About
I am Maria, a German citizen, who has been living abroad for the past nine years, calling Tokyo, Singapore, London, Kigali, Nairobi, Dakar, and Casablanca my home. Currently, I am living in New York City.
After completing my studies in general management, physics, and mathematical finance, I embarked on a career in finance and data analytics in Frankfurt and London. Six years ago, I decided to shift into the development sector to increase the positive impact of my work on people’s lives. Since then, I have worked in renewable energy access across East and West Africa.
Regardless of my career path, I have always had a passion for writing. In my youth, I frequently crafted little stories and worked for a local newspaper during school. In the last few years, I felt the urge to write again – travel stories, opinion pieces, short poetry, and a children’s book. I also started writing articles about inspiring people, cultures and traditions, mental health, social justice, human rights, and development. My goal is to foster understanding between cultures, amplify the voices of disadvantaged people and minorities, stand up in the face of injustice, and challenge stereotypes and the status quo.
When I don’t read or write, I try myself through all the restaurants and delicacies the city I live in has to offer, travel to immerse myself in different cultures, get to know people, learn languages, and capture moments through photography. I enjoy everything active that doesn’t feel like sports and where I don’t have to be competitive – like yoga, dancing, surfing, kitesurfing, skiing, hiking, and climbing. I speak fluent English, German, French, basic Japanese, and just started to learn Arabic. As an ENFP, I am interested in so many different things and would love to do them all at once. But as an ambivert, empath, and highly-sensitive person (HSP) by nature, I strive to channel my energy more intentionally.
I hope you enjoy exploring my website. Feel free to reach out.
Maria Knodt 