Cate is a community builder dedicated to public service and environmental advocacy. In her current role, she coordinates federal efforts, maintaining relationships with elected officials and agencies, while also supporting the Agriculture and Conservation program team in developing legislative strategies. Cate ensures that Illinois’ environmental goals are harmonized with national policies, working closely with both […]
Tanasia Swift
’m a marine ecosystems specialist, environmental educator, and climate justice leader based in New York City. In my current role, I lead initiatives that connect communities to NYC’s waterfront through hands-on environmental education, community science, and marine restoration. My expertise lies in creating equitable opportunities for urban youth to connect with nature, empowering them to […]
Sydney Garcia
You can talk to me about philanthropy, Texas, water, and land conservation.
Pallavi Bharadwaj
Pallavi is an accomplished program, research, grants and project manager and global development professional. As program manager at SEG, she is working to help solve global humanitarian challenges (WASH and DRR) by supporting a network of geoscientists, experts and provide long-term sustainable solutions to the communities in need. You can talk to Pallavi about water, […]
Damian Shapes Padilla
Damian contributes research, writing, and legal analysis at Georgetown University as a Justice Fellow. He also develops the Tribal Adaptation Network, working to provide resources related to tribal-led climate adaptation practices.
Joy Banner
I work at the intersection of environmental justice, historic preservation, and sustainable community development. With the Descendants Project, we participate in United Nations instruments, especially the Global Plastics Treaty. Our mission is to eradicate the legacies of slavery, particularly within the Black descendant communities along the Mississippi River. We educate the wider public about the […]
Paula Buchanan
I am a socio-hydrologist + disaster and emergency management (DEM) researcher. My work lies at the intersection of public health, sustainable drinking water access, and science communication and policy. I have professional experience in risk communication, science communication, university-level instruction, business continuity, risk management, and project management. As a water + data nerd, I am […]
Nasim Pica
Nasim is an accomplished environmental engineer and project manager with over 15 years of progressive experience in a variety of environmental topics, including water quality; industrial water and wastewater treatment; water reuse; groundwater treatment; and emerging contaminants such as PFAS, 1,4-dioxane, and microplastics. She is an expert in PFAS treatment of groundwater and tap water […]
Walt Walker
Walt Walker, PE, ENV SP, has two decades of experience in program management and implementation of water infrastructure and climate/resiliency projects. As T.Y.Lin’s Equity Practice Leader, Walt collaborates with utilities and local partners to advance equitable water management and climate action with an approach that centers community growth and social impact. His notable equity and/or […]
Rhea Drozdenko
I am a passionate environmental advocate with a love of community engagement, building relationships, and exploring the outdoors. My work includes legislative advocacy, community engagement and recreation, and aquatic invasive species management. I am always happy to talk about water quality issues and ways to increase access to recreational opportunities on the water.