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Who We AreOur Climate2020-11-06T21:44:33+00:00
AllOur Climate StaffBoard of DirectorsAdvisory CouncilAlumniStudent LeadersResilience Advisors
Jasmine Davenport (formerly Sanders)
Director of Strategic Relationships and Programs
Nicole Crescimanno
Massachusetts Field and Education Manager
Eben Bein
Maya Penn
Emily Wirzba
Nadya Dutchin
Darcy Winslow
Andrés Jimenez
Raya Salter, Esq.
Spring 2020 New York Fellows
Danielle Fossett
Lea Lester
Andrew Eil
Resilience Advisor
Peter Bokor
Joel Nigg
Washington Field Representatives
Kaitlyn Busser
Tina Nguyen
Megan Mathieu
Talia Glick
Ruby Kaill
Anthony Stock
Ruipeng Su
Florida Field Representatives
Victoria Calas
Denise Esquibel-Rangel
Andres Leotaud
Maria Lorena Morales Ferrebus
Dayna Lazarus
Sangram Karande
New York Field Representatives
Hannah Paolucci
Arianna Reyes
Monique Vavro
'20 Washington State Fellows
Roshan Selden
Anna Edmunds
Isabel Corona-Campiz
Lauren Andrews
Elizabeth Guadarrama
'20 Oregon Fellows
Grace Doleshel
'19-'20 New England Fellows
Olivia Henning
Sabrin Zahid
Sofia Liang
Angela Ruan
New England Field Advisors
Isabel Skomro
New England Field Representatives
Erin McCann
Mikaela Lessnau
Evan Roden
Eva Milstein-Touesnard
Yasu Wagoner-Oshima
Kira Hawes
Faiza Azam
Liam Smith
Spring 2020 New York Field Representatives
Will Riley
Fiona Bruckman
Samantha Wong
Erin Zipman
Josie Helm
Spring 2020 New York Field Advisors
Sam Horowitz
'20 Florida Fellows
Mary-Elizabeth Estrada
Kala Tedder
Alyssa Lenkel
Natasha De La Cruz
Karen Copeland
'20 Nebraska Fellows
Liam Downes
Sofia Gavia
Trevor Harlow
Fall/Summer 2020 Washington Fellows
Adilia Watson
Chloe Brush
Jalyn Boado
Lela Cooper
Cassidy Giampetro
Emi Grant
Tony Horton
Caitlinn Santiesteban
Shay Steeves
Sarah Griffin
Summer 2019 New York Fellows
Daksh Arora
Jenna Langan
Ayessa Mae Oasan
Daniel Baah
Paola Orozco
Summer 2019 Florida Fellows
Charlotte Stuart-Tilley
Emily Sanner
Fleener Cophy
Maria Morales Ferrebus
Jared Sellick
Sarah Mahan
Summer 2019 Oregon Fellows
Zac Pinard
Alexandra Bless
Grant Starr
Madelyn Starr
Ross Wheeler
Nebraska Field Advisor
Michael Decker
Spring 2019 New England Fellows
Violette Ballecer
Caitlin Colino
Connor Farnham
Ava Harrington
Hannah Lydon
Rhiannon McIsaac
Emily Radkowski
Meaghan Tully
Ruby Wincele
Spring 2019 Washington Fellows
Robin Chapman
Monique Reese
Zoe Hemez
Spring 2019 Virginia Fellow
Riley Place
Spring 2019 Oregon Fellows
Marion Powell
Claire Mathews-Lingen
Erin Kanzig
Sarah Settimo
John Stepanek
Fall 2018 Northwest Fellows
Summer Dean
Jordan Stevenson
Tyee Williams
Rose Thompson
Kevin Hagen
May Xie
Brandy Do
Ava Moattar
Tynan Stevenson
Jonathan Villanueva
Cameron McMaster
Ameena Abdulghani
Claire Perez
Fall 2018 New York Fellows
Bella Crane
Nicol La Cumbre-Gibbs
Joe Nolan
Benedicte Adair
Allison Romer
Fall 2018 New England Fellows
Jade Aguilera
Cecelia Bolon
Anneliese Cowles
Sadie DiCarlo
Andrew Dickenson
Zachary Gavel
Jane Stromberg
Patrick Wang
Summer 2018 Northwest Fellows
Jacob Huskey
Christine Van Winkle-Shaw
Luis Diaz
Amanda Nee
Summer 2018 Northeast Fellows
Grace Mungenast
Trilok Polavaram
Kaitlyn Mangelinkx
Adela Miller
Spring 2018 Northeast Fellows
Chris D'Agostino
Claire Halloran
Gari De Ramos
Maddy Buchman
Karl Meakin
Mendel Baljon
Wilbur Li
Spring 2018 Northwest Fellows
Ana Rae Miller
Jade Lauw
Johnna Coughlin
Nawon Kim
Lydia Petroske
Fall 2017 Fellows Alumni
Kate Pearce
Ephraim Infante
Hanka Kirby
Casey Brayton
Madison Hathaway
Zina Precht-Rodriguez
Sabrina Melendez
Morgan McLenan
Olivia Debes
Summer 2017 Fellows Alumni
Jesse Newman
Clarissa Marconi
Jason Sleisenger
Olivia Kuykendall
Emma Jones
Hogan Dwyer
Allie Gleich
Kathy Bond
Sai Ganagoni
Samantha Peikes
Spring 2017 Fellows Alumni
Madison Weisend
Kevin O'Connor
Jen VanStrander
Chandler Green
Asalia Arauz
Samuel Blackwood
Kyle J. Kilkenny
Daniel Pertwee
Stephanie Hunsucker
Radhika Shah
Jack Meyer
Summer 2015, 2016 and Fall 2016 Fellows Alumni
Sam Becker
Lola Jusidman
Olivia Perfetti
Alex Kendig
Austin Matheny
Joey Waldingher
Sarah Fadem
Shana Gallagher
Darren Bingham
Grace Galletti
Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 Fellows Alumni
Leyana Dessauer
Kelsey Hill
Louis Finazzo
'20 - '21 New England Fellows
Vivian Hernandez Coto
Gabriella De Carvalho
Orlee Lauren
Kala Garrido
Interim Director of Operations
Meg Bartley
Florida Field Organizer
Cat Fernandez
Outreach Associate
Taylor Voegelie
Rachel Allison
Krystina White
Summer '21 Massachusetts Fellow
Nayeli Quiles
Federal Policy Analyst
Environmental Justice Initiatives Associate
Florida Field Representative
Abby Foster
Oregon Fellow
Amanda Brady
Florida NorthLight Young Scholar
Amaya Ellison
New England Field Representative
Anissa Patel
Washington Field Representative
Apple Lieser
National Field Representative
Ashika Srivastava
Oregon Field Representative
Ava Casalino
New York Field Representative
Arya Nayak
National Fellow
Ayush Manoj
Carsyn Williams
Dane Kovaleski
New York Fellow
Eden Lewis
Eliza Garcia
Ella Mosca
Emerson McCarthy
Washington Fellow
Emilia Williams
Emma Maring
Felipe Monroy
Frank Zhou
Gabriela Mendoza
Gray Ford
Florida Northlight Scholar
Haley McGehee
Isabela Chachapoyas
NorthLight Young Scholar
Isabella Prince
Jacqueline Miller
Jason Acosta Espinosa
Jean Chung
Julia Dickinson
Kalyani Nair
Kayla Wang
Kylie Golden-Appleton
Kelsey Hadden
Lucas Sastre
Massachusetts Fellow
Lilian Rose McCarthy
Lucas Salaberry
McKenzie Troxell
Florida Fellow
Mehak Sandhu
Melody Destefano
Milly Waxman
Massachusetts Field Representative
Nancy Tao
Nicole Hirao
Olivia Cowley
Olivia Zhang
Pech Sakhan
Rita Alan
Sachin Shenoy
Sage Renninger
Sam Lu
Simoni Mishra
Skylar Cowen
Swapnil Gandhi
Tiffany Gao
Zoe Carlson
Sharai Bradshaw
Nicole Mare
Tracy Sidesinger
Melissa Boo
Janna Diamond
Katrina P Mautner
Massachusetts Program Intern
Jessica Berger
Sharona Shnayder
Taryn Akiyama
Social Media and Communications Coordinator
Cate Barrie
Arielle King
Digital Organizer
Pacific Northwest Field Organizer
Federal Field Organizer
Savanna Neb
New York Field Organizer
Gabriella Cavallini
Adah Crandall
Alicia Wu
Alice Fan
Anaya Raikar
Arushi Agarwal
Bertine Rose Lakjohn
Bhavika Buddi
Esther Perceval (she/her)
Federal Fellow
Griselda Chavez
New York Field Rep
Ilah Jefferis (she/they
Ibrahim Tahir (he/him)
Jonathan Lan
Jonathan Wong (he/him)
Massachusetts Field Rep
Kalina Brookfield
Keeli McKern
Lana Taffel
Manal Murangi
Navya Natarajan (she/her)
Sabrina Harrison
Sara Karp
Taylor Ganis (she/her)
Tianya Liu
Special Projects Intern
Chloe Braedt
A 2022 recipient of the JFK New Frontier award…Jasmine Davenport (formerly Sanders) is a climate scientist, strategist, advocate and native of Monroe, Louisiana. Striving to raise awareness to the intersecting effects of climate change and the communities of color who are disproportionately affected, she utilizes the positivity that results from uplifting our youth to make a global impact. Previously, she managed the strategic initiatives and special projects for HIAS, wrote legislative briefs for the U.S. House of Representatives Science, Space and Technology Committee and worked for Terpstra Associates, a DC lobbying firm where she advocated on Capitol Hill for agricultural and environmental issues. She earned a graduate degree from the University of Essex with a MSc in Tropical Marine Biology. Specializing in climate change, her graduate thesis detailed the Shifts in the Genetic Composition of three DMS-consuming cnidarians. Mrs. Davenport is a graduate from the University of South Alabama with a BS in Biology and a minor in Spanish. She currently resides in the Washington, DC area with her family. Jasmine can be reached at Jasmine@ourclimate.us.
Email:jasmine@ourclimate.us
Nicole Crescimanno is an organizer, connector, and artist who is deeply concerned about climate change. Nicole has developed a strong and active group of young climate leaders from across New York State to enact bold state-level climate policy in collaboration with our coalition partners. She now focuses on strengthening relationships with foundations, individual donors, and key partners as well as supporting youth leadership programs. Prior to joining Our Climate, Nicole worked at the Earth Institute's Program on Climate Science, Awareness and Solutions. Additionally, Nicole is a StartingBloc Social Innovation Fellow and a Young Climate Leaders Network Fellow. Nicole has her M.A. in Climate & Society from Columbia University, and her B.A. in Environmental Studies & Studio Arts from Stonehill College.
Email:nicole@ourclimate.us
Eben Bein (he/they) is a high-school-teacher-turned-climate-justice-organizer. He joined Our Climate in 2018, after 6 years of teaching biology at Revere High School (MA) and Phillips Exeter Academy (NH). They are now MA Field and Education Manager as well as administrator for the Massachusetts Youth Climate Coalition, where they empower and co-learn with next generation climate advocates across the state. He grew up in a cohousing community on Nipmuc land (Acton, MA) and earned a B.A. in Biology from Dartmouth College and an M.S. in Science Writing from MIT. They also enjoy singing with their rock bands, yoga, cooking and poetry, for which they won the 2022 Bill Holmes "Winter Variations" Poetry Contest and earned their first poetry Fellowship with the 2022 Writing by Writers Tomales Bay Workshop. He currently lives with his partner on Pawtucket land, also known as Cambridge, MA. Find them online at ebenbein.wordpress.com or on F/T/IG @beinology |
Email:eben@ourclimate.us
Maya Penn is a 21 year old phenom, award-winning founder and CEO of eco-fashion brand Maya's Ideas, keynote speaker, sustainability consultant, 3 time TED Speaker, artist, global activist, animator, filmmaker, social entrepreneur, coder and Simon & Schuster author. Maya has received a commendation from President Barack Obama for outstanding achievement in environmental stewardship. Maya was awarded the 2016 Coretta Scott King A.N.G.E.L. Award, as well as honored at the SCLC Drum Major for Justice Awards (past honorees include Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, John Lewis and more). She has been hand chosen by Oprah Winfrey as her youngest Supersoul 100 entrepreneur, change maker, and thought leader. She has been one of the youngest leaders in sustainability and environmental justice for 12 years, starting at the age of just 8 years old. Maya was featured in Forbes magazine at 10 years old, and has since been featured in Huffington Post, Business Insider, Entrepreneur Magazine, NPR, ESSENCE, The View, CNN, TIME, CBS This Morning with Gayle King, O Magazine, Ebony, The Steve Harvey Show, VICE, Wired, Adobe, and many more. In 2016 during the Obama Administration, Maya made history when she was commissioned to produce and animate the opening of the first ever digital report presented to Congress. The report was created to get an American Museum of Women's History built in Washington. She has given three TEDTalks and her latest TEDWomen Talk has gone viral worldwide and is one of TED's official top 15 TEDWomen Talks of all time. She is known as the youngest female to do two back-to-back official TEDTalks. Maya is the winner of the 2013 Black Enterprise Teenpreneur of The Year Award. Magic Johnson chose Maya to be featured in his 32 Under 32 series. Maya was invited to meet and have a private roundtable discussion with Michelle Obama during the launch of her book Becoming. Maya also founded a nonprofit organization called Maya's Ideas 4 The Planet and started an ongoing project to give back to women and girls in Haiti, Senegal, Somalia, and more. Maya's book You Got This (Published by Simon & Schuster) is being used in schools around the world as curriculum to teach youth social good driven entrepreneurship, creativity and giving back.
Emily Wirzba is currently a Manager of Government Relations at the Environmental Defense Fund, where she works with members of Congress to advance climate and clean energy legislation. Prior to EDF, Emily was the Legislative Manager for Sustainable Energy and Environment at the Friends Committee on National Legislation, a Quaker lobby organization, where she led their work to achieve bipartisan action on climate change in Congress. She was a 2016 Fellow with the New Leaders Council, which works to recruit, train and promote the next generation of progressive leaders. She was also a Spring 2015 Fellow with the Clean Energy Leadership Institute, which equips fellows with a strong working knowledge of energy markets and policy to build an equitable, decarbonized, and resilient energy ecosystem. Emily is on Our Climate's Advisory Council, and is passionate about teaching youth leaders how to become citizen lobbyists.
Nadya (Pronouns: She/Her) is of Guyanese parentage and a proud alumna of Florida A&M University who lives in Baltimore with her daughter. She focused on healthcare-focused nonprofit work for more than 10 years before transitioning to managing clean energy programs such as wind power and community solar with a DC-based nonprofit and PSN Network Member organization. In the summer of 2019, she joined PSN Staff as the Interim Executive Director after serving as the PSN Board Treasurer and a General Board Member. Nadya has focused her work at PSN on building long-term structural support for the organization via a Co-Directorship leadership model, growing a robust and comprehensive individual donor program, seeding a major and mid-major donor program, and building out PSN's communications efforts.
Darcy Winslow is the Founding President (2010-2020) and co-founder of the Academy for Systems Change, an organization focused on advancing the field of awareness-based systemic change in order to achieve economic, social, and ecological wellbeing.
Darcy also founded the recently launched Magnolia Moonshot 2030 (MM2030), a new narrative for women's leadership, creating the conditions to activate our collective power to address the greatest chal lenges we face today. By convening networks of women leaders urgently addressing the climate crisis, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, deep equity, conscious leadership and the divine femi nine, MM2030 amplifies our collective ability for positive impact.
Darcy worked at Nike, Inc. for 21 years. She led large scale systems change efforts within Nike, and held several senior management positions, most notably starting the Sustainable Business Strategies in 1999, Global Director for Research Design and Development, General Manager/VP for Nike!s Global Women!s Footwear, Apparel and Equipment division, and Senior Advisor to the Nike Foundation.
Darcy participates as a Board Member for The Carbon Underground, The Cloud Institute for Sustainability Education, and Regenerative Earth. She is an avid athlete and draws inspiration from her time in nature.
A long-time environmental advocate, Andrés Jimenez was tapped by Green 2.0's Board of Directors in June 2020 to serve as its first full-time Executive Director. Andrés is a strategic thinker, a relationship-builder, and carries a deep, empathetic connection to the communities he advocates.
Most recently, Andrés served as Senior Director of Government Affairs at Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL), where he worked with both the House and Senate to help expand the voice of CCL and advocate for relevant legislation. Andrés also served as the Associate Director of Government Relations at Ocean Conservancy with a focus on creating bipartisan solutions for critical issues like ocean acidification and sustainable fisheries in the United States.
Andrés has a strong history of public service, having worked for New York City's mayor's office, the House Judiciary's Immigration Subcommittee, Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, and Congressman Howard Berman. His work also includes being an active member of the GreenLatinos as well as serving on the board for the Culmore Clinic and a member of the Green Leadership Trust. Andres was appointed as Planning Commissioner for Fairfax, Virginia in 2020.
Raya Salter is an attorney, educator and clean energy law and policy expert with a focus on energy and climate justice. Raya is Senior Advisor to WE ACT for Environmental Justice. She is also a member of the New York State Climate Action Council, the body that is developing the plan to implement the nation's leading climate law.
In previous roles she was Lead Policy Organizer for the NY Renews climate justice coalition, Senior Attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council and a Regulatory Attorney for the Environmental Defense Fund. She started her legal career as an energy associate at Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP. Raya has practiced in several jurisdictions, including New York, California and Hawaii. She and is the co-editor of Energy Justice: US and International Perspectives (2018) and an adjunct professor at Cardozo Law School.
Raya sits on the board of directors of the Energy and Environmental Study Institute and the advisory boards of Evergreen Action and the Initiative for Climate Risk and Resilience Law, a joint initiative of Columbia Law School's Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, Environmental Defense Fund, the Institute for Policy Integrity at New York University School of Law, and Vanderbilt Law School. Prior to becoming a lawyer she worked in community and school based youth programs in Yonkers and Brooklyn, NY. Raya has a BA from Wesleyan University and a JD from Fordham Law School. She is @ClimateAuntie on IG and TikTok and @RayaSalter on Twitter. Her web site is www.RayaSalter.com.
Melissa Lee is the Founder and CEO of The GREEN Program (TGP), an award-winning experiential education program for our world's future sustainability leaders. For her work with TGP, Melissa was recognized by the National Association of Women Business Owners as the Environmental Advocate of the Year, Philadelphia magazine's Best of Philly® – Expander of Frontiers, and the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in Education. Melissa has served as a U.S. Global Schools Ambassador for the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and a Heinz Distinguished Lecturer at the University of Pittsburgh.
Melissa is driven by a desire to reshape higher education curricula to integrate the SDGs, hands-on experience, and build industry IQ for students. As CEO, Lee has expanded TGP beyond its roots as an experiential education program, partnering with the United Nations and leading universities to create a global, socially-conscious, public benefit company. TGP represents university students from 470 universities and 70 countries around the world, who are now employed at organizations such as General Electric, SpaceX, Tesla, Boeing, NASA, The Environmental Defense Fund, The National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and more.
Under Melissa's leadership, TGP has been recognized for numerous awards:
– Best Education Abroad Provider by the Global Youth Travel Awards
– Sustainability International Impact Award by The PIEoneer Awards
– Company of the Year and COVID-19 Response: Education Hero of the Year by The Stevie Awards
– #1 Summer Study Abroad Program by StudyAbroad101
– Philadelphia's Green Innovator of the Year by the Clean Air Council
– Top Young Companies Driving Social Change at the United Nations Social Innovation Summit and more.
Melissa also serves as a Board Member for several non-profits organizations, and is a Mentor to Veterans who are transitioning into the civilian workforce.
Danielle Fossett is a freshman at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry majoring in Environmental Studies with a focus on policy and law. She took a gap year before entering college working with Climate Countdown and spending two months in India researching the effects of pollution within the vicinity of the Ganga River and advocating for young primary school girls to use more environmentally friendly sanitary products. She recently participated in COP25 as a representative of FOCUS Climate Gap Year, advocating for students to explore the world immersing themselves in climate impacts and solutions. She is a fellow at Our Climate and is hoping to get her campus more involved and well-known in the political and environmental sphere of Syracuse, New York.
Lea (pronounced lee) is a licensed therapist, Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator, Ph.D. student, and entrepreneur. She primarily works with young adults; helping them prioritize self love, self care, and self acceptance.
As a former public school educator, she became passionate about helping young adults navigate the increasing pressures and pain of coming of age in today's society.
Her therapeutic interests include childhood, intergenerational, and collective trauma, somatic awareness, and grief and loss.
A self-proclaimed recovering perfectionist, her work places heavy emphasis on compassion, courage, and connection.
Lea also hosts creative therapeutic workshops, titled FEEL, with the aim of creating accessible and safe spaces for collective healing.
Lea resides in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex with her husband and children where she's always up for spicy food and enjoys a good beat drop.
Andrew is an independent consultant with expertise in climate change and clean energy policy, international development, and sustainable investing. As Coordinator of Climate Change Programs at the State Department (2010-2014), he managed a $75 million portfolio of clean energy programs funded by the U.S. government's Global Climate Change Initiative, designed to assist developing countries accelerate their transition to low-carbon growth pathways. Andrew's portfolio included the Clean Energy Ministerial, the Lighting Asia-India program, and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants.
Prior to the State Department, Andrew worked for the World Bank and International Finance Corporation (2009-10), and as Regional Director of Development for Central Asia at the Eurasia Foundation (2003-07).. Andrew has an MPA from the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University and a BA in Russian history and literature from Harvard University. He speaks Russian, French, and Mandarin Chinese, and is conversant in Spanish.
Peter Bokor was trained as a biologist and more recently obtained an LMSW in Social Work and has worked with dually diagnosed homeless people in Manhattan. As a trustee for over twenty years with the Morton and Jane Blaustein Foundation, he has supported non-profits in the areas of health, education and immigrant rights and has in the past year begun to develop a new program devoted to climate change and environmental justice. He is a board member of Peer Health Exchange, an organization whose mission is to bring a health curriculum to inner city public schools. This year he joined the Global Philanthropy Circle affiliated with the Synergos Group and the Global Engagement Lab, a part of the EDGE's (Engaged Donors for Global Equity) Just Transition Collaborative. Peter is an ardent supporter of Our Climate. He lives in Manhattan with his wife Jeannie Blaustein. They have two daughters currently in college. When not playing with his dogs he likes to sculpt in stone.
Joel Nigg, Ph.D., is a clinical research psychologist at Oregon Health & Science University. He conducts research on child neurodevelopmental, behavioral, and mental disorders. He has a long standing interest in the linkage between health of the environment and children's health, and is active on the boards of several non-profit groups working on issues of public concern, particularly climate change.
Kaitlyn Busser is a 2020 graduate of the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Terrestrial Resource Management. Her initial interest in advocating for the environment is drawn from both her childhood in the Pacific Northwest and enrollment in AP Environmental Science. This interest was further fostered by the multitude of opportunities offered by the University of Washington, including environmental innovation practicums and seminars focused on the current climate crisis. Kaitlyn hopes to pursue a career in environmental education and outreach and believes working with Our Climate will allow her to perfect her voice.
Tina Nguyen is a sophomore at Moses Lake High School. She is looking forward to studying government and/or environmental science and public policy. Tina lives on the East side of Washington where climate change affects her friends and neighbors tremendously as they are in the agricultural business. She is also interested in social justice and feels that climate change is also a factor of that. She initially started learning about climate change and environmental polices in middle school and from then on she had started to inform herself about the matter and has switched to a plant-based diet. Tina wants to learn and find out more ways she can help to bring a cleaner future for us and generations after.
Megan is a recent highschool graduate who is taking a gap year before heading to Tufts University, where she plans to double-major in Environmental Studies and Civic Studies with a Minor in Peace and Justice. Megan has always loved the outdoors and grew up learning about climate change and sustainability, but has focused more recently on the intersections of climate, economic and racial justice. Now, she is excited to advocate for bold, equitable climate action from her state representatives. As an Our Climate Field Representative, Megan is eager to learn the lobbying and outreach skills that will help mobilize other young people to join the movement as agents of change. Outside of her work you can find her singing, talking to new people, and loving dogs. In high school she led her school's Outdoors club and was a peer facilitator, member of the musical theater program, and cross country captain.
Talia Glick is a High School Senior in Seattle, Washington, and a running start student at North Seattle College. They have worked on public health and educational justice as two of their main focuses, in addition to climate justice. As an artist and musician, they also enjoy singing, painting, and writing. They look forward to continuing their community organizing work in college, as they plan to study at a four-year university in 2021 or 2022.
Ruby is a junior at Garfield High School in Seattle, WA. She enjoys backpacking and exploring in the Pacific Northwest. She became active in the conservation movement as a volunteer for the Seattle Aquarium and has since began to focus on climate policy by helping organize lobbying efforts in Olympia through her school.
Anthony is a second year student studying at Everett community College. Anthony spent the first two years of his college career studying pre nursing but after spending more time outside and being involved in Environmental Action he realized his calling was elsewhere, specifically in Environmental Science and Sustainable Systems. He now serves as the president of the Students for Environmental Action Club and volunteers with various local Environmental groups including the Washington Trails Association, The Audubon Society and Forterra. Outside of volunteering and school Anthony spends most of his time in the wilderness hiking, kayaking and camping! He loves nature and wants to do anything he can to protect it!!
Ruipeng is an Environment and Sustainability major at the University of British Columbia. He is passionate about climate policy (specifically the ones that most effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions) and wants to do as much as he can to fight for a planet free of any emissions. His climate activism work this year spans from sending a message to the Canadian Prime Minister regarding placing carbon tariffs on imports, meeting with Washington state lawmakers both in person and virtually to push for Our Climate's policy agenda, and to writing a summary of recently published book The Citizen's Guide To Climate Success to make its message more accessible to everyday people. He hopes to one day be able to say he did everything in his power that was necessary to avoid a climate disaster.
Victoria is a biomedical science major at the University of South Florida. Her goal is to become an advocate for animal conservation, raise awareness, and use her creativity to come up with solutions to avert animal suffering. She aspires to reach these goals by becoming a zoological veterinarian working abroad in the field. She would like to assist with international research surrounding conservation and animal rights. Her plan is to become a political activist, educator, and public speaker. She wants to propose solutions to prevent animals from having to face endangering situations or extinction. In support of a career path that involves helping animals, she dedicates most of her time coming up with ways to lessen our carbon footprint, whether it be at work or within her friends and family. At work, Victoria made over 30 reusable cups, laminated regularly used papers, and has become a volunteer coordinator (where she organizes coworkers to gather to plant trees and participate in beach cleanups). She is frequently an inspiration to others to live more sustainable lifestyles.
Denise is a junior at the University of South Florida pursuing her Bachelors in Communication and Environmental Policy. She started her summer by taking a trip to Washington D.C. for a policy camp offered by Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCL) and Our Climate, in addition, she participated in the 10th Anniversary Lobby Day for CCL. She is a climate advocate and expects to use her communications degree to reach out to her community and policy makers to pass bold legislation that preserves a livable world.
Andres Leotaud is a sophomore currently studying mechanical engineering at the University of South Florida. He is passionabte about green energy and sustainability. Therefore, climate action is primary goal he feels strongly about. He recently attended the policy camp for Citizens' Climate Lobby in DC and on campus is a member of the Solar Energy Society and Student Government Association.
Maria Lorena was born and raised in Venezuela, where she was fortunate to connect with nature at a young age. In 2015, Maria and her family moved to the United States to start a new life. Maria is currently a senior in college studying Business Analytics and Information Systems with a minor in Environmental Policy at the University of South Florida. It was at this institution where she found her passion for helping to solve the climate crisis and became involved with Citizens' Climate Lobby and Our Climate. Maria is a rising campus leader and climate advocate. She is actively working on launching the Climate Action Coalition at her school, a student organization to empower USF students to take action on climate change.
Emma is a junior at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg with an Environmental Science and Policy major, concentration in Sustainability, and double minor in Geospatial Science and Geography. She has held the position of Vice Chair of the Student Green Energy Fund (SGEF) at her college since 2018 and is a member of many other sustainability organizations on campus and in the community. She spends most of her time managing SGEF and is working on a project to get a biodigester to eliminate food waste at her school. Emma enjoys trying new vegan foods, studying abroad, and spending time with her 4 dogs. She is extremely passionate about the environment, and tries to apply sustainability to every aspect of her life.
Dayna Lazarus is a climate justice-focused community organizer in Tampa Bay, a member of the Citizen Advisory Committee for the Hillsborough Metropolitan Planning Organization, a Graduate Assistant at the Center for Urban Transportation Research, and a graduate student in the Urban and Regional Planning program at USF. Her focus is on equitable, sustainable transportation development and improving public participation processes in local government.
Sangram S Karande is a Florida Field Representative for Our Climate in Tampa. He is an international student with a Master's in Global Sustainability (Concentration: Sustainable Business) from University of South Florida and has completed his Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering from India. Most people go about their lives without finding their "why", he found his "why" in pursuing his passion for Sustainability and helping people lead a Sustainable lifestyle.
He has been volunteering by helping people and has shared his knowledge about Sustainability and Climate Change through his Facebook group page – "Greener Minds" and "The Greener Mind".
Hannah Paolucci is a junior at Skidmore College pursuing a major in Environmental Studies with a double minor in Political Science and Business, passionate about pursuing a career at the intersection of science and policy. She grew up in the rural town of Alexander, NY and has held close the importance of nature and conservation for a long time. Looking for some bottom-up work, she's gotten her boots on the ground advocating for climate justice with NY Renews and PUSH Buffalo, and working as an environmental technician at her neighboring county health department for a better foundation in science. Through Our Climate, she looks forward to continuing to give power to the people at community and regional levels in the fight to achieve a sustainable future.
Arianna is a rising sophomore at Binghamton University, currently double majoring in Political Science and Economics. She was born and raised in New York City and recognized early how climate change effects everyone, even in the most urban of cities where greenery is rare. As a budding political activist, she firmly believes that environmental policy should be considered top priority across the country, which made her truly appreciate the work Our Climate has strived towards. In her free time, Arianna enjoys debating, writing, swimming, spending time in local shops and playing with her dog.
Monique is a rising junior at Binghamton University. She is pursuing a major in environmental policy and a minor in spanish. Monique grew up and currently lives on Long Island. Being constantly surrounded by beaches and the ocean is what initially sparked her passion for the environment. Attending school in the ecologically sound city of Binghamton has only allowed this passion to flourish. Whether it's participating in a beach clean up, or living a meat-free lifestyle, she believes that every individual has the power to make a difference in their day-to-day lives because it's the small things that add up. After taking various courses on carbon pricing and environmental law, this is her first time getting hands on experience in the field and she couldn't be more excited. Aside from advocating for a clean and safe environment, her other hobbies include traveling and spending some quality time with her friends.
Roshan is a current senior at the University of Washington studying German, sociology, and mathematics. Roshan is driven by a curiosity for human differences. Frustrated by environmental protection becoming an increasingly polarized issue, Roshan is passionate about bringing disagreeing communities together by finding solutions which creatively embrace their differences. As such, Roshan has dedicated many hours of her undergraduate career combining cognitive and political sociological approaches to researching various factors which seem to dismantle cognitive plurality in the political sphere-an issue she will formally tackle this year in her honors research thesis. Bent on pursuing environmental law, she is so thrilled to finally begin her environmental justice pursuits with Our Climate. Roshan is particularly excited by Our Climate's investment in young leaders, as she herself is firmly rooted in the belief that tide-pod eating aside, Generation Z will truly change the world.
Anna Edmunds is a junior at the University of Puget Sound studying Environmental Policy and Politics and Government. She is originally from northern Wisconsin where she developed a love for wild places and became inspired to work towards climate justice for all. Anna has previously worked with her campus' environmental club and the Sunrise Movement. Outside of activism and school, Anna loves canoeing, working as a camp counselor, reading, exploring the beautiful state of Washington, and swimming in Lake Superior!
Isabel Corona-Campiz is a sophomore at the University of Washington pursuing a bachelor's degree in environmental studies. She is from an agricultural background and was born and raised in rural Washington. Isabel has seen the effects of climate change on rural communities 1st hand. She is deeply interested in disproportional environmental issues that people of color and low-income communities face. Isabel also wants to explore classes in diversity and chicano studies to further knowledge in other types of issues faced by these communities. Eventually Isabel wants to work with an environmental justice nonprofit organization. In her free time, Isabel enjoys playing with pets, watching YouTube and Netflix.
Lauren Andrews is currently a senior at Seattle University double majoring in Environmental and Public Policy. She is originally from Napa, CA, and has seen first hand the devastating effects of climate change, which inspires her to create change. Lauren interns for a state senate campaign, volunteers for local environmental nonprofits, and hopes to be part of systematic environmental solutions. She loves being out in nature and getting involved with her community. Lauren is excited to be working with Our Climate to further her understanding of climate policy in Washington State, and work with others to create change.
Elizabeth Guadarrama is pursuing a major in Environmental Studies with a minor in Mathematics at Saint Martin's University. She strongly believes that by taking action to solve climate change, she will contribute to the well being of the planet. Which, will in turn improve the lives of others. She plans to educate herself about the consequences of climate change, especially in low-income communities, because she wants to equip herself with the knowledge to help repair communities in need. She is thankful for the opportunity to advocate for just climate policies through Our Climate. She intends to continue to look for opportunities to help give back to her community.
Grace began her journey in conservation as a freshman in high school when she began volunteering at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington. There she worked to educate zoo guests on conservation issues as well as develop and implement conservation projects in her community such as fundraisers for endangered species and plastic free incentives. After four years with Point Defiance, she went on to be a member of the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Youth Advisory Council, the National Sattelite Summit Coordinator for the Youth Ocean Conservation Summit and a 2019 delegate for Sea Youth Rise Up. Grace has lobbied for climate at a state, national, and international level, most recently travelling to Madrid, Spain for COP25. Grace is currently a junior at Oregon State University pursuing a BS in environmental public policy with a minor in social justice and is excited to be joining the Our Climate family.
Ian Curtis is a first-year student studying political science at Willamette University. Ian has interned with Ron Wyden, served as Executive Director of the Oregon Youth Legislative Initiative on Climate Justice and currently works with Renew Oregon and does communications for Deb Patterson's state senate campaign. In addition to his environmental activism, Ian runs cross-country and track for Willamette.
Olivia is a sophomore at Boston University studying Environmental Analysis and Policy. She is originally from Seattle, Washington, where she enjoyed hiking, skiing, and swimming in local lakes and rivers. Olivia works to make Boston University more sustainable with it's Environmental Student Organization, by writing for the Emerald Review, its environmental science and policy magazine, and by educating incoming students as a Sustainability Ambassador. Olivia hopes to pursue a career where she can impact environmental policy and hopes working with Our Climate can help her build the foundational skills to influence policy and be a role model for other aspiring policy influencers.
During her AP Environmental Science course at Somerville High School, Sabrin found her passion for the environment. Now as a senior, she is a leader in the Boston Climate Strike movement and has a growing awareness of the environmental injustices that are placed on low income urban communities like her own. Combining her love for nature and her passion for social justice, Sabrin intends to learn more about environmental politics and is excited to be applying some of her own knowledge to this Our Climate Fellowship. During her spare time, Sabrin likes to spend time with her friends at the beach and try out new vegan restaurants around Boston!
Sofia is a junior at the John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science, where she particularly enjoys AP Language and Composition. She is excited to research more about climate change and build on the skills she has learned from working with the Sunrise Movement and the Boston Student Advisory Council. She is originally from Boston, Massachusetts.
Angela is a student at the Woodward School for Girls in Quincy, MA.
Since beginning their fellowships in the summer, Dania Halak and Isabel Skomro have become an unstoppable team for building Our Climate's relationship with the Massachusetts Speaker of the House. Isabel is a Senior at Winthrop High School and lives on a small peninsula in Winthrop, MA, with the ocean on one side of her house and the bay on the other. She became more interested in fighting climate change during her junior year, when she took AP Environmental Science. Dania is similarly passionate about science, especially AP biology. After school, Isabel enjoys soccer, spring and winter track, and mock trial while Dania leads several social justice clubs and interns at Mass General Hospital.
Lorenzo is a freshman at Milton Academy in Milton, MA. His interest in politics has led him to joining a few political campaigns, including that of Senator Bernie Sanders in 2016. Curiosity led him to try his hand at lobbying for carbon pricing and now it's a big part of what he does. Through effective legislation and business action, Lorenzo hopes that Massachusetts can be a national leader in small government climate change solutions that don't threaten individual rights while using revenue for important budget priorities. Lorenzo loves to read about politics and constitutional law, and hopes to pursue a career involving the two. Outside of Our Climate, Lorenzo likes reading, building engines and stupid contraptions, and hiking.
Erin is a junior at Phillips Exeter Academy, and is originally from Half Moon Bay and Menlo Park, California. Over the summer, she was fortunate enough to visit Iceland with National Geographic, and returned with a renewed passion and talent for using art and writing to communicate the devastation and gravity of climate change. That passion motivated her to become a part of Our Climate, so that she could fight for the places she photographs and is inspired by. At school, Erin writes for a MATTER, a student-run science magazine, is a member of the debate club, and is involved in a multitude of environmental clubs. In her work for Our Climate, she hopes to gain valuable experience by learning how to lobby, mobilizing her own communities to become more involved in the environmental movement, and meeting some of the inspiring leaders that are working to protect our future.
Mikaela (Mika) is a junior at Tufts University double-majoring in International Relations and Environmental Studies with a concentration in environmental communication, global health and nutrition. She grew up in the urban atmosphere of New York City and experienced the natural world by horseback riding in upstate New York and skiing in New England. She loves learning languages and speaks German, Italian, and French. She is interested in international climate policy between the EU and the US to foster cooperative, concordant legislation that will help mitigate climate change. Mika was an Environmental Communications intern for Green Streets in Cambridge last summer, which promotes sustainable and active forms of transportation among Massachusetts residents and companies.
Evan Roden is a student from East Aurora focused on climate policy on a state and local level. Through his actions as a senior board member with his school's science and sustainability clubs, he has facilitated social and health-based policy changes tangential to climate action, along with a local radio show on WBNY FM. Evan is a state chair of the NYS Junior Classical League, the president of seven local clubs and organizations, and a climate fellow for Our Climate. Evan loves cooking, his dog, Scout, and playing the viola. He intends to study Biomedical Engineering in college.
Eva Milstein-Touesnard is a sophomore at Cornell University. She is majoring in government and is doing a minor in social inequality and another minor in environmental science and sustainability. At Cornell, Eva is the outreach chair for Climate Justice Cornell, a club that seeks to educate and advocate for environmental justice. She is also on three dance teams where she spends her free time practicing and performing many different styles of dance. Outside of Cornell, she is a fellow at Our Climate and is working to build a stronger network of local young people to be able to advocate for climate protection laws.
Yasu Wagoner-Oshima is a junior at Binghamton University majoring in Environmental Planning. At Binghamton University Yasu volunteers at various food drives, events held at the local zoo, and more. Over the last two summers Yasu worked as a Support Specialist at New Country Day Camp, helping children who needed extra support. Currently Yasu is working as a fellow at Our Climate, in order to raise awareness and create change at his school, and at the state level.
Kira Hawes is a sophomore studying Environmental Policy with a minor in History at Binghamton University. At Binghamton, she is the Chair of Sustainability of the Environmental Action Club, which aims to educate students about broader environmental justice issues and push for sustainable solutions on campus. She is also a fellow for Our Climate and is dedicated to pushing for polluter accountability in her community and at the state level. In her free time, Kira likes to hike, run, and photograph all things nature!
Faiza Azam is a senior at John Dewey High school, located in South Brooklyn. Faiza started out her career path in Environmental studies when she joined the Resilient Schools Consortium, an organization dedicated to research and preparation for communities in Coney Island to become resilient against natural disasters, after the destruction left by Hurricane Sandy. This led to her work with the Wildlife Conservation Society at the NY Aquarium, to campaign and research for ocean and wildlife protection against pollution and effects of climate change. Faiza has worked among both groups to organize events and strike for change. Faiza joined Our Climate as a Field Representative in 2019 and continues her work as a Spring 2020 Fellow where she is working to pass climate policy. Faiza plan to major in Law and Criminal Justice in college and she also love to code.
Liam Smith is a senior at Brighton High School. He serves as President of Brighton High School's Climate Club, Leadership Team member of the Rochester Youth Climate Leaders, and Director of Government Affairs for the New York Youth Climate Leaders. He has years of experience lobbying for sustainability policy in his school, town, county, and country. As a fellow for Our Climate, Liam is currently working to enact comprehensive carbon pricing legislation in New York State. In his free time, Liam does gymnastics, plays the piano, and hangs out with his four siblings.
Will Riley is a sophomore at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY and is working towards his BA in Earth Science and Biology. Will is very interested in how physical earth systems and ecosystems interact and will change as a result of the climate crisis, and is involved in researching such topics. As the climate crisis demands more action than just producing scientific work, Will's passion for climate advocacy led him to Our Climate. In his free time, Will enjoys hiking, painting, and swimming.
Fiona Bruckman is a sophomore currently pursuing a Science, Technology, and Society major and Hispanic Studies correlate at Vassar College. She's previously been involved in grassroots movements through the member-led immigrants right's organization Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson, and is looking forward to tackling grassroots environmental work through her involvement with Our Climate. She is excited by the prospect of holding the fossil fuel industry accountable for carbon pollution, and by the coalition of young people that are fighting to make this possible. In her free time Fiona likes to dance, hike, knit, and hangout with her dog.
Samantha Wong is a Junior at Binghamton University pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Science and minor in Geographic Information Systems. She is interested in the global impact of climate change, especially in urban areas. Additionally, she is excited to learn more about environmental policy and how students can advocate for change which led her to Our Climate. In her free time Samantha likes to swim, watch TV, and cook.
Erin Zipman is a high school senior on Long Island. She is looking forward to studying Communications and Environmental Studies in college, and to learn more about social justice. She has begun organizing with other young people in her community. With the help of Our Climate, Erin is excited to learn about her place in the environmental movement, how to take action and also elevate the voices of others. In her free time, she enjoys biking, reading, painting and drawing.
Sophia Howard is a junior at Binghamton University pursuing a B.S in biology. She grew up in a rural area in New York, and is interested in working towards climate change solutions to preserve our world. She is eager to learn to work with elected officials to advocate for science-based climate policies with Our Climate. Her interests/ hobbies include diving, eating, and spending time with friends.
Josie is a sophomore at the Brearley School in Manhattan. She enjoys biology, writing, and history. An executive committee member of DAIS, the Diversity Awareness Initiative for Students, she is passionate about social justice and believes climate change is inherently intersected with social justice. She believes that significant reform in environmental policy as well as a just transition to clean energy are not only important but vital for the future of our Earth. As a young person, she is eager to meet with politicians, write in favor of climate reform, and mobilize peers to learn about climate change.
Sam Horowitz is a Senior at Pitzer College, where he studies environmental policy. For the last two semesters, he has served as the NY State Field Advisor for Our Climate, a youth-led, grassroots carbon pricing advocacy group. He was born and raised in New York City, where his first-hand experience with the devastation of Superstorm Sandy made him passionate about fighting climate change. He spent this past summer as the resilience intern at the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, where he supported first of its kind research on the impacts of climate change on city economic competitiveness. He currently serves as the L.A. Regional Director for the California Young Democrats Environmental Caucus, and was previously the President of the Democrats of the Claremont Colleges, where he organized students for the 2018 midterm elections and helped make the Claremont Colleges some of the most civically engaged schools in the country.
Mary-Elizabeth (aka Mary Liz) is a grad student at USF mastering in Global Sustainability with concentrations in both Sustainable Policy and Sustainable Tourism. In recent years, she has been very dedicated to reducing her individual ecological footprint. However, she realized that in order to make a sizable difference, policy and institutional change must take place. Being an Our Climate fellow is helping her learn and gain the experience to lobby for environmental policy and help educate the public about putting a price on pollution.
Kala Tedder is a 2nd-year Political Science and Environmental Science & Policy dual degree student at the University of South Florida, Tampa campus. Her political involvement stems back to the 2016 election, where she first gained experience doing fieldwork. Later, in 2018 she became the Chairwoman of Florida High School Democrats and also ran for the Polk County School Board. Her passions include environmental justice and education advocacy.
Alyssa Lenkel is a junior at Florida Southern College studying Environmental Studies and
Marine Biology, with a minor in Business Administration. Originally from New Jersey, she came
to Florida to pursue her dream of protecting our environment, and helping to mitigate the harsh
effects of climate change. Through the Our Climate Fellowship, she hopes to grow as a scientist,
leader, and environmental policy advocate.
Natasha De La Cruz is currently studying environmental science at Florida State University and will be graduating this spring. After she graduates, she will be pursuing a J.D. in environmental law so that she can help people in coastal communities. As a Florida native, Natasha has always cared deeply about the ocean and aquatic ecosystems which is why she wants to make a future career protecting these natural spaces for people and wildlife.
Karen Copeland is a sophomore at Columbia University studying Earth and Environmental Engineering with minors in Computer Science and Sustainable Engineering. Born and raised in Jupiter, Florida, she is very passionate about the climate crisis and working to mitigate humans' negative impact on natural ecosystems. She hopes to grow this interest with Our Climate, learning more about environmental policy and advocation to supplement my technical,
scientific background. She is excited to work with Our Climate because she believes that collaboration between these two fields (science and policy) is vital for making progress against climate change.
Liam Downes is a Junior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Natural Resource Economics. His favorite hobbies include running, fishing, music and collecting rare plants! In his free time you'll most likely catch him writing in a journal or playing NBA 2K.
Sofia Gavia is from Omaha, Nebraska. She is currently receiving her degree in Environmental Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She became involved in climate work because she believes climate change is a problem that impacts all of our futures.
Trevor Harlow is from Omaha, Nebraska, and he recently completed his undergraduate at the University of Nebraska at Omaha(UNO) with degrees in Environmental Science and Political Science. He is currently starting his graduate's program, also at UNO, where he will be working towards a Master's of Public Administration.
Adilia is an Environmental Studies major and Writing minor at Seattle University. She aspires to be a journalist and environmental writer. Originally from Stockton, California, her interest in the environment has increased since going to school in the Pacific Northwest. As a Doris Duke Fellowship Alumni, she wants to continue her work in fighting climate change. She loves staying busy by working on her blog, Accidie and Affection, or having fun at a Jamaican Dancehall class!
Chloe has spent the majority of her life in the Pacific Northwest and currently lives in Bellingham for most of the year. Entering her third year at Western Washington University, she is a student of Western's Huxley College of the Environment where she is majoring in Environmental Studies and is looking to focus on environmental policy. She is also a member of Western's Environmental Justice Committee, as well as an avid volunteer at the farm on Western's campus. When she isn't studying, Chloe can be found gardening, watching cult classic films with friends, or checking out new hot yoga studios around town.
Jalyn is a Sophomore at Saint Martin's University in Lacey, Washington studying Political Science. She is passionate about the issue of climate justice. Specifically, about environmental equity issues that affect low-income communities and communities of color. Jalyn is a leader and mentor on her campus and she is involved with the Catholic Relief Service which takes a faith-based approach to climate change. In the future, she is looking forward to learning more about climate policy.
Lela is a senior at The University of Washington majoring in Environmental Studies, and minoring in Urban Design and Planning, and Danish. She grew up in Eastern Washington, and credits the natural environment of the region, as well as seeing the increased impacts of wildfires and other climate change related events as spurring her original interests in climate action, and environmental awareness. She loves learning languages, and while at UW, she has studied both Danish, and Inuktitut, and hopes to use these skills to further engage with Arctic communities in the future, to understand how climate change has impacted the region. Lela is excited about working with Our Climate to better understand how climate policy works in Washington, and to work alongside other young leaders to help spur further climate action.
Cassidy Giampetro is originally from Miami, Florida and graduated from Seattle University in June 2019 with a degree in Political Science and Environmental Studies. She is currently working for a nonprofit on the Eastside of King County supervising a coalition that works towards transportation accessibility. Cassidy is passionate about environmental policy and specifically international sustainable development, focusing on the intersection of environmental justice and sustainability with political economy issues.
Emi is a second-year student at Seattle University studying creative writing. Growing up in the city of Olympia, Emi lived only blocks away from the Capitol building and has been immersed in the world of policymaking and community organizing as long as she can remember. She first found her passion for environmental justice during a spring break service-learning trip to New Orleans. After unpacking the undeniable impacts of not only climate change, but the systematic injustices imposed by the US government during Hurricane Katrina, Emi knew that climate change was even more complex and dire than it appeared to be. Now, she is using her passion for writing to advocate for climate justice on campus and in her community.
Tony was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska and relocated to Spokane, WA this year. Growing up so close to forests, glaciers, and mountains, while living in a city comprising of great degrees of diversity, he has been exposed to many perspectives in a state that has a lot to lose in this climate fight. After being a student at the University of Alaska Anchorage, where he was pursuing a BS in Environment & Society, he has decided to transfer to a more involved program based in Washington. Tony's environmental action began with informal education and resulted in a dietary shift to a plant-based diet. Prior to returning home to Alaska this summer, he felt climate action was important. However, after experiencing extreme wildfires, learning of coastal degradation leading to permanent indigenous relocation, and receding glacial activity this past summer, he recognized the need to play a more active role in the solution. This September, Tony participated in the Global Climate Strike, became involved with the Sunrise Movement of Eastern Washington, and has become politically active on a local level, which has included testifying in recent council meetings to champion climate action. Tony believes that humans can have a positive, symbiotic relationship with the environment, and advocates for policy and science-based advancement.
Caitlinn is completing her final year at Western Washington University where she is studying Business and Sustainability and minoring in Business Administration. Originally from a small town in the foothills of the Northern Cascades, Caitlinn grew up connected to her natural environment recognizing the urgency of pursing an education and career devoted to environmental and clean energy solutions to ensure a path to a more sustainable future. Post college, she is planning to become involved in developing communities that are wanting to implement sustainable agricultural practices to increase food security, and to focus on decreasing dependence of fossil fuels in farming to further improve financial equity and stability for farmers. Outside of her work and academic schedule, she loves to play piano, hike, paddleboard, attend music events, and create her own individual learning projects outside of her education.
Shay is a freshman at the University of Washington in Seattle double majoring in Environmental Studies and Political Science. Originally from Puyallup, Washington, Shay got her start in the environmental scene by volunteering with the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium on their conservation engagement interpretation and leadership team for four years. Through this she has helped plan and been a speaker at the Puget Sound Youth Ocean Conservation Summit, given testimony and lobbied legislators in the Washington State Capital, and has helped plan and execute conservation projects in her community, as well as doing citizen science work. She has also been involved in the Tacoma Youth Climate Strike as a planner and speaker alongside the Sunrise Movement, and 350 Tacoma. Her goal is to one day work in government advocating for environmental policy and sustainability.
Sarah is a recent graduate from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. Her close study of U.S. Politics over the last four years has convinced her that state and local levels of government offer the most effective avenue for environmental policy change and advocacy. Interning with three state representatives during the 2018 Washington Legislative Session, Sarah developed a passion for state politics and a desire to get involved with the legislative process and community organizing. She is very excited to be a Climate Fellow and is looking forward to collaborating with young people to pass equitable, science-based policy and combat climate change.
Daksh Arora is a budding aviation engineer who wants to advocate for better public policies to fight climate change through technology, innovation, and collective action. Daksh had worked on curbing indoor air pollution, improving access to drinking water and menstrual hygiene in rural parts of India through entrepreneurial action. Daksh was a core team member at Enactus India and worked on harvesting green energy at Johns Hopkins University as a research student. Daksh has his M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from Cornell University and his B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Delhi. For fun, Daksh likes to hike, paint, go to music concerts and play board games.
Jenna is going into her junior year of undergrad at Binghamton University as a biology major. She minors in environmental studies and Spanish. Jenna is a key member of many community outreach programs in both Binghamton and her hometown. Jenna works with young student to teach and educate them in many scientific fields as well as helps teach English to Spanish speaking children. For fun Jenna is a competitive dancer and also enjoys running, listening to music, and painting.
Ayessa Mae recently completed her B.A.in Environmental Studies and a minor in Asian and Asian American Studies at Binghamton University. She has been involved in a number of local green revitalization projects in Binghamton while attending university and is passionate about working directly with a community on creating an equitable and sustainable environment for all. Ayessa Mae was also an executive board member of the Asian Student Union on campus, setting a platform for topics in Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history, contemporary issues, and civic engagement to flourish. In her spare time, Ayessa Mae enjoys drawing, playing guitar, singing, and going to concerts.
Daniel just graduated from the MS Environmental Science program at Rochester Institute of Technology (USA) where he researched into treating industrial wastewater with green algae. Currently a PhD student in RIT's Sustainability program, he has developed a passion for various waste-to-energy technologies which mitigates greenhouse gases that causes climate change. Born and raised in Sub-saharan Africa (Ghana), he has had his fair share of the ugly face of climate change. The mention of changing rainfall patterns and the continuous spread of the desert to arable lands with its accompanied droughts have affected food security and caused famine in the region. These impacts have motivated him to support the campaign to hold polluters accountable and push for clean energy alternatives. He enjoys soccer and listens to Enya's tracks during his quiet times. He is married with two handsome boys.
Paola Orozco has a BA in International Relations with a minor in History from SUNY New Paltz. She has been involved in International organizations, such as, the Anne Frank Center in NYC and the Permanent Mission of Honduras to the United Nations. Paola engages with the community in different ways. She assisted her school food pantry, volunteered at a shelter in Kingston, NY and served as a mentor to guide other students. For fun, Paola enjoys traveling and learning about new cultures, bike, collect post cards and puzzles, watching soccer and seeing her favorite band.
Charlotte Stuart-Tilley is a homeschooled freshman in high school who has lived in Tallahassee for most of her life. Inspired by the Swedish teen climate activist Greta Thunberg, she started school striking for the climate in January. Although she is taking a break for the summer, she will continue to school strike in September. She is an active member of her church congregation and homeschool community. Charlotte looks forward to college and is currently hoping to major in Environmental Studies or Geochemistry. In her free time, Charlotte likes to collect and study rocks, spend time with her Chihuahua, and go hiking.
After growing up in a small town in Pennsylvania, Emily knew she wanted to see more than farms; she wanted to interact with more and different people. Fortunately, she had an opportunity to go to the University of Tampa (UT) on a scholarship through the Army ROTC, and there she began her path towards the person she is now. Her experience at UT jump-started her passion for service to others in various communities, and an interest in growing her knowledge on climate change, environmental/ biological conservation, and sustainability related issues. She will have a Biology degree in August and what's next for her is still a mystery. In her free time, you can catch Emily dancing or hanging with friends, trying local beers, road tripping, camping, catching all her favorite artists in concert, and doing yoga!
Fleener is a sophomore at Florida Southwestern State College in Fort Myers, Fl. At Florida Southwestern, she is getting her Associate Arts degree in general studies and a paralegal degree. Upon completion of these degrees, she plans on transferring to a Historically Black College/University (HBCU) to major in International Relations and minor in African Studies. Fleener considers herself an activist for social change. The environment and climate change is a major issue for her because of the intersections it has to issues, such as racial justice, capitalism, consumerism, etc. After the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti, the issue of climate change hit too close to home for Fleener. Hearing about the deaths and lives ruined by this earthquake and finding out how preventable it could have been really opened her eyes to the injustice of climate change. She states, "the people on the front lines of these natural disasters are black and brown folks, and I have to fight for my people". Fighting for her community is something Fleener knows all too well, from attending protests to lobbying in state and national congress for policies that impact us all. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to her favorite music and debating strangers on almost anything.
Maria Lorena was born and raised in Venezuela, where she was fortunate to connect with nature at a young age. In 2015, Maria and her family moved to the United States to start a new life. Maria is currently a senior in college studying Business Analytics and Information Systems with a minor in Environmental Policy at the University of South Florida. It was at this institution where she found her passion for helping to solve the climate crisis and became involved with Citizens' Climate Lobby and Our Climate. On June of 2019, Maria participated in the advanced climate policy camp in the American University and lobbied for the climate on Capitol Hill. Maria also holds a position as a Resident Assistant at the University of South Florida where she mentors new students and helps them make the most of their college journey from the starting line. Maria is a rising campus leader and climate advocate. She is actively working on launching the Climate Action Coalition at her school, a student organization to empower USF students to take action on climate change.
Jared Sellick is a Political Science major at the University of South Florida. A native of Panama City, Florida, Jared is very passionate about preserving the beautiful beaches he grew up on. After graduation Jared plans to pursue journalism and highlight the political issues that are important to him. He writes for the local paper at the University of South Florida, the Oracle, and is always looking for his next story. He is very grateful to be taking part in the Our Climate Florida Fellowship and is looking forward to seeing all the progress that young people will make to preserve a livable planet.
Sarah is a recent graduate from the Patel College of Global Sustainability in Tampa, where she earned her Master's degree in Global Sustainability. Upon completing her Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science & Policy at the University of South Florida, she knew that she wanted to pursue a career in sustainability so that she could contribute to positive change for people and the environment, leading to her pursuit for further education. Sarah has been passionate about the environment since she was a kid, growing up on a lake and regularly playing on Florida's beaches. When she's not researching new ways to live more sustainably, Sarah spends her time catching up with friends, hiking, and doing yoga. She also dedicates many of her weekends volunteering with a non-profit music education organization where she teaches dance and performance.
Zac recently graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Environmental Science specializing in Environmental Economics and Policy.
Zac took as many opportunities as he could in college to learn about the world, having studied abroad twice, been involved in clubs that go on hiking and backpacking trips, and working as a research assistant for multiple scientific projects. He feels more connected to the planet than any city, state, or country that I have lived in, and does his best to take an active role in helping it thrive for both people, and the rest of nature.
That is why he is fighting for the environment in our legislature. It is absolutely essential that every government in every place recognizes the global problem of climate change, and takes meaningful steps to address it. The Clean Energy Jobs bill is Oregon's meaningful step, and because this is his home, he feels he has have a special responsibility to fight for it.
Alexandra is a junior majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry at Willamette University. During her time growing up in Petersburg, Alaska, she became aware of the impacts of climate change by studying the retreat of the local LeConté Glacier and its effects on the surrounding environment. Upon entering college, Alexandra continued her environmental work by taking part in a spring break trip that focused on the intersectionalities between environmental and social justice, sitting on a committee that funds sustainability related student projects on campus, and becoming a part of Our Climate to push for more strict climate policies, which has given her confidence in the future of environmental policy and inspired her to continue pushing for revolutionary climate solutions. In addition to environmental justice activism, Alexandra enjoys choreographing for Willamette's dance company, writing for the student newspaper, and doing research in the biology department.
Grant Starr is a native Oregonian currently attending WIllamette University as a PPLE (Politics, Policy, Law, and Ethics) major. He is a senator in student government and the Vice President of the Willamette College Democrats. He hopes to pursue a career in politics, with a focus on LGBTQ rights, Climate Change, and reforming the political system. In his spare time he enjoys watching FMA Brotherhood, playing video games, and reading policy papers.
Madelyn Starr is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University (Class of 2019) with a double major in Political Science and Spanish. She is a native Oregonian and credits the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty and pioneering spirit for inspiring her commitment to environmental justice. She plans to further her community organizing work in the Portland area. In her spare time, she can be found thrift shopping, attending trivia nights, and listening to comedy podcasts.
Ellen Smith is 20 years old and is pursuing a degree in Policy and Ethics at Willamette University. She enjoys reading, writing, and anything outdoors. Before being a fellow with Our Climate, she interned with a lobbying firm in Salem. She is excited to be working to pass Clean Energy Jobs because her future depends on its passage.
Ross Wheeler has done two rounds of Our Climate fellowships. He has always had a passion for exploring the science behind global climate change and the personal and societal changes that we must make to reduce our impact on the environment. Growing up on Vashon Island, Washington, Ross experienced the close relationship between humans, health, and the natural environment. Ross is excited to join Our Climate to fight for market-based solutions to climate change as an essential part of a total climate solution. Ross is currently a Sophomore Politics major at Willamette University.
Michael Decker is a recent graduate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, holding a bachelor's degree in Political Science and minors in Economics and English. During college, he was a Field Representative for Our Climate and a member of Sustain UNL, a student-based organization leading environmental advocacy on campus. There, he focused mainly on carbon pricing, petitioning students, and even leading a group called "The Balloon Ban Initiative," a team committed to ending the balloon releases at football games. Now graduated, Michael continues his work with Our Climate by co-organizing the Youth Climate Camp-Nebraska and creating a state climate coalition, a network planning to pass a climate resolution in the state legislature. His hobbies include reading, running, and watching his brother's high school basketball games.
Violette is a freshman studying Environmental Analysis and Policy at Boston University while concurrently earning her MA in Energy and Environment. A California native, she spent her childhood exploring 'the great outdoors', gaining a deep appreciation and respect for the world around her. Violette's passion for environmental advocacy stems from her experience as a lifelong resident of the Central Valley, America's agricultural capital. In just 18 years, her home has become unrecognizable due to climate change, ravaged by droughts and wildfires. By championing carbon pricing with Our Climate, she hopes to set a positive precedent for future environmental policy and be an example for the nation's youth. When she is not studying or working, Violette can be found running, cycling, skiing, hiking, or stargazing in her hammock with her black lab, Gus.
Caitlin is a first-year Environmental Engineer at Tufts University. She grew up in Seattle, WA which gave her a deep appreciation of the natural world, our planet, and the people who live on it. Throughout middle and high school she learned to turn this passion into productivity through a group called Sustainability Ambassadors where she trained in policy analysis, performance assessment, project management, and public speaking. Caitlin is pumped to take the next step with Our Climate and focus her work on policies surrounding putting a price on carbon, and hopes to help make the movement more inclusive. She believes deeply that climate injustice is one of, if not the greatest, challenges of our time and that we must approach all sustainability work through an equity lens. Whenever she has time Caitlin enjoys dancing, playing frisbee, traveling, and exploring the outdoors.
Connor is currently a senior at the School for the Environment at University of Massachusetts, Boston. They grew up in suburban Wilmington, MA and spent their childhood exploring the forests, mountains, and lakes of New Hampshire. As a member of the LGBTQ community and an ardent student of Marxian economics, Connor is most passionate about fighting climate change through a social justice and economic lens. They aim to pursue a PhD in environmental policy focusing on theories of environmental imperialism and political ecology, hopefully ending up as a professor somewhere in the secluded wilderness of New England.
Ava Harrington is a senior at Phillips Exeter Academy who grew up in North Reading, Massachusetts. Her interest in biology and ecology has pushed her to feel extremely concerned about climate change She believes that climate change is the greatest issue facing her generation. She is excited to tackle these issues by addressing them at the source: legislature. She believes carbon pricing is the best way to tackle the disaster of climate change, and hopes to study biology and political science in college. Outside of learning all things bio, Ava loves writing and hopes to be a science writer one day. She spends her free time playing video games, reading, and hanging out with her pet fish.
Hannah Lydon became interested in climate change when she was young through reading An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore. Since then, Hannah has studied Environmental Technology at Essex Technical High School where she first started learning GIS and studying how sea level rise would affect coastal communities. Today Hannah is a junior at the University of Massachusetts Boston pursuing her bachelors of science in Environmental Science. Hannah looks forward to increasing her knowledge of carbon pricing and environmental activism with Our Climate. She is especially excited to be working with other youth leaders to create statewide change. Hannah also enjoys practicing, teaching, and competing in kung fu, tai chi, and dragon dance.
Rhiannon is a senior at Attleboro High School. She has loved the ocean since she was a child and intends to major in marine science in the coming fall. She came to climate activism through researching marine science and seeing the effects of a changing climate on the oceans she loves so much. She is especially excited to work with Our Climate on carbon pricing as she believes it is a real solution to a very real problem. In her free time, Rhiannon enjoys reading, taking pictures, and hiking with her dog who is very ironically named Diesel.
Emily is a first-year student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst pursuing a major in environmental science and a certificate in coastal and marine sciences. As a former captain of her high school's speech and debate team, she is passionate about helping others find their voices and share their stories. Through her fellowship with Our Climate, Emily hopes to continue that passion. She is excited to assist other young people in advocating for strong and equitable carbon pricing legislation in her home state of Massachusetts. In her downtime, Emily can either be found hiking, trying new recipes, or searching for the best reading spots on campus.
Meaghan is a senior at Attleboro High school, graduating in May. She plans to attend College in the Fall and pursue a degree in Environmental Studies. Born in Brockton and raised in Attleboro, MA, Meaghan has always been passionate about environmental protection and advocacy. She believes that Climate Change is the most pressing issue of our time, and is concerned that everyone will feel the effects, especially those most vulnerable to a changing landscape. This belief led her to Our Climate's campaign. She believes carbon fee and rebate policies are a viable, equitable way to help tackle the issue and create tangible change. In her free time, Meaghan enjoys skateboarding, skiing, knitting, and spending quality time with her dog, Kato.
Ruby is a junior at Northeastern University in Boston, MA, where she is majoring in Economics and Mathematics, and minoring in Environmental Studies and Food Systems Sustainability, Health, and Equity. She is interested in the economic impacts of climate change and is currently focusing on environmental and food policy in school. In 2018, Ruby worked at the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative (ESI), which helps researchers and undergraduate students understand and explore environmental solutions. At ESI, she learned about carbon pricing and how this type of policy can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, provide benefits to American families and help communities adapt to climate change. She is excited to be working with Our Climate to help increase support for carbon pricing in Massachusetts and to learn more about environmental activism. Originally from White Plains, NY, Ruby is a huge New York Yankees fan; she also loves coffee, cats, hiking and baking.
Robin is a freshman at The Evergreen State College. She's originally from Issaquah, Washington, but is excited to be in Olympia studying the environment and policy. Robin has always cared for animals and nature since she has lived so close to both. Robin's care for climate change really solidified at the Seattle Aquarium when she was a Youth Ocean Advocate during high school. Robin saw the effects climate change had on the ocean and felt like she could make a difference . Robin now feels personally responsible for making sure the Pacific Northwest stays beautiful and sustainable. This is Robin's second time being a part of Our Climate's Fellowship!
Monique is a junior at Eastern Washington University. She's always had a love for science, which lead her to major in Environmental Chemistry. In efforts to become a part of the movement for cleaner energy, she joined the Our Climate Fellowship in Washington. Throughout this experience she hopes to continue building on her leadership skills, network with other leaders in her campus and city community, and make a difference in our nations pollution habits. National change is a big goal. But to create change in our world, we must think globally and act locally.
Zoe is a freshman at Western Washington University, where she plans on double-majoring in mathematics and public health. Born and raised in Los Alamos, New Mexico, Zoe has always felt deeply passionate about preserving the environment for generations to come. By serving as an Our Climate fellow for her campus, she hopes to inspire her fellow students to speak out against those issues that threaten the future of our planet. In her spare time, Zoe loves to rock climb, take photos, read books, and pet her kitties.
Jessica is a junior at Washington State University and currently studying Sports Science. She hopes to go into the medical field but firmly believes that a crucial piece of one's health is the environmental conditions they are in. Growing up in an area where she was able to see the effects of environmental degradation and the side effects on public health, she hopes to be able to share her experiences to prevent others from the same situations.
Riley Place is a a Freshman at the University of Richmond. Originally from the Washington DC area, Riley began his involvement with Our Climate by working on the DC Put A Price On It Campaign. This campaign succeeded in passing one of the most ambitious local level climate bills in the country. In Virginia, Riley has facilitated training and petitioning events on campus, published an Op-Ed in the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and organized a lobby day for carbon pricing in the state offices. In his free time, Riley enjoys running along the James River and birdwatching. He believes this is a critical time to mitigate climate change, as many of the effects of climate change on biodiversity and human society will be either impossible or extremely expensive to address the longer society waits.
Marion was born and raised on the little island of MolokaʻI and is currently enrolled as a Freshman at Willamette University with a goal to double major in Environmental Science and Political Science. Through the course of her life she's always been interested in the environment, whether it be through paddling in the open ocean or competing in Science Fair high above in the beautiful native forest. With this fellowship, Marion hopes to gain experience in lobbying, learn the ways of politics, and advocate for a bill that she strongly believes has the capability of putting Oregon as the leader in fighting one of our greatest enemies, Climate Change.
Claire is a sophomore sociology major at Willamette University. She came from Minnesota to attend Willamette and is excited about getting connected to Oregon organizing through this fellowship. Political work specifically around the environment has been a big part of her life. Claire wants to make change through lobbying, activism, and eventually running for office.
Ross Wheeler has always had a passion for exploring the science behind global climate change and the personal and societal changes that we must make to reduce our impact on the environment. Growing up on Vashon Island, Washington, Ross experienced the close relationship between humans, health, and the natural environment. Ross is excited to join Our Climate to fight for market-based solutions to climate change as an essential part of a total climate solution. Ross is currently a Sophomore Politics major at Willamette University.
Erin grew up in beautiful Central Oregon and then attended Whitman College, where she graduated with a BA in sociology and environmental studies. After college she lived and worked in Detroit, MI for six years, where she became greatly interested in social and environmental justice issues. Inspired by the talented people organizing in Detroit, she decided to pursue a Master of Public Policy degree, which she is currently working on at Oregon State University, focusing on environmental policy. Erin is thrilled to be working as a fellow for Our Climate to advocate for the Clean Energy Jobs Bill and gain experience lobbying for the sake of the public and the environment.
Sarah is a senior at Oregon State University studying Political Science with a concentration in Environmental Policy, Philosophy, and Religious Studies. Growing up in Ashland, Oregon, Sarah has experienced the effects of climate change first hand through the worsening of wildfires in her region. This experience has made her concerned about issues surrounding climate change. Through working for Our Climate, she is excited to bring about change in Oregon's environmental policy and gain experience advocating for our planet. After graduating from Oregon State, she hopes to study Environmental Policy or Law.
John is a PhD student at Oregon State University studying how vegetation on coastal sand dunes responds to and mitigates the effects of climate change. He earned his B.S. in Biology and Ecology at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA and was very active with organizations focused on sustainability issues. Currently, he is working with Our Climate to push for clean energy policies in Oregon that will be ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable. He enjoys hiking, backpacking, surfing, and gardening and wants to protect the environment for his generation and those to follow.
Summer Dean is from Brush Prairie, Washington. She is entering her fourth and final year in the environmental studies program at Portland State University. Summer believes that climate change is the biggest problem our species will ever face. Our natural systems are unraveling, and many communities are already suffering around the world. She cares about climate change action because not only is it necessary for our survival, but it presents an opportunity for us all to unite on a common issue and transform our society into something better than we could ever imagine. She sees climate change action not just as a response to suffering but an opportunity to fix the broken, oppressive system that caused this crisis in the first place. She is working with Our Climate this fall because we need a rapid transformation of our energy system, one that requires effective climate policies like Washington's Initiative 1631.
Jordan Stevenson is an International Affairs major at Eastern Washington University who is also minoring in Spanish, Economics, and pursuing a certificate in Gender Studies. She comes to environmental issues via reproductive justice and global activism. She is Co-President of the Planned Parenthood club on campus and works as an International Peer Advisor, helping international students acclimate to American culture. She was previously a Global Youth Advocacy Fellow for Planned Parenthood Global and attended the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in 2018. Her current projects include researching grants for ARTogether, a nonprofit supporting refugees in San Francisco and conducting crowdmapping research for the Tanzanian Development Trust to prevent female genital mutilation in rural Tanzania. She is looking forward to engaging her community in the fight for Washington's future this Fall with Our Climate!
Tyee Williams is currently a senior at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington majoring in Environmental Studies and Politics. He grew up in Eugene, Oregon, and started engaging in environmental activism just about as soon as he could walk. Tyee enjoys just about any kind of sport, is a very competitive trivia player, and firmly believes that the burrito is the best food vessel. He cares about the climate because the impacts of climate change will be and have already been devastating to both people and the environment and they will contribute to intensifying the inequalities already present in the world. Climate change isn't just an environmental issue, it's a social justice issue. Tyee is thrilled to be working with Our Climate as we work towards climate justice!
Rose is going into her fourth year at Seattle University where she studies Environmental Studies. She is originally from Colorado but moved to the beautiful Pacific Northwest 7 years ago. At school, Rose leads outdoor trips as a part of the Outdoor Adventure Recreation Team, teaching about environmental stewardship and Leave No Trace Principles along the way. She cares about climate because it impacts people's day to day lives all over the world. It is our responsibility to be aware of how we are changing the Earth's climate both on a personal level and societal level through our actions, both short-term and long-term.
Kevin uses he/they pronouns and is a freshman at Clark College in Vancouver, Washington. Kevin is studying philosophy with an interest in other fields such as economics & sociology. He decided to join Our Climate because he cares about the environment, wanted to put his time to use, and seek to learn more about climate change & the political process. In ten years Kevin sees himself either in Information Technology or as a professor and writer. Kevin hopes to be more involved in activism and to continue to learn more about the world!
Robin is a freshman at The Evergreen State College! She's originally from Issaquah, Washington, but is excited to be in Olympia studying the environment and policy. Robin has always cared for animals and nature since she has lived so close to both. Robin's care for climate change really solidified at the Seattle Aquarium when she was a Youth Ocean Advocate during high school. Robin saw the effects climate change had on the ocean and felt like she could make a difference . Robin now feels personally responsible for making sure the Pacific Northwest stays beautiful and sustainable.
May is a junior at University of Washington Seattle. She was born in China, raised in Canada, and moved to Seattle during middle school. Living in three different countries allowed her to see the diverse ways in which people regard the issue of climate change and their take on how we tackle it. Like the majority of our community, May wants to live in a world where clean air and water is accessible to everyone as a fundamental right, so that future generations can also enjoy that priviledge. And that's why she cares about our climate!
Brandy is a senior attending the University of Washington in Seattle. Originally, Brandy is from Lacey, WA. Her first exposure to the topic of climate change was in fifth grade when her teacher showed our class Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth. From that moment, she became motivated to learn more about ways she could work to stop climate change and bring more awareness to her classmates about the issue. As a child, she was only aware of personal choices that could be implemented to fight climate change. She advocated for less driving, using less energy, composting, etc. Her idea of impact was limited to what could be done locally in her back yard. As an adult however, Brandy has learned that the effects of climate change not only negatively impact us on a local scale, but certain communities abroad are affected much more severely in ways we couldn't even begin to imagine. She has come to the conclusion that fighting against climate change is synonymous to fighting for global justice of those communities and that's what motivates her to do this work!
This will be Ava's last quarter at Cascadia college before she transfers to UW Seattle as a junior. Ava is from Iran and has been living in the US for 3 years now. Ava has seen the effects of climate change and other environmental issues from lack of water in her first home or the smokes of wildfires in her second home. She has seen how it causes suffering, discomfort, social injustice, and instability in communities. Ava believes it's time to step up for the planet we all share and depend on.
Tynan (he/him/his) grew up in gorgeous Vancouver, Washington and is now an undergraduate student at Eastern Washington University double majoring in Urban and Regional Planning and Economics. He lives in Cheney, Washington with his brilliant wife Jordan Stevenson and occupies his time with class, chores, reading, and campus participation. He comes to climate activism through volunteer and internship work on tangential progressive issues, with his primary foci being reproductive health and economic justice. As an aspiring urban planner, he studies the ways in which sprawl and inefficient development reinforce fossil fuel dependency and disenfranchise the most vulnerable populations. By reinvesting revenues raised on carbon emissions in rural public transportation, renewable energy infrastructure, and community sustainability programs, Initiative 1631 tackles the issue of carbon emissions at the communal level, paving the way for large scale shifts in fossil fuel dependency, all while empowering our state's rural and vulnerable populations.
Jonathan Villanueva is currently attending Washington State University, my current track is sociology double minoring in creative writing and psychology. He was a Climate Justice Steward in Pullman before joining the fellowship program. He wants to use his degree to get into a masters program for Social Work. He loves reading and environmental justice.
Cameron is a senior at Western Washington University, studying Political Science and Environmental Politics. He has spent countless hours biking, hiking and climbing in the Pacific Northwest, and got involved with I-1631 because it is a great step towards protecting this special place. He is excited to start working on getting students involved in the initiative, since even though they are likely to be most affected by climate change, they are unlikely to vote. I-1631's broad scope and focus on environmental justice means that most people in the state can find reasons to support it, and Cameron hopes to help turn that support into action! After college, Cameron hopes to continue working with at-risk communities and lawmakers to minimize the effects of climate change where it will be felt most.
Ameena is a junior at The Evergreen State College. Ameena moved here from Iowa, where she was moved to fight for environmental justice after learning about the depletion of the prairie there. She decided it was her responsibility to represent nature and set off for Olympia shortly after turning eighteen. Through her studies she's grown passionate about Indigenous sovereignty and within that, ecological restoration. Ameena hopes that by passing 1631 we can become better stewards of the land we occupy.
Claire Perez is a junior at the University of Washington studying Environmental Studies and Chemistry. She has an interest in sustainability and is excited to be working on as an Our Climate fellow. In her free time Claire likes to go bouldering, travel and hang out with friends and family.
Bella Crane, a New York State fellow, is a rising junior at Columbia University where she studies Sustainable Development and Middle Eastern Studies. She first got involved with Our Climate this spring through her internship at the Years Project, a partnering organization which focuses on inspiring environmental activism through social media outreach. Bella hopes to one day pursue a career in environmental activism and sustainable investment. She is an outdoor enthusiast and lover of glitter, skiing, rock climbing, and Jack London (she's also recently gotten into painting, and welcomes any tips!).
Nicol is a rising Junior at Skidmore College where she studies Environmental Science and History and is the President of Skidmore's Environmental Action Club. She has been volunteering with Our Climate since February and is excited to work on supporting carbon pricing, which she views as a real and tangible solution. Nicol is particularly interested in pursuing environmental health-related fields upon graduation and enjoys watching bad game shows, doing yoga, writing and taking photos of her cat, Pepper, in her spare time.
Joe is a Senior at Hartwick College and studies Political Science and Government. Joe is the student body President at his school and is very involved with local politics. He is active in policy and advocacy work; serving as an intern in Washington, D.C. working on the 2018 Farm Bill. Joe is eager to use his community connections to advocate for carbon pricing policy. After graduation he plans on pursuing a career in social policy and environmental advocacy.
Benedicte is a second year at the Rochester Institute of Technology. She is currently studying Chemical Engineering with a Minor in Environmental Studies, and is seeking admission for a Public Policy Master's degree. Benedicte is currently active in multiple carbon pricing endeavors and loves putting the skills she learned from Speech and Debate to good use. Ms. Adair is also an RA at RIT in Gender Inclusive Housing — working to build an environment where people of all identities are free to be themselves.
Allison is currently a senior at Binghamton University where she is double majoring in political science and environmental policy with a minor in immigration studies. She has long had a passion for environmental advocacy and spent her last two summers working at summer camps trying to instill the same passion in our youth. She spent a week this summer in Washington lobbying for carbon pricing and learning climate advocacy skills that she is excited to use during her fellowship. Her career goals include working with climate refugees either at a non-profit or in government. When she is not advocating for the environment, she directs the SA Advocates program on her campus (a program designed to assist students going through conduct violations) and is currently working on a congressional campaign in her home district.
Jade Aguilera is a senior at Emerson College in Boston, MA majoring in writing, literature, and publishing. Besides her love for writing and poetry she's always had a passion for conservation and the environment. Jade has had opportunities to study salt marsh communities along with communities in Yellowstone national park. She is super excited to be apart of Our Climate and to have the chance to not only learn more, but educate others about the effects of climate change.
Cecelia is a second-year student at Northeastern University in Boston MA majoring in environmental studies with a minor in women's gender and sexuality studies. She spent the 2017-2018 academic year working with Environment Massachusetts on statewide clean energy legislation, and then traveled to Switzerland, where she spent the summer studying and conducting research at the United Nations in Geneva. There, her research primarily focused on the inclusion of marginalized groups in the global governance of climate change under the auspices of the UNFCCC. These experiences have honed her interest in environmental politics and policy with a strong emphasis on environmental justice. She is thrilled to be working with Our Climate this semester, and hopes to further carbon pricing legislation in the state she is so happy to call home.
Anneliese is a 10th grader at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, NH. She was first inspired to advocate for environmental sustainability by her childhood in the foothills of northern California. Anneliese and her family love hiking and camping throughout the west coast, and she feels that one way to ensure that future generations can enjoy the same experiences that she does would be to instate a carbon tax. Anneliese now spends a majority of her year at boarding school in New England, and thinks it is equally important to preserve that part of the country as well. She became involved in the New England Fellowship in 2018 after a former teacher encouraged to become more involved in Our Climate. Outside of Our Climate she also is a co-head of the Environmental Action Committee at her school.
Sadie DiCarlo is a Sophomore at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, NH, where she is the co-head of the Environmental Action Committee that strives to make Exeter a more environmentally friendly campus. Growing up at The Mountain School in Vermont and living in the White Mountains at a hiking base camp for the summers has given her a huge appreciation for nature and the environment. In the White Mountains she watched as the human activity in the area changed the plants and the animal species that resided there over the years and at the Mountain School she saw how little changes in our lives can do great things for the environment. Sadie is so excited to be working with Our Climate because she can't wait to take a stand against climate change and do some good for the world.
Andrew Dickinson is a junior at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. He is majoring in Communications with a minor in Environmental Science. He has been environmentally conscious since he was a kid and recently decided that this was the path he needs to go down in order to make the world a better place. He sees Our Climate as a clear first step towards a career in environmental advocacy after graduating. Ready to put in the hours and work that is necessary to move forward, he is excited to have this opportunity to make a difference. When he isn't thinking about ways to better our future, you'll find him scaling a rock wall or shredding the slopes of a ski hill.
Zack is a second year at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts double majoring in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics & Environmental Studies. He decided to join Our Climate because he is interested in the intersection of climate and policy, and hopes to build his organizing skills. He has been involved in politics, most recently working on a United States House of Representatives race in his home district. In his free time, Zack is a Resident Assistant at Northeastern, completes research in disaster resilience, and enjoys running. Zack grew up in Groton, Massachusetts and is a diehard Boston sports fan.
Jane Stromberg is a senior at the University of Vermont in Burlington pursuing a dual degree in environmental science and political science. She runs a student organization called the Renewable Energy Network, a club that connects students to professionals in the renewable energy field and raises awareness about climate issues. She also volunteers with UVM Progressives in hopes to promote climate policy support on campus and in the surrounding community. She became involved with Our Climate to not only create a larger impact and refine her own skills, but to offer her experience and assistance to younger activists. She is a firm believer in supporting young leaders and for access to education. She believes the severity of the climate crisis we are facing needs to be understood wholeheartedly and we need all the passion and effort in the world if we are going to combat it. It starts with thinking about younger generations. When not in the classroom, Jane enjoys playing chess, jazz guitar, and going to the movies.
Patrick Wang is originally from Beijing, China. A student of International Environmental Economics and Psychology now at Tufts University, Patrick started caring about our environment as he witnessed the clear blue sky of Beijing gradually disappearing. Solving the universal issue of climate change became his goal ever since then. Step by step, he hopes his dedication can make an impact in the world.
Jacob is a senior at the University of Washington's Program on the Environment, pursuing a BA in Environmental Studies with a minor in Oceanography. Jacob is working with Our Climate because he wants to do everything I can to get I-1631 implemented in Washington. He studied the initiative in one of his environmental communications classes and learned how this initiative reaches further than previous attempts to put a price on carbon and brings forward the voices of underrepresented communities, indigenous people, laborers, farmers, and all Washingtonians affected by changing climate. Jacob enjoys working with Our Climate because it actively works to allow his voice as a young environmentalist and as a college student to contribute to this important effort. In the future he hopes to pursue a career in either environmental urban planning or environmental innovation and entrepreneurship.
Christine Van Winkle-Shaw (she/her/hers) is a sophomore at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington intending to double-major in Politics and Spanish. She first became involved with Our Climate through their Climate Leadership Summit; this inspired her to take on a more direct role in the organization and become a climate leader in her community. She has seen firsthand the negative impacts of climate change, taking action to mitigate its effects is not simply a want, but a need. In the future, she aspires to become either an environmental or immigration lawyer; she has also considered running for a political office. She knows that in ten years, regardless of the career path she chooses, she will continue to fight for the environment and for the beautiful state that she calls home.
Taylor recently graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Environmental Studies. Having grown up in the Rogue Valley and studying nestled between the Bellingham Bay and the base of the Northern Cascades, Taylor is proud to call the Pacific Northwest home. The geography and culture has played a large role in shaping who Taylor is and what she loves. Taylor now lives in Portland and is working on Initiative 1631 in Washington State to put a price on carbon!
Luis is a junior at the University of Washington and is studying medical anthropology & global health and looking to apply for Physician Assistant grad school.
This is Luis' first year being involved with Our Climate, he became very interested in it when he attended a meeting. Luis took notice that we need to all be worried more about the people who affect our environment not only because it destroys our planet but also affects the lives of those who are the most vulnerable. These are young children and the elderly. Being a certified nursing assistant, Luis has to help out the elderly with daily activity and believes that if we don't stop people from polluting our earth elderly people will be the ones who will be affected the most. On top of being a fellow, Luis is coordinating a bike ride know as Cycle For Charvat to raise money for young adults with cancer. This year he am coordinating the trip from Seattle to San Francisco in hopes to raise $20,000. Last year he was able to raise $10,000 with bike ride around Washington.
Amanda is from Fairwood, Washington and currently studies Geography at Dartmouth College. Amanda believes the climate change is the greatest threat to her generation's safety and security. The same love of the Earth and its inhabitants that drives her study has prompted her to take action against climate change in order to help preserve the world for the future.
Grace is an undergraduate student studying microbiology at the University of Vermont. She also helps out on the business team of the student-run environmental magazine Headwaters, and volunteers for FeelGood, student-run fundraising efforts that sell grilled cheese sandwiches and donate the proceeds to organizations that fight world poverty. When not studying, she enjoys reading, playing viola, and nature photography.
Trilok grew up in Maine, where he was surrounded by nature from childhood. His first forays into fighting climate change occurred in high school, when he joined the environmental club. He persistently attended events throughout high school and continued this trend at Tufts University, where he currently studies. He believes environmental policy change is the most effective way to combat climate change, and maintain nature's beauty for future generations.
Kaitlyn Mangelinkx is a rising sophomore at Northeastern University, studying biology and political science. She is originally from the New London, CT area. Kaitlyn is passionate about social activism and advocating for fair and equitable policy. On campus, she is the Head of Activism for a theatre group called Acting Out, which uses theatre to promote social justice and a variety of advocacy topics. She is excited to spend this summer working to promote carbon pricing from a social justice standpoint. In her free time she enjoys knitting and learning ASL.
Adela Miller grew up just outside Boston, in Newton, Massachusetts. She always loved spending time outside. When she was little, she spent my summers at various nature camps, hiking on the weekends. She still spends quite a lot of time outdoors, though she doesn't have the same clean conscious that she had as a little kid. She's very aware, now, of the environmental issues plaguing the beautiful New England habitats she spent much of her childhood exploring. Climate change is going to change everything we know and love, if we don't start making drastic institutional changes. As a Environmental Studies major at the University of Vermont, she hope to use what she learns in school to help halt the destruction of the planet.
Chris D'Agostino is a senior at Brandeis University pursuing a degree in Neuroscience. His experience as a climate change activist began during his study abroad experience in Melbourne, Australia last year. He joined an organization called the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, and participated in a campaign to stop the proposed Carmichael Coal Mine from being built alongside the Great Barrier Reef. Chris enjoys educating children about climate change, combining music with activism, and learning about the science behind the issue. He feels strongly about carbon pricing because he believes it is a straightforward, easy, and elegant way to disincentivize fossil fuel usage and incentivize renewable energy production. Chris looks forward to shaping the future by advocating policies that are evidence-based and fair.
Claire Halloran is a sophomore studying materials science and engineering at MIT. She co-founded the MIT Climate Action team, a student group dedicated to empowering the MIT community to support federal, state, and municipal policies that minimize greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. As an engineering student, Claire believes that both technological advances and ambitious policies must converge to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Gari is first-year studying political science with a concentration in international relations at Clark University. As a global citizen – having been born in the Philippines, raised in Hong Kong, and finishing high school in New York City – she found her purpose in addressing global issues including climate change. Outside of her work with Our Climate, she is a political staff writer at FreshU.io and a member of Clark's Model United Nations Team and divestment campaign. She is drawn to work on climate change because of its universality and the impact it has on all levels of society, particularly marginalized communities.
Maddy is a junior at Clark University in Worcester, MA, and is majoring in Economics with a concentration in Urban Development and Social Change. She has been a committed member of Divest Clark for two years and facilitated writing the lengthy proposal for the Board of Trustees. She is passionate about the role of spirituality in the activist world and how this and a connection to the natural world can are revolutionary tools. In this strain, she leads nature- based spirituality backpacking camps for youth as a way to grow their love of our Mother and in the hopes that they further seek to protect Her from climate change. As an economics major, Maddy is thrilled to be putting her knowledge of neoliberal economic theory to practice in the fight against climate change and for social justice.
Karl is a first-year student at Northeastern University, studying Politics, Philosophy, and Economics along with Environmental Science. He is originally from the New Haven, Connecticut area. Karl is passionate about environmental, climate, and energy justice and working to create equitable solutions to climate change. In particular, Karl is interested in urban resilience and policy that moves us towards a sustainable and just future. In the past, he has worked for the New Haven/León Sister City Project, an environmental and social justice nonprofit. On campus, Karl is involved with the Roosevelt Institute, a student think tank focused on progressive policy, and the Husky Environmental Action Team. He is looking forward to working with Our Climate to advocate for carbon pricing legislation and to ensure that Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in taking action against climate change.
Mendel is a first-year at Middlebury College intending to major in International Politics and Economics with minors in History and Environmental Science. Mendel is originally from Poway, California and would like to note that he suffers from serious ocean withdrawals. Mendel has long been frightened by climate change documentaries, but is excited to finally find his voice in calling for real solutions to climate change. He is an active member of Middlebury's Sunday Night Environmental Group and sees carbon pricing as an essential step in a multifaceted solution to climate change. In his free time, Mendel also enjoys learning languages and exploring the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont.
Alice Zhang grew up in San Clemente, California, where she graduated from San Clemente High School with an International Baccalaureate Diploma. At Dartmouth, Alice plans on pursuing a major in environmental studies and economics with a minor in public policy. She is currently a member of the Dartmouth Rockapellas and a writer for The Dartmouth. After graduating, Alice plans on attending graduate school and continuing to advocate for the environment. Alice is excited to make positive environmental change by promoting carbon pricing legislations during her time at Our Climate!
Wilbur is a sophomore at MIT studying Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering. He's involved in campus climate action with the MIT Climate Action Team, Energy Club, ROTC, and business club. Wilbur has enjoyed climate advocacy with campus and national groups, and is personally excited the future of clean energy policy and technology. In his free time, Wilbur enjoys tennis, soccer, and working on independent projects.
Ana is completing her last quarter at Western Washington University, majoring in Environmental Policy with a minor in Spanish. Her passion for climate comes from not only her love of the beautiful natural world we live in, but also the belief that everyone deserves an equal right to a healthy, clean and just environment. She's super excited about carbon pricing because of its ability to provide equitable, effective solutions to climate change. She believes we have the opportunity to bring about positive social change and strengthen democracy in the fight for climate justice! She's particularly interested in utilizing land use to create and implement large scale strategies to block fossil fuel infrastructure projects, and interns at Stand.earth with their extreme oil campaign. In a few years, she hopes to attend law school and become an environmental lawyer to challenge corporations to respect the people and places on this Earth. In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer, yoga, long distance running and cooking.
Jade is an undergraduate student at the University of Washington, majoring in political science and minoring in anthropology, environmental science, and philosophy. Her focus is on policy analysis, and the political and environmental aspects of nuclear weapons. Jade is the Vice President of Beyond the Bomb at UW, where she actively participates in the grassroots movement to condemn the use and proliferation of nuclear weapons.
Johnna is a student at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. She is passionate about climate justice because she believe that climate change, and it's repercussions, is by far the biggest threat to her generation and the next. Climate change disproportionately affects the poor and vulnerable who are least able to adapt to rapid changes in the environment and cope with natural disasters. Johnna believes it is our duty to eliminate this injustice and work towards creating a healthier planet for all.
Nawon is an international student from the Philippines studying environmental policy at the University of Washington in Seattle. Climate matters to Nawon because it is one of the clearest messages from the Earth telling us what it wants and needs. She believes that the climate and its changes allow us to see and be aware of the consequences of our actions. She always knew that climate is my passion and now is the time to make a difference!
Lydia is a student at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington where she studies environmental policy and leads the schools Sustainability Club. Lydia calls the Cascade mountains home. In just the short time she's grown up there, she's seen physical evidence of our climate crisis: dry and hot summers and hazy skies from fires, early flower blooms, and glaciers melting to open new crevasses and moraine fields where before there were none. Climate change is a direct threat to the place she holds dear and the so many other places people love and depend upon.
Kate is a senior at Elon University in Elon, North Carolina majoring in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Sustainability with minors in Sociology and Public Policy. Kate is originally from Nashville, Tennessee where she interned in the Mayor's Office of Transportation and Sustainability this past summer. Through this internship, she became more interested in public service and advocating for environmental policy. At Elon, Kate has been involved in the Office of Sustainability by being an Eco-Rep and the Sustainability Intern. In her free time, she loves to hike, adventure to new parts of North Carolina, and travel with her family.
Ephraim Infante is a senior Environmental Science major at Arizona State University. She is serving her second term as Senate President for the Undergraduate Student Government and hopes to pursue a career in public policy. She serves as the Director of Policy and co-founder of the EARTH Club, an organization dedicated to environmental advocacy, education and engagement in environmental solutions. One of her proudest college achievements is establishing a Pay It Forward Food Initiative program for college students experiencing food insecurity and hardship. Ephraim is a climate advocate because she wants to fight for future generations' right to live on a viable planet where they have a chance to thrive. She is passionate about increasing scientific literacy and civic engagement, especially among the youth. This summer she worked on a state senate campaign and continued her involvement in community organizing. After joining her local Citizens' Climate Lobby chapter she learned about the #PUTAPRICEONIT campaign and began to research carbon pricing. Ephraim strongly believes in the power of youth participation and intergenerational collaboration. With this fellowship Ephraim hopes to not only grow as a climate advocate, but to also mobilize others to push for climate solutions.
Hanka Kirby is a high school senior and dual-enrolled freshman at University of North Georgia. She is an undecided major looking into an Environmental Studies pathway. After attending the Netroots Nation conference in Atlanta, she was inspired to act on climate solutions for future generations. Hanka is working to bring climate activism to young students in Georgia by starting environmental clubs at local schools. She is also a member of the Forsyth County Citizens' Climate Lobby Chapter. She is excited and motivated to be a part of Our Climate this semester!
Casey is a marine science and applied mathematics major at the University of South Carolina Honors College. She works extensively with computer models to research the physical mechanisms underlying the Earth's climate and oceanic processes. During internships with NOAA and Conservation Voters of South Carolina, Casey has helped develop climate change communications strategies to open dialogue among geoscientists, politicians, and the general public. At USC, Casey is the founder and president of Women in Geosciences, vice-president of SACNAS, co-chair of Marine Technology Society, and an active volunteer with Citizens Climate Lobby and with homeless services in Columbia, SC.
Madison is a senior in the Portland State University Honors College. She will graduate in the spring of 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Economics with a minor in Sustainable Urban Development. Her main focus is Environmental Economics and she will be writing her honors thesis on carbon pricing. Her involvement with Our Climate began in March of 2017 during the public hearing for Oregon's carbon pricing Clean Energy Jobs bill. In April 2017, she participated in the Oregon Youth Lobby Day and met with her senator and representative to discuss carbon pricing. Then, in May 2017 she represented Put A Price On It and the Clean Energy Jobs bill at PSU's 10th Annual Sustainability Celebration and helped educate fellow Oregonians about carbon pricing. Madison is passionate about climate justice and is an officer in the Portland State Environmental Club. In the next year, she hopes to expand the club and launch a campus Put A Price On It campaign. She is excited to be working with an amazing team this summer and will continue the fight for carbon pricing for many years to come.
Zina Precht-Rodriguez is a junior at Columbia University where she is majoring in Human Rights with a concentration in Political Science. Her research interests include climate policy and intergenerational justice. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Zina delayed her entry into college to work at the front lines of a start-up museum focusing on climate change solutions called the Climate Museum. As an associate to the Director, Zina developed a passion for climate social enterprise and youth climate justice initiatives. Upon her return to Columbia, she hopes to gain experience in the climate policy and litigation sector to broaden her exposure in securing human rights.
Sabrina Melendez is a queer Puerto Rican poet activist who was born in El Paso, Texas. After graduating from Idyllwild Arts Academy boarding school in California, Sabrina served for two years in Americorps, traveling the country and working for a variety of non-profit organizations such as food pantries, community gardens, and a wolf sanctuary. They became a certified wildland firefighter in Colorado, and worked as a year-long tutor and mentor for fifth grade students on the South Side of Chicago. Sabrina now studies The Imagination and Implementation of Post-Neoliberal Futures at Bennington College. Sabrina has served on the leadership board of Vermont Student Power Network and has canvassed with VPIRG on environmental policy. Sabrina believes that art is the most powerful form of resistance against capitalism, and against climate change, which is the extreme ecological byproduct of capitalism.
Morgan McLenan is a junior at Stony Brook University pursuing a B.A. in Environmental Design, Policy, and Planning. Morgan is from a small suburb outside of Boston. She has expressed an earnest interest in raising awareness about climate change. During the summer of 2016 she helped organize and plan an event called Boston Green Fest, which served to educate the public about all the sustainable options available in various aspects of life.This past summer (2017) she worked with a non-profit community board in the Bronx, NY to effectively communicate with the constituents and advocate for the concerns they held. Morgan works hard to fight for what she believes in. She is an active member of her school's Environmental Club and the College Democrats. Through these organizations she hopes to share and spread the activism of Our Climate. Morgan looks forward to making a brighter future through advocacy and policy changes.
Olivia Debes is a sophomore at Elon University in Elon, North Carolina. Olivia is a public health major and political science minor. Olivia is from East Hampton, New York and has lived there her entire life. Olivia's proudest accomplishment is the work she does with a non-profit organization called BuildOn which is an organization that is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty, illiteracy, and low expectations through building schools in some of the world's poorest countries. Through this organization, she has become very interested in learning more about environmental sustainability. In her free time, Olivia loves to swim, hike, and volunteer with various organizations.
Jesse is a 22 year old, San Diego native, in her third year of studies at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA. At Evergreen, she is pursuing a degree in environmental economics. After graduating high school, Jesse took some time off to really find her passions and figure out the best ways for her to make a lasting impact. This time involved 2 years of service with AmeriCorps NCCC, City Year Chicago, and a cross-country cycling trip to raise money and awareness for the affordable housing crisis. These 3 experiences were life-changing for Jesse, and really allowed her to see the interconnectedness of most issues facing our society today. Her love for service and extreme desire to help people is what drives Jesse to pursue progressive climate policy work.
Clarissa Marconi currently attends Borough of Manhattan Community College and studies Business Management. She is working hard to attend Law School in the near future. She is nature lover and admires its beauty through photography. Her ultimate goal while working with Our Climate is to do something about a problem that is not only affecting the place that has given us everything but humans too. She is thrilled to work with an amazing team that encourages youth to speak for what they believe in and hopefully makes a change.
Jason Sleisenger is a creative activist as an actor, writer, and content creator in Los Angeles, California. A graduate of Case Western Reserve University and current graduate student at UCLA, Jason feels very passionate about the current and future environmental issues of our cities, country, and planet as a whole. He is interested in finding ways to promote climate advocacy and sustainability through media, art, and other forms of civic and cultural outreach. Jason is also a active member in the Los Angeles Citizens Climate Lobby Chapter (CCL), Los Angeles Greenpeace Chapter, The Fund for the Public Interest, and Environment California.
Olivia is a rising Junior at University of Maryland, College Park. She is studying Economics with minors in Business and Sustainability. During the summer she is working with Chesapeake Climate Action Network on their carbon fee and rebate campaign in Washington, DC. It is a great way to follow Our Climate's mission of young engagement in to the carbon pricing movement while lobbying and canvassing in DC.
Emma is a 22 year old Portland, OR native, going into her fourth year at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota. Emma became particularly passionate about issues surrounding climate change in her freshman year of college after moving from the West Coast to rural Minnesota. Here she became aware of the drastic differences in everyday sustainable practices between places just in the US. With a major in Environmental Studies with a social science emphasis, aside her Scandinavian Studies major, Emma hopes to go into a career based on sustainable development and public policy after pursuing a masters in a relevant field. Emma is excited to work with Our Climate and fellows from all across the country who are driven by similar interests with a wide variety of perspectives!
Hogan is a rising junior at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York, where he is majoring in Environmental Studies and Philosophy and is active in the fossil fuel divestment movement. In 2016, he and other students were the first to officially present on divestment to the St. Lawrence Board of Trustees. Excited by the potential widespread appeal of a price on carbon, Hogan plans to launch a #PutAPriceOnIt campaign at St. Lawrence in the fall of 2017. A self-proclaimed foodie, Hogan has a passion for environmentally-conscious eating habits such as eliminating food waste and eating local and homemade. He is known to scrape peanut butter jars clean and gleefully eat leftovers in the name of "No food waste."
This summer, in addition to his work as a Fellow, Hogan is a political intern for the New Jersey Sierra Club and an intern for the South Mountain Conservancy, a nonprofit that cares for North Jersey's South Mountain Reservation.
Allie Gleich is a rising sophomore at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She is majoring in economics and minoring in sustainable development and political science in hopes to go to law school and pursue a career in politics. Allie works in the Lehigh University Office of Sustainability, engaging the student body and faculty in environmental practices. After her externship this past January with the U.S. Department of State, Allie has become passionate about traveling and culture. Through her leadership in the Ecology Club, Allie became an advocate for carbon pricing, reducing greenhouse gases, and saving the environment. This summer, Allie is working within her home state of New Jersey to build broad support for carbon pricing.
Kathy Bond is a sophomore majoring in Economics and Political Science at Reed College in Portland, Oregon. Kathy spends most of her time working with Reed's environmental organization to work towards sustainability on campus. To Kathy, politics is about creating positive change within her community, and she continues to follow her passion for community engagement by volunteering for the Oregon Food Bank and after-school programs in middle schools across Portland. In her free time, Kathy loves to make bad puns, play card games, and pet cute dogs she sees.
Sai Ganagoni is a sophomore at Emory University studying Economics with a minor in Global Health. On campus, he is involved with No Strings Attached, Emory's oldest male a capella group, the American Mock World Health Organization, Alpha Kappa Psi's Professional Business Fraternity, and Universities Allied for Essential Medicine.
Sai hopes to pursue public health law in the future to change the way healthcare is approached in the United States. Sai is committed to fighting the current policies against climate change put in place by the US administration and is excited to work with the Put a Price On It campaign as a part of that effort.
Samantha Peikes is a rising senior at Smith College in Northampton, MA. She is majoring in Environmental Science and Policy with a concentration in climate change. Her main interest lies in approaching and analyzing climate change as a social justice issue. She has experience informing residents of local pressing environmental issues as a canvasser for Citizens Campaign for the Environment, a grassroots non-profit environmental organization based in Hamden, CT. Most recently, she studied abroad with the School for Field Studies in the tropical rainforests of far northeast Queensland, Australia where she conducted questionnaire surveys to understand how Australians across eight different small towns and of differing socio-demographic groups perceive their own risks to climate change. As a fellow for the Put a Price On It campaign, Samantha hopes to not only hone her leadership skills, but she also hopes to become more politically involved in the fight to pass fair climate change legislation.
Madison Weisend is a freshman at Marymount Manhattan College studying Politics and Human Rights, and Environmental Studies. Her passion for environmentalism began in Ohio where she was born and raised. Climate change is the most pressing issue of our generation and must be addressed through large scale political action to avoid catastrophic destruction of the Earth. She is most interested in protecting the world's food supply through the use of sustainable farming practices that protect biodiversity and limit greenhouse gas emissions. Millions of people suffer from hunger every day due to the massive amounts of drought, flooding, and extreme weather conditions that are brought upon by climate change. She wants to ensure that all people are given their right to clean food and water through effective policies such as carbon pricing. Madison is excited to join Our Climate to show that young people have the power to make a difference, and to join in the fight to put a price on carbon.
Kevin is a senior at the University of Vermont double-majoring in economics and environmental studies with a concentration in environmental policy and development. Kevin focuses his studies on environmental solutions as he believes that climate change is the greatest problem to humankind. Kevin believes that effective carbon pricing policies would be a very profound solution to combat climate change. Further, during the spring of 2016, Kevin developed a carbon tax bill and testified it to the House Transportation Committee in Vermont's State House. In his free time, Kevin likes to hike, ski, and play guitar.
Jen VanStrander is a second-year college student studying International and Global studies, Middle Eastern studies, French, and Arabic at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York. She is excited to get her campus more involved in carbon pricing initiatives and being actively involved with her local political community. She is also looking forward to meeting with her Congressional representatives and to publish articles related to environmental issues. Her passion for environmental sustainability stems from seeing the adverse affects climate change has had on the Native American population in Upstate New York throughout her lifetime. She is excited to be a part of the Our Climate community and is eagerly looking forward to all that we will accomplish!
Chandler Green is a Masters candidate in Strategic Communication at American University and a research fellow for the Center for Media and Social Impact, where she studies the intersection of media and environmental issues. Ever since witnessing the rapid retreat of Iceland's glaciers in 2013, she has been on a quest to improve climate change communication for the public and decision makers. As an avid storyteller and strategist, she has produced videos, published articles and implemented climate communication strategies for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Carolinas Integrated Sciences and Assessments, and Pearson Higher Education. Chandler is a 2016 Graduate with Leadership Distinction from the University of South Carolina where she majored in Environmental Science and minored in Media Arts. She is excited to help Our Climate transform the narrative on climate change from "doom and gloom" to inspiration and mobilization for the practical solution of carbon pricing.
Asalia is a second year at Willamette University in Salem OR, studying English and Sociology.Fueled by her passion to minimize and eventually eliminate emissions, to create and maintain a better environmental future she hopes to pursue a career in non-profit administration after graduation. She also has a focused interest in the impact of climate change on indigenous populations and countries whose lifestyles are largely dependent in the environment and what can be done to lessen negative impacts.
Asalia believes that the climate movement is very much, but not solely, in the hands of millennials, so getting her peers to act on this by building up the momentum around the issue, providing information and really emphasizing the importance to act now, is where her time is currently devoted. In her spare time she reads and collects books on marginalized communities and writes short stories.
Samuel Blackwood is an International Studies major at Fordham University. He has been involved in politics and grassroots organizing since he was twelve years old. In 2007 and 2008 he worked on President Obama's campaign in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Since then he has worked on two congressional campaigns and one state senate campaign. Samuel was introduced to climate advocacy by his father in high school. However, at the time he was training competitively for fencing and in his senior year, Samuel, was a silver medalist at the Junior Olympics in fencing and represented the United States internationally at world cups in Europe. In the summer between his freshman and sophomore year of college he began doing more research on climate change and became motivated to take action. Since he joined the #PUTAPRICEONIT campaign he has helped grow the organization in New York city by organizing the New York kickoff for the campaign, connecting with other climate organizations, and creating awareness of the campaign on Fordham Campus. Samuel is passionate about creating a better world for future generations and believes that organizing young people around climate advocacy is a great first step towards building that world.
Kyle J. Kilkenny (FCLC '19) is a political science major with a double major in Italian Language and Literature at Fordham University 's College at Lincoln Center. Born and raised on Long Island, Kyle is a proud graduate of Sachem High School North in Lake Ronkonkoma, New York. A student leader of FCLC's Model United Nations Team, Kyle writes about issues both foreign and domestic for both Lincoln Center's The Fordham Observer and Fordham Political Review at Fordham's Rose Hill Campus. Following graduation, Kyle hopes to pursue a career in diplomacy, public service and humanitarian work. He is also a member of the Fordham University Choir, and enjoys performing in local theatrical productions in his free time. An Eagle Scout, Kyle also has a deeply-rooted passion for protecting the Earth and all of its beauties. When he's not fighting to #PutAPriceOnIt, Kyle is passionate about quality education, criminal justice reform and protecting civil rights for all global citizens. Connect with Kyle @KyleJKilkenny on Twitter and Instagram!
Daniel is in his third-year at the Florida State University and is currently studying environmental science. His passion for the environment originated through recognizing the inconsistency between the urgency with which the scientific community spoke about climate change, and the leisurely approach politicians seemed to be taking in response. Outside of the Put a Price On It campaign, Daniel applies his passion to his positions as the Director of the Office of Student Sustainability and President of DivestFSU. Both of which have allowed him to expand his ability to communicate on environmental issues, while also helping to develop the professional skills necessary to continue interacting with powerful individuals on the topic of climate change. He is excited to continue growing through the Put a Price On It campaign, and to play a role in establishing a national conversation about the necessity for a carbon tax.
Stephanie Hunsucker is a senior at the Fashion Institute of Technology studying International Trade and Marketing with minors in Econ, Math, Latin American Studies, Sociology, and Sustainability & Ethics. Stephanie became passionate about the environment after learning about the severity of climate change and the immediate need to change the way things are done. More specifically, Stephanie was stunned at the environmental damage fashion brands were causing throughout their supply chains and decided she needed to get involved. She joined Our Climate because she feels that political involvement is incredibly important for young adults and hopes to encourage other students to join her in the fight for a Carbon Tax.
Radhika is a student at Oregon State University majoring in Environmental Science with a minor in Oceanography and a focus in Aquatic Biology. She hopes that more windows will open along the way, leading her towards a policy pathway and is using the fellowship as an opportunity to test the waters. Last summer, she was an Our Climate Fellow in Texas, working with Citizens Climate Lobby to advocate for carbon pricing. She attempts social justice work and activism when the time provides and enjoys hiking and reading all the texts.
Jack Meyer is attending his junior year at NAU in Flagstaff, AZ as an Environmental Studies and Sustainability major, and is getting his minor in Civic Engagement and Political Science. Born and raised in the rural Arizona mountains that is Pinetop he developed a fierce passion for the native Pine trees, woodland creatures and the equitable treatment of the world's communities. Once at NAU, his passions lead him into a life of social activism and environmental stewardship. Along with being one of Our Climates 2016 Fall Fellows, he sits as the Vice Chair of NAU's Green Fund, is an active member of NAU's Fossil Fuel Divestment movement, assists in teaching the community leadership and peer mentorship course, and plays a strong role in the universities Sustainability Club. Jack believes that the most sustainable way to hold on to the passion needed for activist work is through cultivating loving relationships with the places around him and the people in his community. You can connect with him at https://www.linkedin.com/profile/preview?vpa=pub&locale=en_US
Sam is a sophomore at Claremont McKenna College (CMC) dual majoring in EEP (Environment, Economics, Politics) and Philosophy. He's passionate environmental sustainability because he wants to provide future generations with an earth that has the economic viability and natural beauty that characterizes it today. He believes that to mitigate climate change, decrease reliance on dirty energy, and increase competition in the green energy market, it is necessary to organize around carbon pricing legislation, like a Fee and Dividend. At CMC, he's a fellow with the Put A Price On it Campaign, fellow with Strategic Energy Innovations, member of Model United Nations, president of CCL Claremont Colleges, co-lead of Food Recovery Network, Chair of the Senate's Environmental Concerns Committee, and student baker at the Motley. In his free time, Sam likes walking around to find fresh fruit, hiking, working out, brewing kombucha, discussing current events, and spending time with family and friends. Connect with him at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samhbecker
Lola is a senior at New York University's College of Arts and Science, where she is majoring in Politics with a concentration in Climate Politics, and minors in Latin American Studies, Economics, and History. She is from Mexico City and has lived in France and Los Angeles, but often identifies simply as an Earthling. Having investigated the global carbon pricing landscape and campaigned for three years to divest NYU of fossil fuel shares, Lola is excited to see the burgeoning, bipartisan, beautiful momentum that has grown in 2016 for a federal carbon price in the US. She hopes that today's global pricing patchwork will coalesce into a blanket of tough, synchronized, and progressive carbon pricing instruments.
Olivia (Liv) Perfetti is a sophomore at the University of Michigan, majoring in environmental science. Olivia is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and chose to dedicate her career to environmental justice after attending PowerShift (a national summit for the youth climate movement) in 2013. She believes that youth will play an essential role in the carbon pricing movement, and is excited to be building support for the campaign on U of M's campus. Olivia is also the service director of the student-run organization, Students for Clean Energy, one of many environmentally-focused groups at U of M. In her free time, she plays Ultimate Frisbee for the University of Michigan women's ultimate team, called "Flywheel."
Alex Kendig is a senior at the University of Michigan studying Economics and Environmental Science. He has played an active role in climate justice campaigns in Ann Arbor, leading the Students for Clean Energy and co-organizing the Michigan Climate March, and was a participant in the People's Climate March in 2014. He enjoys traveling, backpacking, and recording music, and hopes to work in the renewable energy sector after graduation.
Austin is a junior at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana majoring in Economics with minors in both Energy Studies and Public Service. He is focused on achieving social and economic equality within the US, and this largely influences his desire to help create a more sustainable world for future generations. A San Diego native, his desire to help people live better and longer lives trumps his desire for more 85 degree days on the beach. The economic and social impacts of greenhouse gases are large, just like many other social justice issues that result from market failures. In his free time, Austin is an avid lacrosse player and is co-president of the club lacrosse team at Notre Dame; he also enjoys going to the beach, playing basketball, and going to the horse races at Del Mar.
Joey Waldinger is a sophomore at the University of Vermont where he is majoring in Environmental Studies and minoring in English. He became drawn to studying the environment after falling in love with natural spaces through snowboarding, hiking, and camping, which are some of his favorite activities. An avid writer and contributor to The Water Tower, his school`s alternative, sometimes satirical newspaper, Joey hopes to one day make a career of reporting on issues of environmental justice, and is excited that this fellowship gives him the opportunity to sharpen his ability to communicate effectively about environmental issues.
Sarah is stoked to continue her path as an activist in Vermont with Oregon Climate after having spent the summer canvassing with Vermont Public Interest Research Group for a similar policy. Being from California, the community of activism in Vermont is as refreshing as the summer rains. She is now a student at Bennington College studying Environmental Activism and Compassionate Politics through science, policy and social justice. Her main inquiry revolves around how personal connection can make us better activists. A a thread through all of Sarah's endeavors, she explores how compassion can be an engine for social change. With her free time Sarah roller-skates, sings, collects rocks and dead insects and arranges crystal grids.
Shana Gallagher believes that climate change is the most urgent and pressing problem that faces every single one of us, no matter our backgrounds or personalities or location on the globe, and that environmental organizing needs to become more mainstream. To address this crisis, we're all going to need to get behind bold and effective policies, like a price on carbon. More importantly, she understands that the biggest obstacle to a clean energy future is the power of the fossil fuel industry, and that a price on carbon is one of the few remedies to this reality. Shana's drive to protect the planet comes from a lifelong awe and admiration for the oceans, but she now focuses on making general environmental organizing accessible for everyone. She is a rising senior at Tufts University, studying Biology and Environmental Studies.
Darren Bingham is a 6th year senior majoring in Environmental Studies, in the Quinney College of Natural Resources at Utah State University. Currently, Darren works closely on building collaboration and solidarity among all groups at his college. His university isn't known for its activism or student involvement but has since changed with Darren's help. In addition, he is the undergraduate advisor for SOSNR (the student organization for society and natural resources) the most active club at USU around social and environmental justice. Through his lifestyle, innumerable achievements, and inspirational prowess; Darren has helped foster and ignite the passions that others have for bettering the world. He is also heavily involved with all sustainability efforts on and off campus. In his spare time, Darren works diligently to remove and improve the systemic failures of our capitalist model and encourages others to do the same. He also enjoys going to the mountains for much needed alone time, has an infatuation with coconut oil, brewing his own beer/spirits and loves to learn homesteading skills like farming and building Earthships.
Darren hopes to one day work in corporate responsibility as a sustainability manager. This he believes will allow him the freedom to become creative with innovative designs and ideas. Connect with Darren @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-bingham-6b0195aa?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile_pic
I am a sophomore at Brown University, majoring in Environmental Engineering. I grew up in Paris, France and I am passionate about environmental sustainability. As an international student, I have realized the global extent of climate change. I believe this is the biggest and most pressing issue that humankind is facing. As an environmental engineer, I hope to create solutions to environmental problems. However, technology can only bring us so far, which is why I am very excited to be working on the campaign to put a price on carbon. In my free time, I love to do gymnastics, go rock climbing and be a part of the Brown Outing Club.
Leyana is a senior at Sarah Lawrence College in New York State, where she studies Spanish and environmental science/policy, among other eclectic topics. She was active in the anti-hydrofracking movement in NY as a high school student, and continues to be involved in environmental and social justice organizing in college. She is excited about using public policy to fight climate change.
Kelsey Hill is a current graduate student at Portland State University, earning his Masters in Public Administration, with a focus on Natural Resources Policy. An avid hiker, and ardent nature enthusiast and climate advocate, Kelsey joined Our Climate this summer as a Fellow, and is ready to help lead America in putting a price on bigtime carbon emissions.
Louis is a junior at the University of Michigan studying Political Science and Environmental Science. He's been involved in various grassroots environmental campaigns in the Ann Arbor area, including co-organizing the Michigan Climate March, and is active in local political campaigns as well. He plans to use his educational experience (both from courses and extracurricular involvement) to analyze, draft, and implement public policies geared toward more sustainable economic, environmental, and social practices in the US and abroad. He enjoys traveling, public service, and listening to music. He plans to have a career in environmental and energy policy. Connect with Louis at www.linkedin.com/in/louis-finazzo-470b11113.
Vivian is currently attending the John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science as a senior. She was recently part of a youth organization at MassCOSH where she had the opportunity to learn about social issues, and then teach others through workshops. She has always been very passionate about social justice and wants to help tackle many of the social issues that many people are affected by, and to help one of the most urgent issues we are presented with, climate change. She is now involved with the youth organization Our Climate, and with the organization MYCC. She is excited to learn new things and participate in meaningful, and important work.
Orlee Lauren is a Sophomore at Brookline High School and is a strong advocate for social justice. Outside of her work with Our Climate, Orlee is involved with Green Era Massachusetts and Boston Climate Strike, where she leads teams and campaigns, plans events, and educates her community about the effects of climate change. Gender equity and climate change are two intersectional issues, which Orlee is also very passionate about. She is involved in multiple organizations that work to amplify her vision of a world with a clean environment and equal opportunities for all genders. Orlee is excited to continue her work for climate justice through her fellowship with Our Climate.
Kala is a junior at Hampshire Regional High School, attending and dual enrolled full time at Holyoke Community College. She believes that climate justice is intersectional and cannot be won without racial, economic, and social justice. Kala is a hub coordinator for Sunrise Hilltowns, organizes with Sunrise Western Mass, is on the coordinating team for MA Climate Education Organization, and volunteers for Western Mass Community Mutual Aid. Through her fellowship with Our Climate, Kala hopes to grow her leadership capabilities, apply her passion for social justice to lobbying for policy, and continue to analyze and advocate for legislation that fights for environmental justice in an intersectional, equitable, and tangible way. In her free time, Kala roller skates, reads, listens to music, spends time with friends, and cross country skis.
Meg grew up by the coast where her love for nature and protecting the earth began. Before joining the Our Climate team, she worked for her alma mater, Virginia Tech, as the director of operations for the lacrosse team. Her passion for working with and mentoring youth began during her time in college, where she spent Summer coaching lacrosse. Meg believes empowering students to use their voices and educate the public will create a better and more livable world. In her free time, Meg loves surfing, sewing, and doing yoga. She currently resides in Washington, DC and can be reached at meg@ourclimate.us
Cat is a second-generation Latinx woman from Miami, Florida. Bearing witness to the effects of climate change in a city often hailed as ground-zero, she is passionate about protecting those vulnerable communities she grew up in from the coming climate crisis. She currently studies at Florida State University, pursuing a degree in Environment and Society with a minor in Urban and Regional Planning. In the future, she hopes to pursue graduate studies in Urban Planning, with a specific focus on climate resiliency, as she believes our lived environment shapes the way we interact with one another and foster community. She wants to transform the way we build our cities, making them not only greener and more energy efficient but also easier to connect with and in. She organizes for climate justice both in Miami and in Tallahassee, and is involved with a variety of climate coalitions.
Taylor Voegelie is a recent dual major graduate who studied International Studies and Asian Studies at California State University of Long Beach. She minored in Chinese and Environmental Science, and chose an emphasis in International Environmental and Natural Resource Issues. During her time at CSULB, she was an active member in the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction chapter. Taylor is continuing her education by obtaining her masters in Environmental Studies at Prescott College. Taylor's nature loving personality has fueled her passion to work in environmental justice.
Rachel Allison has been privileged to help nonprofits raise funds and awareness online for nearly 20 years — but long before her fundraising journey began, increasingly hot Texas summers and a fascination with science and the natural world had sparked a deep concern about climate change and its impact on communities.
Rachel has helped nonprofits like the ACLU, 350.org, the YMCA of the United States, RAINN, and many more build their online communities, gain new donors, and launch innovative digital programs. She is excited and inspired to support Our Climate in telling its story online and to inspire more activists and supporters to join its community.
Krystina White is a political strategist, equitable policy consultant and environmental justice activist. She holds a BA in legal communications with a minor in political science. She is a former Greater Washington Urban League board member, and a co-founder of Black Millennials 4 Flint – an environmental justice organization founded in response to the Flint Water Crisis. She is also a founding member of Our Black Party, a political organization established to advance a Black political agenda at all levels of government. Krystina previously served as the National Black Youth Vote Manager for NextGen America, the state director of Virginia for Tom Steyer's 2020 presidential campaign. She formerly worked as a political research strategist at The House Majority PAC. Her work and opinions have been featured on CBC News, BET News, MTV News, The Grio, and C-SPAN.
Nayeli Quiles is a current junior at Boston Latin School. Throughout high school she has spent her time learning the ins and outs of community organizing and social justice work, through several political internships. In college, she hopes to study Political Science and Latinx studies. Through her fellowship with Our Climate, she hopes to learn more about climate justice policy and work towards lobbying for equitable and intersectional legislation. In her free time, you can find Nayeli, reading, cheerleading, or spending time with friends.
Guided by a mission to build equitable, livable, and kind communities, Josie is a fierce advocate for environmental justice (EJ). An alum of the field representative, fellow, and field advisor positions at Our Climate, Josie currently serves as OC's Federal Policy Analyst. In her current role, she works to analyze, amend, and advocate EJ legislation through collaboration with youth leaders, environmental coalitions, and policymakers on the Hill. As a high school senior, Josie is also co-founder and director of Black Students Demanding Change (BSDC), a national coalition of Black independent school students who partner with their administrations to implement racially equitable reform. Gaining a multitude of organizing skills from her work with BSDC, successes with the organization include the catalyzing of anti-racist reform in dozens of schools across the country, the garnering of support from several state-wide educational regulatory bodies, and the building of a large social media presence. In her spare time, Josie enjoys sewing funky clothing, tending to her mini forest of house plants, and doing yoga. Contact her at josie@ourclimate.us or on Instagram @josieehelm.
Driven by her spirit and ancestry, Danielle is a passionate and resilient advocate for environmental justice. Danielle is currently the Environmental Justice Initiatives Associate, where she advocates for environmental justice legislation through the collaborative efforts of youth leaders and environmental justice coalitions. She additionally works to amplify and solidify the organization's Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, Belonging and Accessibility (DEIBA) initiatives. Danielle is a soon-to-be graduate of SUNY-ESF with a degree in Environmental Studies with a focus in food justice and environmental health. Outside of her work for Our Climate, she enjoys dance parties with friends, crocheting, and mycology. Contact her at daniellef@ourclimate.us or on Instagram @danifoss.
Abigail Foster is a Junior at the University of Florida. She is majoring in Sustainability Studies and is minoring in Leadership, Anthropology, and Agricultural and Natural Resource Law. Her goal is to graduate early, get her Masters of Science in Management with a certificate in Natural Resource Law and Administration, and then to go on to Law School and become an environmental lawyer. She is also an avid swimmer and is the treasurer of the club swim team at UF. Abby enjoys swimming, surfing, scuba diving, and any other water related activities along with reading and spending time with her puppy. She is extremely passionate about sustainability and hopes to inspire others and bring awareness to the issue.
Amanda grew up on Bainbridge Island and is currently a senior at Lewis & Clark College where she is majoring in Environmental Studies. Her love for nature started as a child where she enjoyed hiking in the Olympics and kayaking in the Puget Sound. Coming from a big family, she has always loved connecting with others, and found comfort in working alongside her community to prevent the loss of the places she loved. From working with nonprofit organizations such as Sustainable Bainbridge, Factory Farming Awareness Coalition, Nature Nuts, and now leading her college's environmental club, Amanda is always eager to learn from others. After college she hopes to spend some time traveling and volunteering before pursuing a career in public policy. She believes it is important that those most impacted by climate change are given the chance to share their knowledge as these insights often reveal the multitude of systemic issues climate change is connected to. She is eager to work alongside Our Climate to learn more about how public engagement and lobbying can be used to create more equitable policies. Some of her other passions include skiing, exploring the many food trucks in Portland, and baking.
Amya was born in Manning, South Carolina and moved to Florida during the 4th grade. They are currently 20 years old, and are a junior majoring in Sustainability Studies with a minor in French and Francophone studies at the University of Florida. In addition to academics, they currently operate as a Gatorship Director for this upcoming year, as well as an MFOS Peer Mentor. They have recently served as a PAACT 2020 Peer Leader, a research team lead for the Center for African Studies' Racial Justice Initiative research project and the Soil & Water Sciences Department's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee as an undergraduate representative. As of this moment, their career goals are not entirely solidified but they hope to one day work in French speaking economically developing countries to create environmentally protected areas, establish sustainable community development and improve the quality of life for local populations. In their downtime, they're a big fan of mmorpgs, yoga, haircare, meditation, astrology and all things French. They have a penchant for tattoos, and love talking about radical rest, and the benefits of napping.
Anissa is currently a junior at The Winsor School. They are one of the heads of Winsor's Student Board for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and they've recently had the opportunity to be involved in a few political campaigns in the Boston area. Through these opportunities, Anissa has been able to discover their passion for equity in the intersectional fields of public health and environmental policy. They are also a strong advocate for the role of youth in the climate movement. They are very excited to learn more about youth mobilization and climate policy through their field representative position with Our Climate.
Anthony Lee is a sophomore at Milton Academy, MA. Anthony loves playing the piano, playing golf and watching fun science videos. Anthony was a member of the Green Club, an organization at his middle school, where he was introduced to the urgency and problems of climate issues. He has worked to reduce compost, and has done small projects, but he believes that joining OC and participating in larger projects regarding federal policy will not only grow his passion on climate justice, but also provide growth for him. He is very excited for the upcoming work!
Apple Lieser (she/her) is a sophomore at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. She is majoring in Environmental Studies and Politics with a minor in Creative Writing. Apple's interest in environmentalism began on her seventh birthday, when she was gifted her first chapter book entitled A Hot Planet Needs Cool Kids. Since that first introduction to the climate crisis, Apple has experienced multiple climate disasters, most notably the Thomas Fire in Southern California threatening her high school. At Whitman, Apple is involved in the Campus Climate Coalition, as well as the Walla Walla chapter of the Sunrise Movement. She spends her free time hiking, reading, dancing, skiing, and walking her dog. Apple joined Our Climate as a Field Representative in the fall of 2021, and is most excited about the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of climate lobbying.
Ashika Srivastava is a senior at Chamblee High School in Chamblee, Georgia. She is passionate about the environment & climate justice, the life sciences, and behavioral sciences. Ashika serves as the co-captain of her school's Science Olympiad team, the ThinkOcean US Southeast Regional Coordinator, and on the 2021 Work2BeWell National Student Advisory Council. In her
free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with friends & family.
Ava is a sophomore at Vassar College where she is majoring in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Geography and Earth Science and a possible minor in Russian Studies. She plans to focus on sustainable urban development and climate policy throughout her major. She grew up in Portland, Oregon, which led her to cultivate a deep love for nature and everything outdoors. She is a part of her school's Outing Club and is excited to learn more about climate policy and lobbying with Our Climate. She spends her spare time reading, baking, playing volleyball for Vassar, and volunteering as a clinic escort for her local Planned Parenthood.
Arya Nayak is a freshman at SUNY Stony Brook University majoring in Sustainability Studies and considering a minor in Sociology. Her main goal at OurClimate is to help as many people deal with the climate crisis as she can in whatever ways she has the opportunity to. She is trying to take this passion for helping people mitigate climate change and apply it to her studies so she can spend the rest of her life doing the thing that she loves. She has been a part of several climate action groups in her home of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is ready to take her experiences to the next level. When she's not working on climate action work, she reads, watches tv shows and hangs out with her friends as often as possible. Her main goal at OurClimate and life is to help people, and if she can do that, she'll feel successful.
Ayush Manoj (he/him) is a senior at Lawrence E. Elkins High School in Missouri City, Texas. He's been passionate about the climate movement ever since a very young age, recycling almost everything he could find and making sure to turn off all unused lights. He aspires to double major in Computer Science and Business in the future, and in his free time, he loves to watch YouTube videos, play video games, and read history articles on Wikipedia.
Carsyn is from Seattle but goes to school at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. There she is doing a double major in Theology and Environmental Studies and a minor in English Language Arts. Carsyn loves the outdoors and the beauty that the earth shows us every day. She is super excited to be a part of the Our Climate team this year and loves taking action for the earth. In her free time, Carsyn likes to listen to music, read books, and eat many foods at various restaurants (especially mushrooms).
Dane is a recent graduate from Michigan State University with a Bachelor's in neuroscience with minors in Spanish and environmental sustainability. She is now attending Portland State University to obtain a master's degree in Environmental Science and Management. Dane is very passionate about hiking with her dog Oliver, exercising, finding new music on Spotify, and cooking all sorts of delicious dishes. She is excited to work with Our Climate and help confront the climate crisis through legislation because the environment is something she will be focusing her career around in the future.
Eden Lewis is a 16 year old Our Climate Fellow that attends Ithaca High School in New York, and uses they/she pronouns. They love to hangout with friends, be outside, and listen to music! Eden was inspired to join Our Climate because they wanted to learn more about climate justice, and share their perspective on important legislation. She thinks it is important to prioritize the voices of youth and those greatest affected by climate change, both qualities of which Our Climate stands by! Eden is very excited to help advocate for equitable science based policy and work to further develop Our Climate's social media team!
Eliza Garcia is an Our Climate Oregon Fellow. She is a third-year political science major and philosophy minor at the University of Oregon. She is a native of Oregon, growing up in Roseburg then moving to Eugene to attend university. She has always had a passion for social activism and really found her footing in climate activism once she started college and joined student activist groups. Outside of activism, she also loves ballet, theatre, and music.
Ella is currently a freshman at Brooklyn Technical High School in NYC. Over time she has noticed the change in the climate crisis and decided not long ago that she has to act. This has led her to start an Earth Guardians chapter in Manhattan which is also focused on helping change the climate situation. Ella loves to surf and everything related to the ocean and she has noticed that the most impactful way to prevent further damage is through politics. With our planet at risk, she decided that there is no better time to get involved with Our Climate than right now. Aside from fighting for our future and studying, she enjoys reading, playing sports, and hanging out with her friends.
Emerson McCarthy is a teenager trying to make a difference and spread the word on climate change and how it affects us all. Attending an all-girls school, Emerson finds it vital to uplift women and make sure they are granted equal opportunities to their male counterparts. Emerson is an avid writer, debater, and reader. She loves to travel, and has seen many parts of the world. She loves to learn about cultures of the world and how they differ from what she sees around her in the United States. Living in D.C, she has an interest in current events and what is happening and what change is being made to combat climate change. Overall, Emerson is a curious, adventurous, and open-minded teenager who is trying to make positive change in order to combat the climate crisis and help those most affected.
Emilia Williams is a senior at Bellevue High School and is passionate about tackling both climate change and its disproportional environmental consequences. She is looking forward to expanding her leadership abilities and advancing state level policy promoting a shift to clean energy through her Our Climate fellowship. Emilia is an elder (a member of the governing board) at Bellevue Presbyterian Church, where she acts as a liaison between church youth and the leadership team, advocating for issues perinate to her generation such as combating climate change, taking a progressive approach to missions, and highlighting other key social justice issues. As a hiking enthusiast, she founded a hiking club at Bellevue High school, where they discuss historical inequities in access to the outdoors, the impacts of climate change on public lands, and explore the beautiful trails of the PNW. In her free time, Emilia also enjoys playing competitive softball, baking, and gardening.
Emma graduated in August 2021 with a degree in environmental science and policy from Portland State University. She currently works in coffee and is also a reservist for FEMA. With a passion for sustainability, environmental justice and social justice, Emma helped co-found an organization in Oregon that fights for racial and social justice. Currently, she does not do much work for the organization but does sit on the board. Emma believes that education is one of the most important things to incite change, and that begins with making education resources available to all. She hopes that through her work with Our Climate, she can continue to expand the fight for climate justice and is excited to be apart of the Our Climate family.
This is Felipe. Although he was born and raised in West Palm Beach, FL, his family originates from the beautiful country of Colombia in South America. He is a proud Latino, as well as a proud first-generation American college student. He is currently studying Environmental Science & Policy at the University of South Florida in Tampa, with the aspiration of then practicing Environmental Law in the future. He has always been passionate about wildlife conservation, the transition to clean-and-sustainable energy, as well as climate justice and how they all essentially affect us all. That's simply why he's excited to continue his passion towards the protection of the Earth, and others, by fulfilling his role as an Our Climate Florida Field Representative this year!
Frank Zhou is a 17-year-old high school senior at Phillips Academy Andover, where he is Editor-in-Chief of the campus literary magazine and leads several environmental advocacy initiatives. His Chinese-English translations appear in the Chinese Film Classics Project at the University of British Columbia. When he's not waist-deep in Chinese novels, he's an A-list smoothie enthusiast and loves a good black raspberry smoothie!
Gabriela Mendoza is a highschool student that is currently attending The Young Women's Leadership School of Astoria in Queens, NYC. She is very passionate about incorporating interdisciplinary climate education in all NYC public schools and is in the CRTF YSC. She is also the social media lead for Sunrise NYC youth and has been working with Our Climate for about a year now! In her free time she enjoys to crochet, scrapbook and play with her dog.
Gray is a 3rd year student at the University of South Florida studying Biology with a concentration in Ecology and Evolution. Her passion lies within environmental conservation and she hopes, upon completion of her undergraduate degree, to work for an environmental agency focusing on conservation planning and restoration. She is from Baltimore, Maryland and was a gymnast from the time she was 2 years old until high school-age which has led her to be a gymnastics coach. Gray also loves animals and has a dog of her own named Addy who loves hiking and paddle boarding. She can't wait to explore and grow in the environmental science field and within Our Climate.
Haley McGehee is a first-generation college student who is from Florida and is a senior at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. Her major is Sustainability Studies, and her minor is in Environmental Science and Policy. She has always been interested in the environment and nature, but she is also passionate about human rights. She has recently become more involved in the climate movement by joining Our Climate as a Field Representative in 2020 and is now a Fellow for the 2021-2022 year. She is hopeful for the future as we continue to transition to a more sustainable world for all. She enjoys spending time with her dogs, going to the beach, practicing yoga, listening to podcasts, and learning about science, history, and politics.
Isabela Chachapoyas is currently a senior at Worcester Polytechnic Institute majoring in Environmental and Sustainability Studies. She is originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico where climate change has instilled more severe droughts and wildfires. She is very passionate about the research she does on indigenous communities and how they have been affected by climate change. She has also participated in global projects in France and Paraguay to help mitigate the effects of soil and canal erosion. When she is not working, she loves to sing and enjoy what nature has to offer. Isabela is very excited to be working for Our Climate to further her knowledge on climate policy. Knowing this information is key to creating legislation that helps us and the environment coexist in a healthier world.
Isabella Prince was born in Caracas, Venezuela and moved to the United States when she was 12 years old. Her social justice journey began after anthropology opened up her eyes to issues she had been unaware of all her life. Learning about these struggles that others had been suffering led her to join a climate justice workshop with the CLEO institute. Afterwards, she quickly fell in love with the idea of bringing a safe future for herself and the upcoming generations. She further engaged with CLEO and soon she became a climate strategist for GenCLEO. Hopeful of expanding her climate understanding and meeting even more awesome people with numerous perspectives, she joined Our Climate as a fellow and got the honor to become a NorthLight Young Scholar.
Jacqueline Miller is a junior at Garfield Highschool in Seattle, WA. She loves being outdoors and exploring nature with her dog. She's always had an interest in the environment, and has furthered her passion for climate justice as a volunteer for various local campaigns and as a member of the Sunrise Movement. She currently works as a Youth Ambassador for the Green Seattle Partnership, and is the Communications Officer for Garfield Earth Corps, an environmental club at her school. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, snowboarding, and paddleboarding.
Jason Acosta Espinosa is a sophomore at Dartmouth College, double majoring in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics and Computer Science modified with Psychology. He is currently working with ActBlue, a progressive fundraising organization, as an intern for the Outreach Democratic Politics and Elections Team along with conducting research on campus. At school, he is involved with the Dartmouth Minority Pre-law Association, the Dartmouth Political Union, the Dartmouth Questbridge Chapter, the Dartmouth LatinX & Caribbean Council, and the Rockefeller Center for Social Sciences. At Our Climate, Jason hopes to learn more about the bureaucratic obstacles that hinder progressive policy along with ways to dismantle them. He also hopes to grow his own skills as an advocate, especially with incorporating intersectionality between social justice efforts and environmental justice policies. When he's not exploring the woods of Hanover, New Hampshire, Jason likes to work out, read political/economic theory-based books, kayak in the Connecticut River, and spend time with friends.
Jean is a senior at Ward Melville High School. She enjoys pursuing her interests in art and earth science and climate justice. Jean joined OurClimate in order to speak out against the climate crisis and join the youth-led movement for a Mission Toothbrush to help her community have better access to healthcare and supplies by donating to those in need, and enjoys connecting with others over a meaningful cause. She hopes to create a better community by focusing on environmental justice and public health. Outside of Mission Toothbrush, she is a passionate member of Science Olympiad and loves to read, write, and paint.
Julia Dickinson is a senior in high school at Boston University Academy living in Brookline, MA. After taking an environmental studies course at school and attending a mock state government program, she wanted to become involved in climate policy. As a member of many communities with varying levels of diversity, she wants to help people of all backgrounds understand the importance of protecting the environment and creating an equitable community. Julia is looking forward to working with Our Climate, and she is hoping to learn more about climate policy and how citizens can enact it. In her free time, Julia likes to play the trombone, run, write, and read.
Kalyani Nair is a junior at San Francisco University High School in San Francisco, California. She has lived there for her whole life and loves biking and spending time around the city. Through working with Our Climate, Kalyani is especially excited to learn more about environmental science while engaging with climate policy. She believes in the importance of the youth in the climate movement and is ready to take the next step in fighting for climate justice to defend our planet's welfare and future.
Kayla Wang is a senior at Forest Hills High School in Queens, New York City. Kayla is passionate about various social justice works including the climate crisis, mental health awareness, and Asian American identity politics. She slowly began educating herself on environmental issues and their disproportionate effects when she joined Our Climate in the fall of 2020 as a field representative and her school's Green Team. By tuning into lobbying events with her local legislators and organizing rallies in support of equitable policy like the Climate and Community Investment Act (CCIA), she became invested in youth driving change for a concern that will drastically affect themselves and generations to come. In her free time, Kayla enjoys spending time with her family by playing video games, deepening her interest in graphic design, and trying out different cuisines. She hopes to take more courses on environmental sustainability, business, management, and communications in her college career.
Kylie Golden-Appleton is a Field Representative in upstate New York. She is passionate about environmental justice as a power-conscious, intersectional approach to dismantling systems of oppression so that all life may flourish. In addition to working with Our Climate, they participate in their local Sunrise branch, Planned Parenthood's Teen Council program, and various other social justice groups. In her free time, Kylie enjoys spending time in the forest!
Kelsey Hadden (they/them) is a Las Vegas, NV native who, now immersed in Portland's tremendous greenery, gained mounting enthusiasm to preserve our planet. They attend Lewis and Clark College, and plan to double major in Rhetoric and Media Studies and English. Kelsey is excited to apply their studies to real current issues, and is particularly interested in exploring the rhetoric that surrounds environmentalism and advocacy. In addition to sustainability, Kelsey is also passionate about feminism, LQBT+ rights, and racial inequality.
Lucas Sastre is an 18 year old born and raised in Broward County, Florida by Argentinean parents who came and met in the United States. Born in a small home in Hollywood, he didn't receive much in the way of toys but pets and gardening werea big part of his life. He has various pets including rabbits, dogs, birds, chickens, and more and planted Watermelons, avocados, peppers and more as well. Since he was young, he loved animals and nature as a whole, eventually becoming a Vegan due to moral beliefs regarding animal cruelty at age 12. He often questioned everything he heard and researched thoroughly to confirm the stances he took and believed in. At the age of 15 he knew he would want to achieve change in the future, and advocate for policies he believed in. In the past, he worked with a local government commissioner on passing a potentially very helpful policy and now he is a current Field Representative at Our Climate and a Sports Media INC. intern where he writes emails to market products to state and local governments. Additionally, he is currently enrolled at Florida International University as a Political Science major, working towards gaining more knowledge on the political process, communication skills, and writing expertise. Using what he learns in these organizations, he wants to continue pursuing meaningful Internships, Volunteer, and job opportunities relating to his career path until and/or beyond the end of his college education. He believes in, and often preaches about, the positive impact and experience being in an internship or volunteering in a cause you will pursue after college can have. Further on in his life, he wants to be a Politician and/or be the head of an organization that fights for causes he believes in such as Climate action, infrastructure policies, wage raise, easier means for higher education, ending the two-party system, and more.
Lilian Rose McCarthy is a recent graduate of Smith College who will be attending Trinity College Dublin for a Masters of Philosophy in Comparative Literature in 2022. She is proud to be queer and disabled. She is a member of Sunrise Boston's communications and political teams and enjoys working on local progressive and socialist campaigns. Lilian is passionate about anticapitalism, anti-imperialism, antiracism, and antispecism. In her free time, she enjoys playing with her cat, visiting home on Cape Cod, and going for walks. She is thrilled to be working with Our Climate to expand her environmental advocacy toolkit, make new connections in the field, and further her understanding of intersectionality in the climate realm.
Lucas Salaberry is a junior in high school in Houston, TX. He is passionate about sustainable agriculture and how to envision a greener future with food technology and practices. He enjoys going on hikes, playing tennis, and eating tacos! Lucas is very excited to be working with other field representatives and fellows this year!
Maya Lee is a senior at Roosevelt high school, living in Seattle Washington. She plans to attend university next fall, she has yet to decide on a major but is considering Political Science. Maya loves living in Washington where there are so many beautiful trails and parks to spend time in. Maya has always been passionate about the environment, but her most recent Environmental Science class inspired her to take more action and responsibility in her community. As an Our Climate Field Representative, Maya is looking forward to increasing her interpersonal skills along with learning more about what she can do to fight for climate justice. Outside of work and school Maya enjoys facilitating clubs for Asian Culture Club (where she is VP), volunteering for an organization called One World Now, playing tennis for her school's team, and spending time with her friends.
McKenzie Troxell is a current senior at Western Washington University pursuing a bachelor's degree in sociology. At Western she is a lead officer for Students for Renewable Energy, and works on a sustainable investing campaign to reallocate the University's endowment funds to ESG companies. McKenzie is passionate about creating a sustainable future for current and future generations. In her freetime she enjoys hiking, painting, and spending time with friends.
Mehak Sandhu is a Junior in high school from Sarasota FL They are an active member in the fight for climate justice; coleading their own organization, Sarasota Students for Climate. They also take interest in arts and music outside of academics.
Melody Destefano is an Our Climate Fellow based in Eugene, Oregon. She is going into her first year of college and is majoring in Environmental Studies, her passions are to advocate for environmental policy reform, social justice issues, and to meet kittens.
Milly Waxman (she/her) was born and raised in Miami, FL but recently moved to New York City to attend Barnard College where she is studying Environment & Sustainability. Milly loves to surf, cook Vegan recipes, and travel to new places. Milly is super excited to work with Our Climate and can't wait to expand her knowledge through working with other amazing individuals.
Nancy Tao is a junior at Milton Academy in Milton, MA. She grew up in many places including China, New York, and Massachuttes. She credits these constant changes in her environment for her adaptiveness and careful observations of her surroundings. Growing up, she had to wear masks to guard herself against the air pollution in Beijing, and intrigued by the object on her face, this curiosity propelled her interest in climate activism. Moreover, being Asian American, she is specifically interested in diving deeper into the intersectionalities between climate justice, race, and economic class. Outside of climate and social activism, Nancy can be found enjoying listening to music, baking desserts, and trying out the latest trends with friends. Nancy is excited to be working with Our Climate and delving into climate policies alongside her peers to help alleviate the impacts of climate change.
Nicole Hirao is a Junior at Saint Martin's University and is originally from Oahu, Hawai'i. She is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in legal studies. Nicole is passionate about climate justice and dismantling systems of oppression that place a disproportionate impact on BIPOC communities. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach, binge-watching tv shows, going to the gym, and baking!
Olivia Cowley is a Sophomore at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. Originally from Kent, Washington, she has enjoyed the PNW her entire life. Outside of school, Olivia plays for the Lewis and Clark Women's Soccer Team. Growing up she has always been extremely involved in outdoor recreation, which has led her to pursue climate activism now. Olivia is a double major in environmental studies and international affairs and has the dream of eventually attending law school for environmental law.
Olivia Zhang is a high school student who has, since a young age, loved spending time in nature and going to the beach. She has worked to educate herself and her peers about the climate crisis. Based in south Florida, she has had first-hand experiences of hurricanes, but was always inspired by people who worked together to recover from them. She makes an effort to get involved in her community and school by volunteering and spreading positivity. Additionally, Olivia enjoys making art and sculptures from recycled materials, so she is interested in the intersection between advocacy and art. In her free time, she likes to listen to music, ride her bike, and read about interesting topics!
Pech Sakhan was born from a land of archaic evolution, an ancient lineage of humans, a primitive history, and a mortifying carnage. Pech was planted into the fertile soil of Kampuchea by two souls of Khmer heritage, who adoringly watered them for nearly two decades, and became a flourishing sapling. As their parents nourished their growth, they enriched Pech with their life experiences, reflections, and values. They garnished Pech's youth with perplexing stories of the past, and colored in the most crucial decades and the most dazzling eras of their home country. Their intentions were not to entertain Pech with compelling bed-side fables, but to rather discipline them on their ancestors' involvement in Cambodia's profound history. At 20-years old, Pech has completed her second year of university as an undergraduate student majoring in Environmental Sciences to pursue the restoration of the soil of their family's heritage in Cambodia and ensuring a sustainable future. In this pursuit, Pech has taken on studying botany, Southeast Asian history, and ecology. Their interests in the natural world has garnered hobbies such as hiking, gardening, and animal care.
Rita Alan is a Sophomore at the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service studying Science, Technology, and International Affairs. She is on the board of the Georgetown Renewable Energy and Environmental Network and works to advocate for more sustainable energy practices on campus. Rita is also a university tour guide (Hoya Saxa!) and a mentor for Georgetown Opportunities for Leadership Development. In her free time, she enjoys biking around DC with capital bikeshare or picnicking around campus.
Sachin Shenoy is a senior in high school from Kansas. He enjoys taking challenging STEM classes in school. At school, he is a member of the DECA business club, Science National Honors Society, and Environmental club. Outside of school, he enjoys playing basketball and hanging out eating in new restaurants. He looks forward to going to college next year and intends to go out-of-state.
Sage Renninger is originally from Whidbey Island Washington where she grew up hiking and enjoying the outdoors with her family. Sage is currently a senior at Washington State University studying Environmental Science and Sustainable Development. She has previously worked with Green 2.0 on social and environmental justice issues, seeking to increase diversity within the environmental movement. Furthermore, she also works in a sustainable food lab on campus analyzing climate impacts on agriculture. She is passionate about ensuring climate justice for all people, and most importantly, vulnerable communities. Sage hopes to travel and continue working on climate justice issues to help mitigate climate impacts.
Sam Lu is a current senior in high school and a fellow with Our Climate. Sam has a strong interest in math and computer science and recently participated in an artificial intelligence program taught by MIT professors. Sam enjoys playing video games, practicing piano, and reading Wikipedia for hours, and hopes to study computer science or something related in college.
Sarah Cohn (she/they) is a recent graduate of Whitman College ('21) in Walla Walla Washington. They studied Environmental Studies and Sociology. During her time at Whitman, Sarah directed much of her learning towards topics relating to agriculture and food justice, as well as public school environmental education. Sarah enjoys gardening, sewing, woodworking, welding, scouring thrift stores for old treasures, working with children, learning, and cooking. They are passionate about environmental justice and interested in a variety of career paths that push towards environmental justice becoming a reality. Sarah looks forward to learning about climate politics, youth organizing, and storytelling, amongst other things, during her time as an Our Climate Northlight Young Scholar Fellow.
Simoni Mishra is a senior from Maryland. She began her journey in middle school student governments, and her passion for representing the youth voice has since continued. She was appointed onto her county SGA for three years, and she currently manages relations with 12 organizations. Simoni is the NHS President at her school and has worked with the Maryland Association of Student Councils to plan and present workshops to hundreds of students. In 2021, she campaigned for civic education in US schools. Her current efforts lie in mobilizing the youth to fight for science-based climate policy with OurClimate. Apart from her interests in advocacy, Simoni is a long-time research enthusiast and performing artist. A few of the projects that she had worked on include designing an improved windmill to prevent associated bat mortalities and proposing an in silico model to track exosomal behavior in spinal cord injury patients. Simoni enjoys sharing her love for the performing arts with the kids at Children's Inn at NIH. In her spare time, she tries (and fails) to bake.
Skylar Cowen is a 16 year old who has a passion for environmental policy. In school, she is involved in many clubs and activities including drama, choir, acapella, Model UN, environmental club, and many others. Skylar loves listening to music and writing in her free time. She also conducts independent environmental research and was fortunate enough to be a sustainability research intern at a local university over the summer. Skylar is also a waitress at a senior living home in her community. Skylar is involved in the climate movement because she believes that climate change is the single biggest threat to humanity that needs to be addressed with more concern and urgency.
Swapnil Gandhi is a junior in high school at Lexington High School, living in Lexington MA. He's always been interested in fighting for climate justice ever since he learned about the state of our environment in middle school. Swapnil believes that it is our responsibility to respect our planet, and that we have to own this responsibility, not shy away from it. That being said, he loves nature and often spends his time outside in his free time. He's extremely excited and truly thankful for the opportunity he has to make tangible impacts in climate policy.
Tiffany Gao is currently a senior at Syosset High School. Having lived near coastal areas her entire life, she's grown quite fond of the ocean and was bewildered by the plastic pollution issue, especially when she first saw it with her own eyes. Ever since her volunteering efforts in middle school, she's found herself becoming more and more engrossed in seeking solutions for the environment. She regularly volunteers at several environmental non-profits and even founded her own organization Devocean Foundation aimed at reducing plastic waste and spreading her message. Her recent interests have touched upon climate policy and as an Our Climate Fellow, she hopes to enact and organize such change within a community of like-minded individuals.
Zoe Carlson is a junior at Syracuse University currently studying Earth Science and Environment, Sustainability, and Policy. Zoe uses she/her/hers pronouns. She is a fellow at Our Climate and works on researching topics for the social media team. When relaxing she enjoys playing water polo, meditating, listening to music, and baking.
Sharai Bradshaw, MA, LMFT, RYT-200, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Washington, D.C. In addition to therapy, she currently provides safe & therapeutic spaces for organizations to comfortably express discomfort while she facilitates support. She wholeheartedly enjoys being an agent of change by providing coping skills which lead to individual and collective growth. Certified in Mindfulness & Child-Parent Psychotherapy, she has worked with individuals for over 15 years creating and coordinating programs focused on coping skills, trauma, and wellness.
Nicole Mare studied Social Work at the Florida International University (FIU) and received her Bachelor's of Science in Social Work (BSSW) and Master's of Science in Social Work (MSSW). She is now studying to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). During her internship and after graduating, Nicole has provided therapeutic services to marginalized communities. She is currently providing therapeutic services to adolescents, ages 10-18, who experience severe episodes of depression and eating disorders and works part-time with FIU as a research assistant for the SWAY project. As a research assistant for SWAY, she interviews teens about their sexual health and collects data to develop updated and inclusive sexual health measures for health professionals. Her work as a social worker has been fulfilling in many ways, but what has inspired her the most is how resilient humans are, especially when given the right tools to better ourselves, our relationships with others, and our communities.
Tracy Sidesinger, PsyD is a psychoanalytic psychologist, currently practicing virtually from Brooklyn and upstate New York. Her writing and practice focus on gender and sexuality, maternal mental health, climate anxiety, spirituality, and the arts. She is co-founder of The New York Center for Community Psychoanalysis, an emerging nonprofit psychotherapy clinic in Flatbush Brooklyn which will make psychological care accessible to all as a matter of social justice and equity. She also serves on the board of directors for the Museum of Motherhood as artist residency coordinator. Her writing can be found in Studies in Gender and Sexuality, Journal of Mother Studies, Public Seminar, and Routledge. She is currently working on a collection of essays bridging psychoanalytic insight, interviews, and memoir to bear on the topic of feminine knowing.
Melissa is an environmental educator with over a decade of experience in sustainability, ranging from nonprofit farming to renewable energy startups. Her work focuses on teaching environmentalism in an empowering way by keeping climate conversations place-based, solution-oriented, and community-centered. She teaches undergraduate environmental courses at the School of Visual Arts and Pratt Institute, and holds a MS in Sustainability Management from Columbia University.
Janna Diamond (she/her) is a somatic practitioner working at the intersection of trauma healing, culture building, consciousness, and the climate crisis. Her body of work, Evolutionary Somatic Practice, focuses on helping people to cultivate inner resources for collective evolution. She has a private therapeutic practice and leads groups internationally, including most recent programming for Yale University, The Hive Cincinnati, Extinction Rebellion, and numerous faith-based organizations.
Janna's research has been around supporting therapists and healing practitioners to bring climate consciousness into the therapeutic space, expanding not only the capacity of the practitioner to hold the complexity and magnitude of our days, but also ensuring the client is held with a greater depth of presence during times of planetary transformation. Janna is a member of the Climate Psychology Alliance of North America, United States Association of Body Psychotherapy, and is a Work that Reconnects Facilitator. Learn more at www.jannadiamond.com.
Katrina P Mautner is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in Berkeley, CA. They are a queer trauma-informed therapist who works within an anti-oppressive and intersectional framework. Through mindfulness, authentic relationships, radical self-compassion, and existential humanist philosophy, Katrina collaborates with clients on discovering resilience and peace. Katrina enjoys working with members of their own communities – including queer and trans folx, mixed race and multi-ethnic folx, and activists and healers. When not therapizing towards a better future, Katrina enjoys dancing, eating good food with friends and family, and collecting beautiful objects. Connect with Katrina at www.passionfruittherapy.com
Jessica Berger is a graduate student at the University of Michigan pursuing a Master's degree in Environmental Justice. She grew up in Harvard, MA, and earned a B.A. in Microbiology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2016. After graduating, she worked at a micro-mobility startup and later a community solar company before pursuing her graduate studies. She is passionate about energy justice, Indigenous rights, and grassroots advocacy. In her time, Jessica enjoys running, triathlon, reading and hiking with her partner and their two dogs, Danika and Demi.
Sharona Shnayder is a 21 year old Nigerian-Israeli environmental activist mobilizing for climate justice in the Middle-East. She is also the Founder of the global grassroots movement Tuesdays for Trash inspiring individuals around the world to dedicate Tuesdays–or every day– for trash picking, conversing about the waste management issue, demanding better practices from big businesses and becoming responsible citizens working towards a healthier home for all. The movement started in May of 2020 and already has participants in 29 countries, 11 chapters operational and collected over 17,000 pounds of trash. Additionally, she serves as the Chairwoman of the social justice non-profit OurstreetsPDX and Marketing Manager of the climate-tech startup Albo Climate. Her main passion is to reduce global waste and create a more sustainable, clean and equitable home for everyone on this planet.
Taryn Akiyama (she/her) is passionate about the intersection of finance, policy, and global affairs in enhancing collaboration and scaling impact for climate change and clean energy. As a Senior Associate at Climate Finance Advisors, a WSP member, she works with clients to accelerate sustainable, climate-aligned investment. Formerly, Taryn served as a political appointee under Governors Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsom, where she specialized in global climate policy and climate resilience, respectively. She cares deeply about building young climate leaders, having co-led youth engagement for the 2018 Global Climate Action Summit and having helped organize the 2019 United Nations Youth Climate Summit and the 2021 Youth4Climate: Driving Ambition COP 26 event. She holds a Master's of Environmental Management from the Yale School of the Environment and a Bachelor's from Claremont McKenna College.
Cate Barrie is a rising senior at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California pursuing a B.A. in Environmental Studies. She recently graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage earning an Occupational Endorsement in Conservation Ecology. She is passionate about environmental awareness and all things outdoors! She is excited to use creative strategies in order to educate the general public about climate change while empowering youth voices. In her free time, she loves to scuba dive, tide pool, and spend time with her husky, Jax! Cate can be reached at Cate@ourclimate.us.
Arielle V. King is a 24-year-old environmental justice (EJ) advocate, educator, and content creator. At her full-time job, she is the Environmental Justice Staff Attorney at the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) in Washington, DC. There, she is developing an environmental justice program grounded in justice principles and focused on advancing EJ through legal research projects and the development of accessible educational resources for environmental legal practitioners, decision-makers, corporations, and those experiencing environmental injustices. Arielle brings to ELI a background in environmental racism analysis, political ecology, critical race theory, sustainability, civil rights law, and integrating equity and environmental justice considerations into climate action plans.
Passionate about making environmental education inclusive and accessible to all, Arielle's social media presence focuses on environmental education grounded in environmental racism analysis. She is the Tik Tok host for Intersectional Environmentalist and hosts the organization's new podcast focused on climate solutions and grounded in intersectionality and optimism called The Joy Report.
Arielle has earned a JD and a Master's in Environmental Law and Policy (MELP) primarily focused on environmental justice and holds a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies with a concentration in Political Ecology. Arielle loves traveling and music, and she serves on the Board of Directors of both Positive Tracks, a national non-profit focused on social action through physical activity.
Audrey Serene Alonso is Our Climate's digital organizer who will further our goal of advancing state and federal climate policy by creating and implementing digital tools and campaigns. Audrey is a Social Justice Communication graduate from Cal State LA. Originally from Fresno, in the California central valley. Audrey grew up seeing firsthand how the intersections of environmental racism and the climate crisis play a role in the lives of frontline communities. She understands the importance of making science-based climate information easily accessible to frontline communities to advocate for themselves. While earning her degree, her education focused heavily on the intersection between social justice and the environment. She created campaigns that analyzed the livestock practices of California's agriculture industry and the environmental effects it causes on surrounding communities. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she was able to work with the Charles R. Drew University's Urban Health Institute to provide clear information on which communities were most affected in Los Angeles county. She was an engagement coordinator for Balance, a non-profit focusing on leadership diversity in various industries. She loves to spend time doing outdoor activities and believes with climate justice must come outdoor equality for all BIPOC communities.
Contact: audrey@ourclimate.us
Instagram: @awdgre
Grace Doleshel, Our Climate's Pacific Northwest Field Organizer, is a lifelong environmental advocate and Our Climate fellowship Alum who is deeply passionate about amplifying the stories and voices of people most impacted by the climate crisis. Growing up in a small agricultural town at the base of Mt Rainier, Grace spent most of her childhood outside where she developed a deep connection to the natural world. However, she has also grown up witnessing the irreversible effects that a changing climate has on communities such as her own. These experiences led her towards advocacy at a young age and she was involved in a variety of climate organizing and environmental education work for the duration of her high school and college years. Prior to joining Our Climate as an organizer, Grace was the Youth Programs Coordinator for the Oregon Coast Aquarium where she focused much of her work around educating and connecting students to the Oregon Coast. She has her B.S. in Environmental Public Policy from Oregon State University. Outside of climate organizing Grace enjoys music, writing and spending time in nature. Grace can be reached at grace@ourclimate.us.
Savanna Neb is a free-spirited nature-lover turned marine biologist, climate justice advocate, environmental educator, social activist, and now the Federal Field Organizer. Originally from Colorado, she grew up between a small mountain town and a farm in the eastern plains – giving her a diverse outlook on the way in which different environments and climates are impacted by changes. Although landlocked, her original dream was to become a sea turtle biologist, which pushed her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in marine biology with a minor in cultural anthropology from the University of Oregon. While at Oregon, Savanna involved herself with local grassroots organizations to advocate and push for legislation on issues such as housing inequities, land rights for Tribal nations, marine protected area proposals, and prison reform. After graduating from Oregon, Savanna took a position with Cano Palma Biological Station near Tortuguero, Costa Rica where she originally went to study sea turtles. What she experienced was a community of people facing extreme poverty, hunger, and disastrous impacts from the increasing threat of climate change. She advocated on behalf of the community to shift the narrative that they were villains for poaching sea turtle eggs to the reality that they were a struggling community trying to provide for their families that needed resources to survive. Her time in Costa Rica would shape the trajectory of her future career to focus more on frontline communities and the systemic structures that position them negatively for environmental injustices and severe climate impacts.
Savanna attended graduate school at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science where she earned a Master of Professional Science in marine conservation, focusing on environmental law & policy and climate justice advocacy. Much of her time in Miami was spent engaging on important topics such as public health and water quality, transportation for low-income communities, and the gentrification of frontline communities. Her master's thesis, titled "The Critical Role of Women of Color in Combating the Climate Crisis: What We Can Learn and Implement as Scientists, Community Leaders, and Policy Makers," was based on her work conducted as an intern for the Empowering Resilient Women program with the CLEO Institute, a local climate organization. She has also developed a year-long curriculum focused on Black History as the basis of American history- which was built and credited to the previous work of Black individuals and communities. CU Boulder's "Teacher's Author the World: Anti-Racist Teaching" Program has implemented this resource in 2022 as a component of their nation-wide program that focuses on professional development at rural public-school districts in majority red counties. When Savanna is not organizing or advocating, she enjoys yoga, dancing, exploring mystical and magical phenomena, cuddling with her cat-son Luther, and getting lost in a good book.
You can reach her at savanna@ourclimate.us and on Instagram @bamarooski.
Gabriella Cavallini, 25, was born and raised along the coast of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Growing up, she always found herself snorkeling at beach, wildlife-watching in the Everglades, or learning about the natural world at home via National Geographic and BBC Earth. Being born to a mother who is Indigenous Amazonian, Gabriella owes the majority of her passion for environmental conservation to hearing her mother's stories and climatic struggles growing up.In 2011, Gabriella enrolled in an Environmental Science and Everglades Restoration High School where she learned about Florida's landscape, flora, and fauna. Her interest in the environment carried into her collegiate career where she studied Environment and Society at Florida State University (2015), with a focus on climate change impacts on biodiversity in tropical regions. While there, she worked alongside a biogeochemist in the oceanography department, examining how anthropogenic impacts such as climate change, land-use change, and the combustion of fossil fuels are affecting soil composition and the carbon cycle, specifically the motion of carbon between reservoirs. Her work before then took place in several regions surrounding eastern Tanzania where she spent 2 months examining how extreme climate patterns have affected numerous ecosystems, communities, and species at various scales. In 2021, she decided to pursue a Masters degree in Climate and Society at Columbia University's Climate School, focusing on wildlife conservation. As of August 2022, she has completed her degree as a first generation student. Now, Gabriella wants to expand her understanding of the statistical processes of climatic forecasting, with the goal of connecting climate science to society in order to minimize our increasing disconnection from nature.
Adah Crandall is an Oregon fellow and a senior at Grant High School in Portland. Her climate advocacy began by opposing the expansion of the Interstate-5 freeway into her middle school, a project that if built would increase emissions and pollution. Since then, she has broadened her focus to fight for transportation and climate justice at a regional and state level, co-founding a Sunrise PDX campaign called Youth Vs ODOT. She is also a leader of Portland Youth Climate Strike, where she works to mobilize her peers for climate action.
Adah is excited to be part of Our Climate to expand her knowledge of legislative processes, and to advocate for bills that will better our world for current and future generations.
Alicia Wu is a Massachusetts Field Representative and a junior at the Winsor School in Boston. Her passion for environmental protection and justice stemmed from learning about the various environmental issues that impact the world today. The severity of the climate crisis drove her to pursue climate action work at Our Climate. Alicia is also deeply interested in researching the intersectionality of corporate policy and sustainability. In her free time, Alicia enjoys running, swimming, reading, participating in mock trial, and spending quality time outdoors.
Alice Fan is a Massachusetts Field Representative and a senior at Phillips Academy Andover in Andover, MA. In addition to her work at Our Climate, Alice also works closely with Spring Forward, a youth-to-youth climate education organization that engages with elementary schoolers about climate change and environmental justice, and Andover Climate Lobby, her school's climate policy and lobbying club. Alice is drawn to climate advocacy because of its interdisciplinary connections to public health, policy, and economics. In her free time, she loves to draw, solve jigsaw puzzles, and spend time with her older brother Max. She plans to pursue a career in medicine or public health.
Anaya Raikar is a Massachusetts Field Representative and a sophomore at the Winsor School in Boston. She joined Our Climate to promote renewable energy in legislation, and is interested in the intersection between sustainability and technology. Additionally, she is a member of her school's Conserve Our World club.
Arushi Agarwal is a Washington Field Representative and student at Skyline High School, passionate about youth involvement and making a difference in the world. From a young age, she has loved painting – and after years of picking out shades of vibrant blues and greens, she finds herself conflicted between the world she remembers and the world she often sees – one of smoky, charred grays. Climate justice is not just a passion, but a necessity, and she feels an urgency toward this cause. Apart from Our Climate, Arushi has been dancing for several years, is her school's ASB Secretary, and is a member of Sustainability Ambassadors – a local non-profit. When she's not spending time outdoors, you can find her caught up in a debate, hanging out with friends, or snuggling with a good book.
Bertine Rose Lakjohn is a Washington Fellow and a senior Environmental Studies – Sociology combined major at Whitman College. Bertine was born in the Marshall Islands but also lived in Japan, Guam, and (now) Washington. From her different experiences, Bertine noticed that the one thing that keeps her grounded through the difficult times is the idea that she'll be able to bring everything she's learned from these different places back home (Marshall Islands). Bertine is passionate about climate justice and raising awareness about climate change impacts on frontline communities, including the Marshall Islands. Through this fellowship, Bertine hopes to gain a deeper understanding of climate advocacy and effective policy work which she can later implement in the Marshall Islands. Outside of her climate work, Bertine is often found playing volleyball or on the couch, binge-watching Korean dramas.
Bhavika Buddi is an Oregon fellow and a senior at Westview High School. Her love for the environment stemmed from growing up in the Pacific Northwest and spending a lot of time outdoors. Outside of OC, Bhavika has also worked on several environmental research projects in her middle and high school years. She is passionate about the intersectionality of technology and environmental science and hopes to work in this field in the future. In her free time, she loves to go hiking, draw, and spend time with friends. Bhavika hopes to meet and get inspired by other passionate individuals at OC and truly make a difference in her community by advocating for a more equitable, sustainable future.
Griselda Chavez is a Federal Fellow and junior at Dartmouth College, majoring in Environmental Studies. Originally from Southern California, Griselda has often been surrounded by the Latine community and has seen the lack of representation outside of her community. She is committed to ensuring that Latines continue to feel motivated to engage in all types of spheres. After college, Griselda hopes to work for an organization that serves to protect undocumented immigrants and fight against environmental injustice amongst low-income communities and people of color. In her free time, Griselda enjoys reading, listening to slam poetry, and learning how to cook her family's recipes.
Ilah Jefferis is a New York Field Rep who is currently a senior at Ithaca High School. Ilah is drawn to sustainability and film, and they hope to pursue a higher education in both fields. She is a member of her local climate group, Sunrise Ithaca, where she helps to organize rallies and community events. At a rally earlier this year, they read their original poetry that featured the themes of climate justice and grief. Ilah enjoys swimming in the creek behind her house, cooking with friends, and reading. They hope to gain more experience with climate policy and collaboration through Our Climate.
Ibrahim Tahir is a New York Fellow who is currently pursuing his Masters In Public Administration with a focus in Environmental Policy and Administration at The Maxwell School at Syracuse University, Concurrently he is also pursuing a Certificate in Sustainable Enterprise at the Martin J. Whitman School at Syracuse University. He graduated with his BA in Political Science and Urban Studies respectively at CUNY Queens College with Cum Laude honors. .Post graduate, Ibrahim is interested in working with private businesses regarding working toward their individual net zero goals with the dream of being able to return to his home countries of Pakistan and Ecuador and working on getting both countries to net zero.
Jonathan Lan is a Massachusetts field rep who is currently a junior at Weston High School in Weston, MA. Jonathan is the co-president of his school's Students for Environmental Action Club, and is aiming to build stronger community support for climate policy and sustainability by working with Our Climate. He first got involved with OC during the Joint Rule 10 lobby week in January 2022, and has been interested in advocacy and environmental policy ever since. Jonathan strongly believes that along with economics and innovation, strong environmental policy is crucial to securing a better future for the planet and all its inhabitants. His favorite experience with OC thus far was getting to meet all the friends he had only known and worked with over zoom at the Mass Power Forward Wake Up Rally. In his free time, Jonathan enjoys playing basketball, going on hikes, and playing the drums.
Jonathan Wong is a current New York Field Representative and a senior at Syosset Senior High School based out in Long Island New York. From leading beach cleanups as a team lead for the Tzu Shao Youth Organization, to conducting ecology research at his local university, Jonathan loves helping and creating meaningful change with the environment. Recently, his interests have been invigorated in Climate Justice and Policy, and through Our Climate, he hopes to enact meaningful change and create sustainable movements. Currently, Jonathan serves as a member of the Youth Advisory Council for the UN Ocean Decade and hopes to pursue environmental science in his collegiate career. In his free time, you can often find Jonathan diving deep to find a new hidden gem on Spotify or experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes.
Kalina Brookfield is a Massachusetts Field Representative and junior at Brookline High School. She is passionate about pursuing environmental science alongside political climate action. Outside of Our Climate, she advocates for environmental policies as a representative in her school government, and assists in climate initiatives as a part of her position at the Museum of Science. She joined Our Climate to participate in a larger climate movement that pushes for statewide mobilization. In addition to environmental activism, she is on her school's crew team, mock trial team, and robotics team. In her free time, she enjoys playing piano, biking, and trying to learn guitar for the twentieth time.
Keeli McKern is a Washington Our Climate Fellow, and a senior at Whitman College. Keeli is an Art-Environmental Studies major and a Race and Ethnic Studies minor. She has lived in a rural town called Walla Walla for her whole life, which has led to a passion for vegetable farming and working outside. Keeli loves creating, whether that be music, visual arts, or food. She is interested in the ways that joy, empathy, and fear work to motivate people.
Lana Taffel is a Massachusetts Fellow who is currently a sophomore at Brandeis University majoring in Philosophy and Politics with a minor in History of Ideas. She grew up in Watertown, Massachusetts, and now lives in Waltham, Massachusetts. Beyond Brandeis, she hopes to pursue a law degree in order to combine her passion for academics and organizing for social justice issues. Prior to joining Our Climate, she was the Coordinator of Sunrise Watertown and the Education Lead for Uplift Watertown, both of which taught her about community/grassroots organizing and the rich variety of skills everyone has to offer the climate justice movement. At Our Climate, she hopes to learn to more effectively empower communities to uplift their marginalized populations and to move towards a sustainable future.
Manal Murangi is a Federal Fellow and graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County with a degree in Film Production. Since the beginning of her career as a filmmaker she has been interested in the intersection between art and activism. She brings that passion to science communication and environmental justice. With Our Climate she hopes to gain a better understanding of climate policy and how film and media can be a conductor of change in today's society. In her free time, she likes to read, especially science fiction, and do all kinds of water sports whenever possible.
Navya Natarajan is a Florida fellow and a current student at the University of Florida. Navya is an Environmental Science major who is passionate about sustainability and climate justice. She plans to continue her education at law school to pursue a career in Environmental Law. Through her fellowship with Our Climate, Navya hopes to gain experience advocating for equitable policies and work alongside other dedicated individuals to make a positive difference in the world.
Sabrina Harrison is a Washington Field Rep and Running Start student/ junior at Garfield High School. She is captain of her high school policy debate team and loves learning about critical theory and bureaucracy's functions in her fellowship at Participatory Budgeting. Sabrina is an editor at the Seattle Collegian, Seattle Central's student newspaper, and loves using written language to find the truth. In her spare time, she people watches with a journal always on hand and reads the numerous classics on her infinite to-be-read list.
Sara Karp is a Massachusetts Fellow who is currently a sophomore at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School. Prior to joining the Our Climate team, Sara has worked to create and advance local level policy including the Acton Climate Action Plan and a proposal for 100% renewable electricity in Acton. Sara's engagement in the climate justice movement grew from time spent connecting with the local food system. As Sara spent more time working on local farms, and with hunger relief organizations like the Boston Area Gleaners she began to see firsthand the inextricable link between climate justice and food justice. At Our Climate, Sara hopes to gain experience advocating for policy at the intersections of the climate movement to fight for a livable and just future.
Taylor Ganis is a New York Fellow who is currently a master's student at Pace University, majoring in Environmental Science and Policy while taking law classes at the Pace University Law School. She received her BA in Environmental Studies, with a minor in Sustainability, and a Certificate in Environmental Conservation. Taylor is currently a New York State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator and the host of an environmental podcast. Prior to joining Our Climate, she worked as a naturalist at a local preserve educating the public on environmental topics. Taylor is interested in integrating her experience and skills in the STEM field, to her growing passion for creating environmental policies that benefit all.
Tianya is a Massachusetts Field Rep. She is an international student from China and is now a junior at Cape Cod Academy in Osterville, MA. With her background, Tianya loves and cares about food. She is passionate about sustainable fishery and agriculture. Living within the Cape Cod community, she engages in the environmental component of the school community service organization (CSO) and volunteers at local museums and conservations. She joined Our Climate this year because of her curiosity about climate justice and sustainability in the New England area. She prefers learning by doing and always welcomes challenges.
Tina Nguyen is a Massachusetts Fellow who is currently a high school student at the John D. O'bryant School of Mathematics and Science. She grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, and was raised in a Vietnamese immigrant family. Tina is interested in climate justice, life sciences, and biotechnology, and hopes to pursue a career in one or more of these fields in the future. In their freetime, she enjoys reading, painting, and baking. She is a member of the Mayor's Youth Council in Boston and is a current volunteer at the Sierra Club. Tina first discovered Our Climate when she attended a Statehouse Rally organized by various Massachusetts climate organizations. She holds great respect towards Our Climate's goals and values, and hopes to work towards and achieve positive results with their team members.
Chloe is a senior at Lewis & Clark College in Oregon finishing her degree in economics with a minor in environmental studies. She's passionate about environmental policy and plans to earn her master's degree in public policy. Her interests include renewable energy, climate change, biodiversity, and conservation. She was a Field Representative for Our Climate and now works as a Special Project Intern. Two summers ago she hiked the Pacific Northwest Trail, a 1,250-mile backpacking trail beginning in Montana and ending in Washington at the Ocean, spending 70 days in the wilderness. Her passion for the outdoors has greatly influenced her enthusiasm for environmental political work and she's thrilled to be able to work with Our Climate once again.