Join the virtual gathering for a chance to connect and socialize with fellow attendees before the conference kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 16th.

Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner will be sharing her work as a nonprofit manager, poet, and Climate Envoy for the Marshall Islands Government. She will speak on their current work on their National Adaptation Plan, and how she incorporates aspects of her national and international work into her poetry. Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner will be introduced by Sara Eyassu, CCL Higher Education Action Team member.

Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner

Marshall Islander poet, performance artist, and educator

The island of Banaba (Ocean Island) is located in the Pacific Ocean near the equator. A small, raised coral atoll, now part of the Republic of Kiribati, Banaba was one of the world’s most important phosphate-rich islands. After being sustainably inhabited for over two thousand years, the British annexed Banaba in 1900 for the benefit of Australian and New Zealand farmers. A rushed agreement under the direction of the Pacific Islands Company did not make clear the long-term environmental impacts of phosphate mining, or that a major aim was to remove the people altogether. As a result of resource extraction for global agriculture, the Banabans were forcibly relocated to Rabi in Fiji while their ancestral island was made unsuitable for human life. The Banaban experience, and their struggle to maintain identity and dignity, is a cautionary tale for humanity as we face similar economic and environmental challenges on a global scale. Banaba and its neighboring islands in the Republic of Kiribati will be some of the first lands to be lost to rising sea levels. Inspired by the life and work of Dr. Teresia Kieuea Teaiwa, we formed a nonprofit organization, the Fiery Canoe Foundation (FCF), to support Banaban culture and heritage, and help share this story. Learn more. 

Kea Rutherford will be introduced by Minerve Jean, CCL Climate & Culture Action Team Leader.

Kea Rutherford

President of the Fiery Canoe Foundation, Columbia College '27

In order to create just and equitable solutions to climate change, we need more BIPOC leaders on the Boards of organizations working on climate change. Board members act as fiduciaries and lead the strategic direction of their organizations. Green Leadership Trust builds justice and equity in the environmental movement by supporting BIPOC who serve on the boards of environmental organizations. We match organizations looking for BIPOC board members with our members, provide professional development and networking for members and future leaders, and offer a fellowship program for those interested in learning more about board service. In this workshop, we will present the importance of board service for building justice and equity in the environmental movement, and resources for emerging BIPOC leaders who currently serve or hope to serve on the boards of environmental organizations. Clara Fang and Tykee James will be introduced by Callum Cintron, CCL LGBTQIA+OUTReach and Allies Action Team Leader. 

Clara Fang

DEI Consultant and scholar-in-residence at Antioch University New England

Tykee James

Sr. Government Relations Rep, The Wilderness Society and Steering Committee Member, Green Leadership Trust

Drawing from his immersive experience living with and visiting indigenous communities in rural Paraguay, Jeff will share his experience with the profound value of bio-cultural diversity and indigenous cultures. From rowing a wooden boat down the Paraguay River carrying out climate research for WWF to documenting the Ayoreo community stories, Jeff’s journey encapsulates the essence of cultural preservation and environmental harmony, offering insights into a more connected and sustainable future. Jeff Wong will be introduced by Manolo Matos, CCL Kentucky leader and CCL Latinos Action Team member.

Jeff Wong

Filmmaker, Storyteller, Coach

Take a break to grab a snack, or stick around for a yoga session with Fernanda Lugo.

Fernanda Lugo

Eco-activist, artist, yoga instructor, outreach director with the nonprofit, Alliance for Just Money

Kiribati is a Pacific Island Nation located where the international dateline crosses the equator. It is the only country to have territory in all four hemispheres of the world and is the first nation to see the light of day, month, year, and millennium. The threat of climate-induced displacement in the Pacific is real. The presentation will highlight the impacts of climate change and possible future plans for a nation on the frontlines from a citizen of Kiribati, and legendary advocate.

Akka Rimon will be introduced by Mike Roman, CCL Peace Corps Action Team member.

Akka Rimon

I-Kiribati Banaba Researcher and PhD Scholar, Australian National University (ANU)

When discussing BIPOC communities in the environmental movement, we often focus on the harm communities are facing, the destruction the have to live through and their disproportionate representation at the frontlines of the worst effects of the climate crisis. Whilst this education is essential, we must also give space for joy, and celebration, to focus not only on BIPOC pain but also BIPOC joy and to celebrate and amplify BIPOC environmentalists creating better futures for their communities in the world at large. Joycelyn Longdon will be introduced by Suki Tamura, member of the CCL Asian Pacific Action Team.

Joycelyn Longdon

Environmental Justice Activist, Academic, Founder, ClimateInColour