Laurel Dudley was born in Vermont, but her wanderlust proved too great to stay in the northeastern United States, and soon she was off to Rennes, France, where she spent her senior year of high school. She spent time in Mali, Senegal and Gambia during college and later worked in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, for one year, followed by time in French Guyana. Working with an artisan-development nongovernmental organization, Laurel traveled to Morocco and, more recently, to Molokai and Vietnam. She attributes her proficiency in French to her time in France and West African countries.

Laurel now makes her home in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she is a fellow in the East West Center’s Asia Pacific Leadership Program. In conjunction with her studies, Laurel works as a guide with the ecotourism company Bike Hawaii. She is passionate about issues of sustainability, having experienced firsthand the benefits of a newly installed water pump in Mali. While on tour, she enjoys discussing with tourists issues of sustainability, especially those related to water usage. Recently, she participated in a conference in Vietnam on sustainable development in which she facilitated a discussion on China’s environmental future. She believes it is important to look beyond our immediate surroundings and take interest in the well-being of those not only next door but also across the globe.

Laurel has been a runner for about 10 years, beginning when she lived in France. She also plays Ultimate Frisbee and swims and bikes (everywhere!) to keep in general shape for triathlon races. She placed first in her age group in her first triathlon race of the season, the Lavaman, on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Laurel heard about the Blue Planet Run from a friend back in Connecticut and didn’t have to think twice about applying, as it was an incredible opportunity not only to pursue her love of physical activity and travel but also her interest in promoting sustainable development. She is also naturally drawn to act in ways that positively give back to the world that has provided her with so much. Laurel is excited about relating with people she is going to meet on the road and spreading BPR’s message.