcs to make complex topics accessible and emotionally resonant.
Now, as a communications specialist at the Center for Coastal Solutions, Megan channels that same energy into writing stories that illuminate how science and technology are helping address coastal challenges.
“Sharing examples of progress and what’s working gives me hope,” she said. “I want readers to feel that same optimism about the future.”
Growing up in Delray Beach, Florida, Megan developed a love for coastal life, including its quiet mornings, small local shops and the vibrant hues of its evening skies. She still keeps photos of her and friends on the beach close by, reminders of why this work matters.
“That place shaped my connection to nature,” she shared. “It reminds me what we’re working to protect.”
Music is another creative thread in Megan’s storytelling life. When her grandparents moved in with her family at age ten, they taught her to slow down and value the passage of time — an experience that continues to influence how she approaches storytelling. Since then, she’s found creative ways to capture meaningful moments through journaling, short videos and more than 200 playlists, each serving as a personal soundtrack to different chapters of her life.
As she looks ahead, Megan is excited to see months of planning come to life at the CCS Annual Summit in December. For her, the summit is a celebration of the year’s scientific advances and collaborations — a time for colleagues and partners to reconnect, share discoveries and build momentum for what’s next.
Her advice for those starting out in environmental communications: “Be adaptable and open to new tools. Stay resilient through uncertainty — and keep focusing on the solutions that remind us why we do this work.”