Leadership Council
DR. AMBER S. BISMACK
Amber is co-founder and Director of the Residents Working Against Huron River Flooding in Brighton, MI and Assistant Professor of Science Education at Oakland University. The organization works to engage the community creatively to minimize flooding along the Huron River and Ore Lake and share information about raising structures and upcoming flooding events. She enjoys living with her family in the Huron River Watershed and using her science communication skills to call attention to what needs to change.
DEE DEE GREEN
Dee Dee Green is the Area Program Director of AFSC’s Peace by Peace program in New Orleans and Board Member of the Hollygrove Neighbors Association (HNA), formed in 2005 after Katrina. HNA has partnered with Peace by Piece New Orleans for the Sustainable Communities project to increase local access to fresh food through the Hollygrove Community Garden, incorporating youth cultural education and leadership development. Dee Dee has been a proud resident of New Orleans since 2007.
ARTHUR JOHNSON
Arthur is the Executive Director of the Lower 9th Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development (CSED), based in New Orleans. Founded in 2006, in the aftermath of Katrina, CSED works to stimulate civic engagement, repopulate, sustain natural systems, assist community leadership and preserve resources in the Lower 9th Ward neighborhoods. With extensive major fundraising and communications experience, Arthur also supports serving youth and young adults in the GulfSouth and the Southeast.
KEVIN W. SHOCKEY
Kevin is the founder of Ahora, Inc., based in Gurabo, Puerto Rico. He is positioning the organization to address rampant food and economic insecurities, and is inspired by the 17 U.N. Sustainable Development Goals as a model for a better future for Puerto Rico. With 27 years of experience in the software industry, holding positions from information system officer to IT Director, Kevin has a unique perspective on how technology can provide solutions for equity and sustainability.
AMY STELLY
Amy is the co-founder of Claiborne Avenue Alliance, a coalition of volunteers, residents, businesses and organizations advocating together for improved environmental, social, and public health conditions in their New Orleans community. Amy is a professional urban planner, but her passion is for reclaiming her once vibrant neighborhood on Claiborne Ave. She is fighting to replace the crumbling Claiborne Expressway section of Interstate 10 with green infrastructure and safe mixed-use development based on the community’s needs.
SPENCER WELLS
Together with Yvonka Hall, Spencer is a co-leader of Cleveland Lead Advocates for Safe Housing (CLASH) and a lifelong tenants’ rights advocate. He has dedicated his life to improving the health and well-being of Cleveland citizens, many of whom are disproportionately affected by racial inequities. In 2022, Spencer’s priorities are having a Lead Czar appointed to the Mayor’s Cabinet and to expand childhood lead testing.
ROMONA TAYLOR WILLIAMS
Romona, Executive Director of Montgomery Citizens United for Prosperity, is a seasoned community and economic development practitioner specializing in equitable and sustainable development. Her guiding vision is to bring together change makers —resources such as scientists, educators, engineers—and communities in need to effect authentic, lasting change. Romona sows those seeds through the ASEED Creek Rangers program creating youth leaders in natural resource stewardship.
Leadership Council Emeritus
DEBRA CAMPBELL
Debra is Secretary and Treasurer for A Community Voice and Chair of its Upper 9th Ward chapter in New Orleans. A native New Orleanian, she cares for a child with a severe disability and an elderly relative in her nineties. She leads ACV’s work to prevent flooding in the city. She has fought lead contamination of water, and against the closure of the only local post office servicing the 9th ward.
KATHERINE EGLAND
Katherine is co-founder of the Education, Economics, Environmental, Climate and Health Organization (EEECHO), a Gulf Coast environmental and social justice coalition. She is also the chairperson for the Environmental and Climate Justice Committee for the National Board of Directors of NAACP. She joined Higher Ground to help protect her community against dangerous development of essential wetlands.
CAMILLE HADLEY
Camille is the Program Director of Little Growers Inc. in Melbourne. FL, a youth urban agriculture program which promotes food security and leadership skills. When Camille’s home flooded during Hurricane Irma, she joined Anthropocene Alliance. She is one of 22 grassroots leaders selected for the Sierra Club and Women’s Earth Alliance 2019 U.S. Grassroots Accelerator for Women Environmental Leaders.
SUZANNE HORNICK
Suzanne is the founder and chairperson of the Ocean City Flooding Committee in Ocean City, NJ., a coastal community plagued by regular flooding. Suzanne is a long-time resident of Ocean City (her family has owned their home since the 1940s), and she’s dedicated to protecting her community for generations to come through flood awareness, environmental education, and civic activism.
HILTON KELLEY
Hilton is the Founder and Executive Director of the Community In-Power and Development Association Inc. in Port Arthur, TX. When in 2017 Hurricane Harvey caused catastrophic flooding in his community, the U.S. Navy veteran, accomplished actor and Goldman Prize winning environmental justice activist joined forces with Anthropocene Alliance to fight flooding.
SUSAN LILEY
Susan is Co-Founder of Citizens’ Committee for Flood Relief and a passionate community activist. Susan is dedicated to implementing sustainable flood solutions and disaster readiness plans to protect her beloved, historic hometown of DeSoto, MO, which has suffered repeated flooding.
QUEEN QUET
Marquetta L. Goodwine, Chieftess and Head-of-State for the Gullah/Geechee Nation, is a preservationist, environmental justice advocate and the founder of the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition. She joined Anthropocene Alliance to raise public awareness threats to the Gullah/Geechee way of life.
Staff And Volunteers
JACK BARBOUR (HEAD OF GRANT WRITING)
Jack earned B.A.’s in Math and Religious Studies from the University of Chicago and is passionate about the ability of local communities equipped with proper resources to build towards more sustainable and equitable futures. Outside of his work with A2, Jack loves to be outside through running or whitewater kayaking.
ADRIEN DORCÉ (IT ADMINISTRATOR)
Adrien is a web developer and “techie” from Miami, FL. Before pivoting to tech, she taught English abroad and worked in community development and within social justice causes abroad and in the US. Now, she uses technology to uplift and support impacted and under-resourced communities.
STEPHEN F. EISENMAN, PH.D (VOLUNTEER, DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY AND CO-FOUNDER)
Dr. Eisenman is Professor of Art History at Northwestern University, a widely published writer, critic, and curator, and an activist who has campaigned against climate change, U.S. sanctioned torture, long-term solitary confinement and animal abuse.
HARRIET FESTING, M.PHIL. (EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CO-FOUNDER)
Harriet has 25 years’ experience managing award winning programs that tackle climate change. Harriet’s experience stretches across diverse fields – water, energy, agriculture, housing – within government, non-profits and academic sectors in the US and UK.
DANIELA GARCIA MORENO (CLIMATE RESILIENCE PLANNER)
Daniela (Dany) earned her B.A. in Environment and Sustainability from Cornell University. An advocate at heart and ecologist by training, Dany is passionate about community engagement and equitably achieving nature-based climate adaptation. When not at work, you can find her practicing her plant identification skills, capturing film photographs, and hiking.
JESSENIA GAVIRIA (SENIOR OPERATIONS AND FINANCE MANAGER)
Jessenia's journey in Social Work, specializing in International and Community Development, led her to Central America, where she collaborated with grassroots NGOs. Using her skills in photography and design, she amplified the voices of communities affected by climate change, social injustice, and corruption. Her experiences sparked a passion for operations and nonprofit management, guiding her towards new and rewarding opportunities. When she's not advocating for change, you'll likely find Jessenia enjoying a run while grooving to her favorite salsa music.
MICHELE GIELIS (DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATIONS)
Michele has spent the last decade helping nonprofits raise their voice for change. She looks to make action meaningful by connecting people to the technology and messages that bring resonance and resilience. Michele is proud to support the Anthropocene Alliance. working to get communities to #HigherGround
TANYA HARRIS-GLASOW (FIELD DIRECTOR)
Tanya Harris-Glasow was born and raised in New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward community- an area decimated by levee failures during Hurricane Katrina. During her time as Head Organizer/Executive Director of the New Orleans chapter of ACORN, she led organizing campaigns for fair wages, voting accessibility for New Orleanians dispersed by Hurricane Katrina and the right of return for the most vulnerable residents. She was a founding member of AKSA (ACORN Katrina Survivors Association.)
AYIZE JAMES (PROJECT NAVIGATOR)
Ayize is a researcher and strategist who specializes in supporting communities who are fighting for racial and environmental justice. Earning his B.A. in Environmental Studies from Macalester College, he is especially interested in advancing climate resilience in our food system and our cities. Outside of work, Ayize enjoys cooking, reading, and exploring on his bike.
KERRI MCLEAN (WRITER)
Kerri is a Florida-based educator and writer devoted to telling the stories of heroes on the front lines of environmental justice. Experiencing over 30 years of hurricanes in the Florida Keys, she understands the ravages of climate change and repetitive flooding.
CATHERINE MILLER (FEDERAL FINANCE & OPERATIONS EXPERT)
Cat has spent the last decade helping various nonprofit programs manage their grants to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Cat's collaborative approach has enabled her to work seamlessly in diverse teams, driving initiatives that enhance program sustainability and efficiency. Her expertise lies in navigating complex regulatory environments and ensuring that programs are both compliant and effectively resourced.
EMILY MONROE (DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND GRANT WRITING)
Emily has more than a decade of experience leading grassroots organizations in Central America. As a nonprofit founder herself, Emily believes in the power of local leaders to create meaningful change in their communities. Outside of work, she loves to read, paint, travel, and spend time with her family.
NATHANIEL RAMOS (FINANCE AND OPERATIONS CONTRACTOR)
Nathaniel Ramos Morales is a former Puerto Rico National Team Swimmer with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master’s Degree in International Business. Passionate about sports and helping the community in any way he cans. Has an extensive background on working with Nonprofits since he was a young man by volunteering and people with Special Need, since he has an older brother that was bron with Cerebral Palsy. Recently discovered he could combine his two passions by doing Accounting for Non Profits and that’s the main reason he was so excited to join the Anthropocene Alliance.
KARIS RITENOUR (WILDLIFE ECOLOGIST)
Karis earned their Masters of Science in Renewable Natural Resources with a concentration in wildlife from Louisiana State University. They have been working in habitat and species conservation for over a decade and participating in social and environmental justice activism in their spare time. They are thrilled to be bringing these two passions together at A2, using their skills and ecological knowledge to support frontline communities in doing the work to meaningfully fight climate change.
MICHELLE SMITH (CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER)
Michelle is also the Marketing Director for the Community In-Power and Development Association Inc. She received her Bachelor’s degree from HAN University in International Business and Languages, and her Master’s in Business Administration from Radboud University.
DOROTHY TERRY (JOURNALIST/ WRITER)
Dorothy Terry is a journalist by profession, having worked as a daily newspaper reporter on both coasts and a contributing writer for several national magazines. She is a former Congressional press secretary and has worked as a communications manager and consultant for corporations and nonprofits.
TANI THOMAS (SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER)
Tani has been an advocate for sustainability and the battle against climate change from a young age. She is a data wizard who strives to fight for environmental justice with Anthropocene Alliance while continuing her volunteer work in her local community.
MOLLY VASANTHAKUMAR (GRANT WRITER)
Molly graduated from University of Edinburgh with a degree in Veterinary Medicine. After working as a vet for The Donkey Sanctuary, she went on to study an MSc in Sustainable Food and Natural Resources at the Centre for Alternative Technology. Molly’s particular area of interest is in sustainable land management and land reform, where rural landscapes are used and managed for the common good.
Board Of Directors
JOYCE COFFEE, LEED AP (CHAIR)
Joyce is President of Climate Resilience Consulting, working with leaders to create strategies that protect and enhance markets and livelihoods through adaptation to climate change. Previously, she was managing director of the ND Global Adaptation Initiative, led the City of Chicago’s Climate Action Plan and worked in water-related international development.
REBECCA JIM
Rebecca is the Tar Creekkeeper, founder of Local Environmental Action Demanded in Northeast Oklahoma and a member of the Cherokee Nation. L.E.A.D Agency Inc. works to educate the community on environmental concerns, take action to counter environmental hazards that put Northeast Oklahoma’s residents at risk, and partner with other environmental organizations throughout Oklahoma and the nation.
OMAR MUHAMMAD
Omar is from Augusta, GA where he earned his Biology degree from Augusta State University. He currently works for the Department of Natural Resources as a Fisheries Biologist. Living in Charleston, SC, he has worked as a community advocate and activist since 2007 and as a volunteer for the Lowcountry Alliance for Model Communities (LAMC).
AIDIL OSCARIZ
Aidil is Community Engagement and Policy Consultant for Catalyst Miami, a social and environmental justice nonprofit. She has advocated on behalf of immigrants and worked to increase the civic participation of underrepresented groups. Aidil holds a Master’s degree in Comparative Sociology from Florida International University and a JD from Fordham University.
RAJ PANDYA (TREASURER)
Raj is the founding director of the American Geophysical Union’s Thriving Earth Exchange (TEX). He is also a founding board member of the Citizen Science Association, former commissioner of Education and Human Resources for the American Meteorological Society, serves on the board for Public Lab, and chairs the National Academies committee on “Designing Citizen Science to Support Science Learning.” He holds a Ph.D. from University of Washington in Atmospheric Science.
BURRELL POE
Burrell is a Nonviolence Trainer at the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago and has a background in social and environmental justice. He is on the Emerging Leaders Board at the Mikva Challenge and Compassion It Chicago. Burrell is a U.S. Army Veteran from the West Side of Chicago. He practically lives on his bicycle and is an enthusiastic composter.
ANDREA SCARBOROUGH
Andrea Scarborough has for decades fought on behalf of her Southeast Queens community in a variety of posts, including as President of Addisleigh Park Civic Organization and Vice Chair of the Queens Solid Waste Advisory Board, which advises the Queens Borough President on policy and initiatives pertaining to solid waste issues. Mrs. Scarborough was a leader in the fight to protect the St. Albans Veteran Administration hospital and has led advocacy on waste legislation to reduce waste traffic and pollution in Southeast Queens as well as seeking solutions to the decades-long issue of chronic flooding in her community. Ms. Scarborough sits on the board of the Southeast Queens Residents Environmental Justice Coalition (SQREJC) an organization that is committed to improving the quality of life of its neighbors through addressing and resolving existing pollution, flooding and sewage difficulties.
SUSIE SKARFORD (SECRETARY)
Susie is currently a blogger at Pins and Procrastination. She is passionate about advocating for environmental causes. Susie received her Master’s in Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law School.
ERIC TATE, PH.D. (VICE CHAIR)
Eric is Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa, Department of Geographical and Sustainability Sciences. He teaches and conducts research in the areas of flood hazards, water resources, environmental justice, and social vulnerability, primarily using geospatial indicators to examine environment-society interactions. Dr. Tate earned his PhD in Geography from the University of South Carolina.
ARIF ULLAH
Arif is the executive director of South Bronx Unite, a community-based organization that works to advance environmental/social/health justice, climate resilience, and a just transition in the South Bronx. Arif is a social and environmental justice advocate, grassroots urban planner, and community activist. He believes in the power of frontline communities and is committed to building systems that support their health, creativity, wisdom, and leadership.
Top illustration: Gordon Parks, Haverstraw, New York. Camp Christmas Seals, 1943.