What do you do/ what are your specific environmental interests and/or concerns?
I am pursuing my Masters Degree in the Anthropology of Peace and Human Rights at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and am a grassroots organizer focusing on environmental and social justice issues on a local-level. My main concerns are energy equity, racial justice, and environmental sustainability.
How are you helping Alabama explore, enjoy, and protect the environment?
As a member of the Executive Committee of the Alabama Chapter of Sierra Club, Chair of the Cahaba Group, and former Co-Chair of Sierra Club Alabama's Beyond Coal Committee, I am using my knowledge of environmental stewardship to teach others the importance of community-based hands on work, rapport-building among individuals within communities, and bringing people into movement-work.
What is one of your favorite memories associated with being outside in nature?
I remember when my father, who was a Senior Research Earth Scientist at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center for over 35 years, took me and my twin brother Geocaching for the first time in my hometown of Huntsville. It was such an eye-opening experience to see the connection of these hidden gems in our day-to-day environment, and how we often miss these natural wonders if we do not take the time to embrace them.
What is one action you would like to see more of from the Sierra Club Alabama Chapter?
I would like to see more diversity from the Sierra Club Alabama Chapter. To elaborate, I would love to see more young people get involved in SC, as well as non-white individuals, and folks who are part of the LGBTQ+ community.
What’s one of your favorite places to explore?
I have many places that I love to explore, but my all-time favorites are Orr Park in Montevallo, Hays Nature Preserve in Huntsville, Ruffner Mountain in Birmingham, and the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge in Blocton.