On April 30 we held our monthly Food for Thought event, where we were honored to host journalist, author, and lecturer Phillippa Maigaard Filtenborg. With warmth, and deep insight, Phillippa led us through an unforgettable conversation that explored identity, privilege, the media’s role in shaping perception, and the powerful intersection between personal and political narratives.
Phillippa’s journey as a media professional is rich and layered. Holding a Master’s degree in Journalism and English from Roskilde University (RUC), she has navigated both Danish and Greenlandic media landscapes, bringing stories to light with clarity and compassion. Her career spans high-impact news reporting, live broadcasting, and strategic communication, but this evening, it was her human experience that captivated us most.
Born in Sri Lanka and adopted by a Danish family at just three months old, Phillippa shared openly about her multicultural background and how it continues to shape her understanding of belonging and identity. These themes echoed deeply in her reflections on living and reporting from Greenland.
In her recent book, På Hovedet I Snedriven, Phillippa peels back the layers of her time in Greenland. She reflected that the urge to write this book came from within,a need to process what went wrong and what went right during her time there. With honesty, she spoke about the complexities of reporting on Greenlandic people through the lens of Danish media, often criticized for portraying Greenlanders as not Danish enough. She emphasized how these narratives overlook the vastly different contexts in which people live, and the structural inequalities that shape those differences.
Phillippa acknowledged her own privilege as a Dane in Greenland, and the responsibility she carries as a storyteller. Her time as a live reporter for Danish National TV gave her a front-row seat to how media frames identity, and her mission now, as a journalist and author, is to challenge and change those frames with nuance and empathy.
One of the most poignant moments of the evening came when Phillippa shared her experience moderating former U.S. President Barack Obama’s presentation at Næstved Arena in 2024. Just three weeks prior, she had lost her adoptive father. It was an emotionally charged moment, and she recalled with visible emotion how the very first thing President Obama said to her backstage was, “I’m sorry for your loss.” That small act of empathy from one of the world’s most influential figures left a lasting impression on her, not just as a journalist, but as a human being navigating grief and responsibility at once.
The evening wrapped up with a flavorful vegetarian meal from Send Flere Krydderier, a social enterprise restaurant celebrated for its tasty Middle Eastern dishes and commitment to community. As guests gathered around the table, the conversations continued, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that brought people closer together.
