World Footprints LLC

World Footprints is a heart-centered Social Impact travel media company where travelers of conscience and culture can come for information, education and inspiration in the travel space.

From its inception in 2007, World Footprints has revealed untold narratives and has explored places that push beyond our comfort zones by opening a window to the world through powerful written and audio storytelling. It is through these stories that World Footprints helps people overcome their fears about traveling the world.

World Footprints was founded by Tonya & Ian Fitzpatrick, two media-savvy lawyers who have merged their passion for meaningful travel and their support for social justice. The multi award-winning World Footprints podcast is the cornerstone of the socially conscious company.

World Footprints continues to evolve but it is unique in its consistent illumination of our common humanity. The steadfast belief in our shared humanity is expressed in the foundational principle of Ubuntu, a Zulu word that translates “I am because we are” and also the Hindu phrase Tat tvam asi – “I see the other in myself and myself in others”. The philosophy of unity guides the impactful stories that are found throughout the World Footprints multimedia platform including the website, podcast and YouTube channel. 

World Footprints offers a space for all voices to be heard and for fuller narratives to be shared even if they are uncomfortable because of the value those stories offer for growth and cross-cultural understanding.

In addition to the philosophical mission there are two prevailing messages that are amplified through World Footprints: the importance of ground-truthing–(finding your own truth about people and places in order to debunk misinformed opinions) and the transformative power of travel. 

Throughout its history, World Footprints has partnered with a number of non-profit and advocacy groups like the United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking.  It has also welcomed world figures, thought leaders and celebrities, such as Maya Angelou, Jack Hanna, Bobby Kennedy, Jr., Ken Burns, chef Cat Cora and others to share unique insights on places and people.

Travel, culture, history and social impact are foundational to World Footprints.