Newcomers Appointed to Environmental Education and Civic Activism Board: Pushing Forward to a Fairer, Greener Tomorrow
The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) is celebrating its 50th anniversary with the addition of five new board members. These new members, with diverse backgrounds in journalism, communications, STEM education, equity and inclusion, and environmental and science education, are committed to strengthening and championing the field of environmental education.
Among the new board members is Karie Ross, a Sports Journalist and Environmental Activist, who is excited to contribute to discussions and initiatives that seek to learn from and support the environmental education experiences of linguistically minoritized communities. Ross's passion for environmental justice is evident in her work, and she looks forward to using her platform to advocate for a more equitable future.
Dawn Chávez, Executive Director of Asheville GreenWorks, has also joined the NAAEE board. Chávez is passionate about improving environmental education through the centering of equity and inclusion. With a wealth of experience in environmental non-profit leadership, she brings a valuable perspective to the table.
Diego Román, Assistant Professor in Bilingual/Bicultural Education at University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Education, has also been appointed to the board. Román is honored and excited to play a role in an organization committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. His expertise in bilingual and bicultural education will undoubtedly contribute to the NAAEE's mission to create a more inclusive and equitable environmental education landscape.
Mandakini Sud, Director of Communications at Sodexo's Corporate Services segment in North America, is another new board member. Sud is excited to work with programs devoted to teaching students about the importance of protecting the environment. With her extensive experience in communications, she will undoubtedly help the NAAEE reach a wider audience and amplify its message.
Rounding out the new board members is Karyl Askew, a Program Evaluation Consultant at Karyl Askew Consulting. Askew's expertise in program evaluation will be invaluable in ensuring the NAAEE's initiatives are effective and impactful.
In a statement, Judy Braus, the Executive Director of the NAAEE, expressed her excitement about the new board members and their diverse cultural backgrounds, perspectives, and disciplines. Braus stated that the collective talent, expertise, and innovation resulting from these diverse backgrounds are necessary to address today's complex environmental and social challenges. The new board members will play a critical role in the NAAEE's work to use education to help individuals and communities build healthier and more sustainable communities.
The NAAEE's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident in the selection of its new board members. These five individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to the table, and their addition to the board is a significant step forward in the NAAEE's mission to create a more equitable and sustainable future.
- The addition of Diego Román, an assistant professor in Bilingual/Bicultural Education, emphasizes the NAAEE's focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, as he will utilize his expertise in this field to support the organization's mission towards a more inclusive and equitable environmental education landscape.
- Mandakini Sud, a communications expert, joins the board with a passion for environmental education, and her role in communications at Sodexo will likely help the NAAEE reach a broader audience, contributing to the amplification of its message and the promotion of education for environmental protection.
