Black Girl Environmentalist

"I definitely think I've been chosen by a higher power to do this work." - Hazel M. JohnsonAmongst the photos pictured here, you’ll see a certified nature girlie who has finally found her community. Words could never express how grateful I am for this experience and being amongst the 1/14 Inaugural Hazel M. Johnson Fellows out of over 200 applicants. It’s certainly not by accident. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I fell in love with nature in my early teens and decided to devote my life to it. Not only do I have a passion to enhancing the environment (after being the most un-engaged biology student ever) but hope to reintroduce particularly marginalized communities back to it. This experience was nothing short of extraordinary. Thank you Wawa Gatheru (Black Girl Environmentalist) for your esteemed contribution to this program and recognition of my devotion to the field of environmental prosperity. To our program manager Kwolanne Felix , words can’t describe how grateful I am for you pouring into the HMJ Fellows and I. The quality and commitment you have is unwavering. 

This summer, we partnered with Black Girl Environmentalist on the inaugural Hazel M. Johnson Fellowship, hosting Destiny Nash during her summer internship. Destiny came to Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP) with great energy, a desire to learn, and an exceptional ability to synthesize complex information about the energy industry. “She was a valuable team member on some of our transmission and integrated resource planning projects, all while working on content for her capstone presentation on marine energy that included concrete analysis of multiple technologies, levelized cost of energy, and opportunities for policy advancement,” says Destiny’s RAP mentor, Camille Hensler Kadoch. Named after the mother of environmental justice, Hazel M. Johnson Fellowship is a 10-week paid climate internship program that focuses on increasing opportunities for emerging leaders of color to learn about, engage with, and enter the #environmental and #climate sectors with adequate funding, mentorship, and community building. The program included weekly professional development workshops, an on-site mentor, networking opportunities with environmental leaders, and an end-of-summer retreat.   Supporting the next generation of climate leaders of color is essential for advancing the climate movement and ensuring a sustainable future.   Read more about this program: https://lnkd.in/eifwi9YE Damali Harding Ronny Sandoval Wawa Gatheru Kwolanne Felix Donna Brutkoski Rebecca Wigg #cleanenergytransition #energyefficiency #energizingchange

Who's excited to hear from Black Girl Environmentalist (BGE)?! Bobbie Green, MS is leading our next member working session on 22 August. As the New Orleans HUB Lead for BGE, she is committed to meeting everyone wherever they are in their #climate journey, creating a space of inclusivity and opportunity. Founded by #environmentaljustice activist Wawa Gatheruhis, BGE is dedicated to addressing the pathway and retention issue in the climate movement for Black girls, women and gender-expansive people. Save your spot now for this action-packed working session. Agenda below: 🌱 Welcome and Introduction  🌱 Part 1: The Importance of Diverse Voices in Sustainability  🌱 Breakout Session 1: Incorporating Diverse Voices into Program Goals  🌱 Part 2: Strategies for Effective Communication with Diverse Communities 🌱 Breakout Session 2: Action Planning for Inclusive Engagement  🌱 Closing Remarks and Next Steps Register: https://bit.ly/3XYM6mD

Say hello to Bobbie Green, MS! Tomorrow, she is leading our next member working session on strategies to engage diverse communities. She'll focus on best practices for inclusive engagement in #sustainability initiatives, plus communication efforts that reflect and engage impacted communities. Sign up: https://bit.ly/3XYM6mD As the New Orleans HUB Lead for Black Girl Environmentalist (BGE), Bobbie is committed to meeting everyone wherever they are in their #climate journey, creating a space of inclusivity and opportunity. Founded by #environmentaljustice activist Wawa Gatheruhis, BGE is dedicated to addressing the pathway and retention issue in the climate movement for Black girls, women and gender-expansive people.

Did you know that August is Black Philanthropy Month aka a time to elevate Black giving and support funding equity for Black-led organizations and Black communities? Black Philanthropy Month is an annual month-long, global celebration of African-descent giving, created in August 2011 by Dr. Jackie “Bouvier” Copeland and the Pan-African Women’s Philanthropy Network. As the founder and Executive Director of a Black youth-led climate nonprofit, it’s important for me to highlight how this month connects to the larger climate movement. Black-led organizations play a critical role in Black communities and across the country yet continue to be under-resourced and underappreciated by philanthropy. As a demographic disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis yet systematically left out of climate leadership, it’s crucial that the next generation of Black climate leaders be well-positioned to lead on climate solutions - and sustainably doing this requires funding. Here are some Black-led climate organizations to follow and support: Black Girl Environmentalist Black In Marine Science, Non-Profit Organization Hip Hop Caucus Young, Gifted & Green™ Black In Environment Girl Plus Environment BlackOak Collective Know of other Black-led climate organizations doing good work? Tag them below 🙌🏾