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There is no separating equality from ecology, which knows that no member of any natural system has more value than another. In a world of polycrises, what does it mean for activism to be a daily necessity? How can we more deeply integrate it into our lives, allowing our values to shape a more fulfilling and joyful existence? This discussion will bring together advocates who are reframing how we talk about social and environmental justice—and what it means to be an embodied activist.

Cate Mingoya-LaFortune is Groundwork USA’s Chief Officer of Climate Resilience and Land Use. She is a people-centered climate adaptation planner, community organizer, educator, parent, and cautious optimist. Raised in an environmental justice neighborhood, Cate is committed to furthering a future where all people live in clean, thriving communities. Cate received her B.A. in Biology from Reed College; a Master of Science Education from CUNY Lehman; and a Master of City Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She lives with her family, community, and container garden in Massachusetts.

Mikaela Loach (she/they) is the best-selling author of It's Not That Radical: Climate Action To Transform Our World, a climate justice activist, co-host of The YIKES Podcast, writer and former medical student based in Brighton. In 2020, Forbes, Global Citizen and BBC Woman's Hour named Mikaela as one of the most influential women in the UK climate movement. In 2021, she was one of three claimants on the "Paid To Pollute" case who took the UK government to court over the huge public payments they give to fossil fuel companies every year. Her work focuses on the intersections of the climate crisis with oppressive systems and making the climate movement a more accessible space.

Sierra Quitiquit (she/her) is a professional skier, climate activist, model, and filmmaker. As an outdoor enthusiast, Sierra naturally evolved into a vocal climate activist and co-founded Plastic Free Fridays, a non-profit with the mission to help significantly reduce single-use plastics consumption among individuals. Sierra is also an ambassador for Protect Our Winters (POW), an organization helping turn passionate outdoor people into effective climate advocates who can affect systemic solutions to climate change.

Wanjiku “Wawa” Gatheru is a climate storyteller passionate about making the climate movement relevant and accessible to everyone. Harnessing her background as a Rhodes Scholar and youth climate activist, Wawa works to bring climate justice to the mainstream. Her goal is to be an effective communicator that helps inspire a generation of “unlikely” environmentalists.

Banner photograph by Annie Lai for The Overview by Atmos