Joseluis Ortiz y Muniz is an indigenous, land-based, native New Mexican from the Genizaro land grant (La Merced de Santo Tomas el Apostol de Rio de Las Trampas) village of Llano De La Yegua. He was raised farming the High Llanos of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains and the low valleys of the Embudo River […]
Billie Li
I am an environmental engineer by training, a climate resilience enthusiast, and a novice fly-fisher. I am currently working as an Environmental Engineer for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. I have worked for private consulting firms, the federal government, and several non-profits. I like to bring an ecological and multi-disciplinary approach to the engineering discipline. […]
Cyatharine Alias
Cyatharine is an expert in community-based research strategies to advance environmental and climate justice. She works with with local organizations on advocacy efforts that include co-designing and co-leading community research efforts around urban flooding and nature-based solutions. She has deep experience in using qualitative and spatial quantitative data, incorporating economic resilience, and engaging with communities […]
Nataly Escobedo Garcia
Nataly works as Policy Coordinator focusing on Water Programs for the Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability. She holds a BA in Latin American and Latina/o Studies from UC Santa Cruz and a MA in Anthropology from CSU Los Angeles. Nataly will be completing her PhD in Social Ecology this fall from UC Irvine, with […]
Jazmin Ricks
Jazmin is a Public Health expert focused on improving the health of vulnerable communities and strengthening community-based organizations be it through teaching, writing, or researching. She holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Pennsylvania’s Environmental Health program, and her professional interests revolve around the field of Environmental Epidemiology and its impact on […]
Wendy “Poppy” Ferris-George
Wendy (Hoopa Valley Tribe member) is an Indigenous cultural arts instructor who is passionate about ecosystem revitalization. With a deep connection to the Klamath and Trinity Rivers, she actively engages in removing dams, preserving ancient fishing practices, and leading environmental justice through her non-profit, World Renewal. Wendy has also worked as a consulant archeologist for […]
Carolan Sonderegger
Carolan (Odawa/Anishinaabe) is a water science and policy expert with over a decade of experience working on freshwater issues in the Great Lakes. She works with coalition partners, stakeholders, and agency and elected officials to keep water healthy, public, and protected for all. With a degree in Biology from Grand Valley State University, Carolan previously […]
Pablo Ortiz
Pablo Ortiz is the Director of Innovation and Collaboration at the Union of Concerned Scientists. He previously served as Senior Climate and Water Scientist for the same organization. In his current position, he is responsible for removing barriers to innovation and expanding collaborations within the organization and with external partners. He focuses on fostering a […]
Beth Roach
With her leadership role at Sierra Club, Beth orchestrates a comprehensive approach to water and toxic pollution challenges across the United States. As a member of the Nottoway Tribe, Beth’s extensive background in environmental leadership, tribal affairs, and grassroots initiatives informs her passion for equitable change. Beth is also a co-founder of the Alliance of […]
Nicole Nelson
Nicole is a non-profit attorney that litigates on behalf of and works with residents in Centreville, IL who have had to contend with hazardous environmental conditions for decades. Nicole works with citizens in surrounding communities who are vulnerable to similar conditions. Her passion and advocacy center access to potable water and functioning sanitary and drainage […]