Making the MOE: Malaika Vaz’s Pink Sneakers and the Power of Being Underestimated

For example, what if the key to protecting the wonder of our world was wearing a pair of hot pink sneakers?

Malaika’s signature footwear, which will be on display in the National Geographic Museum of Exploration (MOE) starting this summer, represents how she is redefining what it means to be an Explorer for women and girls everywhere.

The Explorer Behind the Lens

Say hello to Malaika — a filmmaker, investigative journalist and co-founder of film production company Untamed Planet. While many National Geographic storytellers focus on the beauty of nature, Malaika seeks to preserve and protect that very beauty by heading toward areas of friction. From wildlife trafficking investigations in mainland China and India, to reporting on human rights abuses and the accelerating climate crisis in the Middle East and the United States, she is on the frontlines of protecting the wonder of our world.

For Malaika, storytelling isn't just about observation — it’s about taking action. But to get the stories that change policy and behavior, she often has to go where filmmakers aren't always welcome.

Wearing Pink Sneakers is a Tactical Misdirection

At first glance, a pair of bright pink sneakers seems like the last thing you’d wear on an undercover mission. But that’s exactly why they work.

"I've always believed that being a woman in the field is an asset," Malaika says. "Women are often underestimated, and in high-stakes investigative environments, that underestimation can become a form of protection."

By pairing her sneakers with a selfie stick, concealed cameras and a tourist persona, Malaika creates a visual narrative that disarms suspicion so she can get to the real story. "Pink has long been coded as unthreatening, even unserious ... together, [these accessories] tell a story at a glance. It’s a small act of misdirection, but it’s made all the difference in walking away with a story that matters and staying safe."

Plus, leaning into her individuality helps build trust with the very communities she’s working in. “Building trust with communities is about investing time and effort in working with people as true collaborators and creative thought partners. My teammates and I have found that … the insight we gain from the process helps us to bring more nuance and freshness to our films.”

A Standoff in Jaipur

These sneakers have navigated Malaika through some complex filming environments, but one moment in Jaipur, India, stands out. While investigating how elephants are trafficked from the wild, the atmosphere turned cold as the team questioned the mahouts, the elephant trainers and keepers. Malaika’s team was pulled aside and interrogated by facility owners who sensed they were digging too deep into the economics of their business.

But the pink sneakers saved the day. "A few deliberate glances at our decoy GoPro tourist footage, the selfie stick sitting casually on the table and my pink sneakers were enough to shift the temperature," Malaika recalls. "We looked like enthusiastic tourists who had simply asked one too many curious questions." They walked away with their safety — and the footage — completely intact.

The footage included in her film inspired many young people around the world to commit to protecting elephants by vowing to never ride an elephant or visit an unethical elephant center again.

Stepping Into a New Chapter at the MOE

By bringing these sneakers to the Museum of Exploration, Malaika is challenging the traditional image of an “Explorer.” They stand as a reminder that there is no single "right" way to change the world.

"I hope that this little story of my sneakers can help women of all ages walking into the MOE remember that you can script what it means to be an explorer for yourself," she says. "Some days I’m in khakis in waist-deep mud, and other days I’m in a pantsuit on a stage to create more support for conservation."

You don't have to fit a mold to make an impact — don’t underestimate the power that you can have on your community and the planet. If anything, break the mold. Let them underestimate you and prove them wrong.

Because we all have an explorer in us, just waiting to be unlocked.

Ignite Your Spark of Curiosity

Malaika’s advice for the aspiring explorer?

"Start by becoming a serious student of the world you're curious about," she recommends. "Read voraciously — books, long-form journalism, podcasts, interviews and more. As you do, pay close attention to not just what sparks your interest, but the questions — the gaps, the contradictions and the things that don't quite add up. Then, go out into the world and explore."

Malaika believes everyone has a unique skillset that the world needs to move the needle to protect our planet.

Come See the Sneakers For Yourself

Come see Malaika’s iconic kicks for yourself this summer at the Museum of Exploration. You’ll see the scuffs of real expeditions and the gear that helped expose global crimes.

As Malaika puts it: “Exploration has never belonged to a single archetype.”