Breaking Barriers: Honoring AA&PI Sustainability Change-Makers
We are excited to celebrate the unique and impactful contributions of eight Asian American and Pacific Islander (AA&PI) sustainability change-makers. These leaders are driving progress in sustainable food, energy, and environmental practices, and their work continues to inspire and shape a better future for all.
Kristy Drutman
Founder Brown Girl Green, Co-Founder of Green Jobs Board
Introducing Kristy Drutman, known as Brown Girl Green, founder of Green Jobs Board, an online platform that shares job opportunities in the sustainability space. Serving as a board member on FACES, a Filipino-American coalition for environmental solidarity, Kristy is a rising leader closing the gap between equity and inclusion within the green economy. Through speeches and media content, as well as workshops focused on environmental media and storytelling in various cities across the United States, Kristy has educated hundreds of thousands of people worldwide on environmental issues.
David Suzuki
Environmental Activist & Scientist, Founder of David Suzuki Foundation
David Suzuki is a Canadian scientist, professor, environmentalist, and the host of the popular television series "The Nature of Things". Through his television series, David informs Canadians about what's happening in the environment and the impact it has on our lives. He has been a prominent figure in the Canadian environmental movement for over 50 years, and his work has had a profound impact on the way Canadians view the natural world. David founded The David Suzuki Foundation, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to protecting the diversity of nature and promoting a sustainable future for all. David’s work has had a lasting impact on the environmental movement in Canada and around the world.
Varshini Prakash
Climate Activist & Executive Director of the Sunrise Movement
Varshini Prakash, an American climate activist and co-founder of the Sunrise Movement, a movement of young people uniting to stop the climate crisis through political action. Varshini has been a prominent voice in support of the Green New Deal, and was named as an advisor to Joe Biden’s climate task force in 2020. Varshini has also been recognized for her environmental activism, being named on Time's 2019 list of emerging global leaders, and was a finalist for the 2019 Pritzker Emerging Environmental Genius Award. In addition, she co-edited the book “Winning the Green New Deal.” Prakash’s tireless advocacy and leadership continues to inspire a new generation of young people to take action and create a sustainable future.
Aditi Mayer
Social & Environmental Activist, Founder of ADIMAY
Meet Aditi Mayer, a rising leader in the sustainable fashion movement, known for being an advocate for social and environmental justice throughout her career. In 2014, Aditi launched ADIMAY, a sustainable fashion platform that explores the ties between style, sustainability, and social justice. Through her platform, Aditi has become a leading voice, promoting the work of small, local, and BIPOC-owned businesses and pushing for greater representation and intersectionality in the industry. Aditi serves on the council of Intersectional Environmentalist and State of Fashion, and her work has earned her numerous accolades and recognition, including being named one of Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2021 for her work in social impact.
Yakuta Poonawalla
Community Programs Manager at Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy
Yakuta Poonawalla’s deep love for nature was sparked during her first trek to the Indian Himalayas at the age of fifteen. Since then, she has continued to develop her relationship with the natural world by working with various non-profit organizations, in India and the US to help others develop love and respect for nature. Yakuta currently serves as the Community Programs Manager for the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy in San Francisco, where she leads land and water stewardship initiatives that create a safe space for exploration, provide healing, and inspire people to find their personal connection with nature. She initiates conversations about the natural and cultural history of public lands, indigenous wisdom, and justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Yakuta’s work is imperative to develop collaborative solutions to tackle the climate crisis and mentor the next generation of conservationists and environmental stewards.
Helena Choi
Public Health, Climate Resiliency & DEI Champion, Vice President of RFL
Helena Choi is a champion for public health, climate resiliency, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). As the Vice President of the Resources Legacy Fund (RLF), Helena is committed to folding DEI initiatives into the core framework of the organization. Under her guidance, the RLF has been instrumental in advancing innovative solutions to conservation and sustainability challenges, from protecting oceans and wildlife to promoting clean energy and climate resilience. Prior to her role at the RLF, she worked at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, where she managed grantmaking related to international reproductive health and rights, as well as women's economic empowerment. Social justice is at the core of Helena’s work as she has had a concrete impact on public health, community resiliency, and women’s rights.
Khadija Shaikh
2022 Yale Conservation, Legacy Leadership, and Honors STEM Leadership Scholar
Introducing Khadija Shaikh, an inspiring young leader who is making a massive impact on environmental justice and nature-centered wellness. Khadija has worked on several projects for Connecticut Trails, a resource that connects people to the over 3,000 miles of multi-use trails in Connecticut. She wrote descriptions of trails for Trail Finder which is an interactive website that helps people explore Connecticut’s trails and plan trips, in hopes of making this the go-to place for people who want to go outside. She also pioneered a blog project focused on “my environmental story” in order to encourage diverse voices to share their connection with environmentalism. Khadija has been a tireless advocate in helping communities develop a deep relationship with nature and get outside to improve wellness.
Miho Aida
Director of Equity and Inclusion at NatureBridge, Filmmaker, Athlete
Meet Miho Aida, a passionate filmmaker and environmental educator. Miho has directed and produced several award-winning films that highlight the connections between humans and the natural world, including "The Sacred Place Where Life Begins: Gwich'in Women Speak" which shares the voices of Gwich’in women, and their sacred land, caribou, and way of life. She serves as the Director of Equity and Inclusion at NatureBridge where she is working to dismantle white supremacy culture. Miho also teaches K-12 students in the traditional territory of Coast Miwok, Ohlone, and Graton Rancheria at Golden Gate National Recreation Area to help them develop the social and emotional skills to care for each other and the Earth. Miho's commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices and empowering people to make a difference in their community is truly admirable.
