Diverse Environmental Leaders - Speakers Bureau

Diverse Environmental Leaders Speakers Bureau

Hear from world-changing diverse thinkers and innovators in the environmental community.

The Diverse Environmental Leaders (DEL) National Speakers Bureau represents Rock Stars of Conservation who have climbed Earth’s highest mountains and sailed her Seven Seas; leading authors, artists and scientists; policy, climate, energy and environmental justice experts; urban revitalization strategists; natural resource managers; outdoor recreation leaders and cultural ambassadors. DEL coalesces a wide range of talented and accomplished environmental professionals of color who can help shift the environmental conversation in America to become more inclusive and equitable at all levels.

OUR SPEAKERS

DEL coalesces a wide range of talented and accomplished environmental professionals of color who can help shift the environmental conversation in America to become more inclusive and equitable at all levels. Click on a speaker profile below to learn more.

Audrey Peterman

Audrey Peterman is Co-founder and President of Earthwise Productions. She is nationally renowned as an author and advocate for our National Park System since stumbling upon the system in 1995. Mrs. Peterman is widely recognized as a leader in efforts to expose the greatest diversity of Americans to these natural, cultural and historic treasures as a means of securing the future of parks and people. She speaks prolifically around the country on the benefits of our public lands and waters, and shares them widely through social media.

Her work has been recognized with multiple national honors including the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s Environmental Hero Award, 2000 and Black Meeting & Tourism Distinguished Service Award 2013. Mrs. Peterman has served on the boards of in multiple conservation-focused organizations including the National Parks Conservation Association (5 terms) the Association of Partners for Public Lands (2 terms) the National Parks Promotion Council (2 terms) and the Delaware North Parks and Resorts Advisory Board.

She is a founding member of community-focused grassroots organizations including South Florida Community Partners and Keeping It Wild, Atlanta. Mrs. Peterman and EPI were the impetus behind the famous conference, “Breaking the Color Barrier in the Great American Outdoors” 2009 which is widely credited as the spark that rekindled a nascent grassroots movement into a thriving entity today. Learn more about her work at www.earthwiseproductionsinc.com.

Majora Carter is an urban revitalization strategy consultant, real estate developer, and Peabody Award winning broadcaster. She is responsible for the creation & successful implementation of numerous green-infrastructure projects, policies, and job training & placement systems.

Majora’s field-tested experience and vision can improve workforce development strategies for corporate and government departments at the local, state and federal levels interested in diversifying their talent pipeline to maximize their return on investment towards job creation for climate adaptive land management in urban, suburban, ex-urban and rural areas. Real estate developers can gain market advantages by incorporating Majora’s sustainable economic development strategies into their projects.

After establishing Sustainable South Bronx and Green For All (among other organizations) to carry on that work, she built on this foundation with innovative ventures and insights into urban economic developments designed to help move Americans out of poverty.

Her long list of awards and honorary degrees include accolades from groups as diverse as Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation, John Podesta’s Center for American Progress, Goldman Sachs, as well as a MacArthur “genius” Fellowship. Her 2006 TED talk was one of the first 6 videos to launch their groundbreaking website. Majora is a Board Member of the US Green Building Council, and the Andrew Goodman Foundation.

Majora embodies the American Dream. She has continually set new standards of excellence with projects in her South Bronx community, while expanding her reach nationally and internationally. Her philanthropic pursuits and business interests have all pointed toward greater self-esteem and economic potential for low-income people everywhere.

Follow her on twitter at @MajoraCarter and on facebook.com/majoracarter

With over 20 years of leadership, programming and coordination experience, along with a passion for the outdoors, Tarsha is spearheading a movement to ethnically diversify outdoor participation. After traveling across the United States, visiting national/state parks, camping, hiking, reading outdoor-industry reports and during nature walks, she has come to see the disparity between those that “look like” her and those that don’t, who are investing in and appreciating their outdoor spaces. This disparity fuels her interest to bridge the gap and or disconnect between the two.

Tarsha holds a Masters in Professional Communication from La Salle University and a Bachelors in Liberal Studies from Virginia Wesleyan College. She has spoken locally to groups in the Philadelphia area on topics of leadership, business success and is just beginning to make her voice heard on the topic of “people of color and their limited connection to outdoor spaces.” Her hope is that as people of color increase their participation in the outdoors that they will, in turn, increase their support of outdoor spaces for the sustainability of our environment. She is currently working with Let’s Go Outdoors’ co-founder (and twin sister), Keisha Scovens, on innovative outdoor programming that isn’t just a one-time experience, but spans over one’s lifetime, with family participation, creating a true connection to the outdoors – solving the issue of people of color not “connecting” with nature and/or outdoor spaces.

Tarsha lives in Cheltenham, PA with her husband and two daughters, ages one and three. Her dynamic energy, creative spirit, likeable demeanor and drive to connect the next generation of investors in the outdoors, makes her a vital up and coming speaker to the environmental and/or outdoor community.

James Edward Mills

James Edward Mills is a freelance journalist and an independent media producer. In a career that spans more than 20 years he specializes in telling stories about outdoor recreation, environmental conservation, acts of charitable giving and practices of sustainable living. Working in the outdoor industry since 1989 as a guide, outfitter, independent sales representative, writer and photographer his experience includes a broad range of expeditions that include mountaineering, rock climbing, backcountry skiing and kayaking.

James has written for several publications such as The Wisconsin State Journal, The Capital Region Business Journal, Madison Magazine, Madison Sports Monthly and Wisconsin Trails. He currently is a contributor to several outdoor focused print and online publications, including: National Geographic Adventure, Rock & Ice, Alpinist, SUP Magazine, Paddle Sports Business, Sporting Goods Business, Elevation Outdoors, Women’s Adventure, WEND Magazine, The Clymb, High Country News and Roots Rated.

With skills in audio storytelling, James’ radio production credits include: the Wisconsin Public Radio, the Public Radio Exchange, American Public Media’s Marketplace, and the Public Radio International programs To The Best of Our Knowledge and The Tavis Smiley Show.

James lives in Madison, Wisconsin with his wife Shamane Mills and two lovable dogs, Reba and Bella.

Dorien Blythers

Dorien Paul Blythers was a student at Howard University in Washington, D.C. when he led student efforts resulting in the first university- wide recycling mandate in the institution’s 147-year history.

He joined the National Ocean’s Policy team at the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) as an intern where he worked alongside former Arizona Governor and Interior Secretary, Bruce Babbitt. At EDF, Dorien laid the groundwork for a “Partnership for Environmental Leadership” with Howard University, the first initiative of its kind, and was publicly endorsed by former White House advisor, Van Jones.

In 2012, Dorien spearheaded President Obama’s reelection campaign in Riviera Beach, Florida. He continues to build at the intersection of environmental advocacy, diversity and outreach landing him opportunities with Congress, People for the American Way, The Outdoor Foundation, Sierra Club, U.S. Green Building Council and The White House.

Certified Architectural Drafter, James King plans to become a Sustainability Architect and an Environmental Activist. He currently demonstrates his passion for the environment by serving as the Chairman of Hiking and Outdoor Events for Keeping it Wild.

He is also a National Delegate of the Children and Nature Network, Ambassador of Outdoor Nation, National Park Service Fellow with Greening. Youth Foundation, Outreach Coordinator for Atlanta Mentorship Program for Sustainability, and is also a Youth Program Volunteer Specialist for Atlanta Watershed Alliance.

His great contributions to the environment have not gone unnoticed. In 2010, Mr. King was nominated as an Atlanta Cox Conserve Hero. He was also honored by Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) with the Community Service Award in 2011 for taking diverse families camping and providing stewardship at local, state, and national parks.

Keisha Scovens, M.S., co-founder of Let’s Go Outdoors and nationally certified Speech and Language Pathologist has been working with children and families for 15 years. Through consulting and coordinating programming for Let’s Go Outdoors, she is inspiring people to think differently about how to engage and maintain their own – and others’ – relationships with natural landscapes. Combined with her Pennsylvania Master naturalist certification (currently pursuing), she is a role-model for the African American community.

Growing up as an “inner-city” kid, Keisha was not raised being environmentally conscious, exploring nature in positive ways, or participating in outdoor recreation beyond the street, playground or backyard. All of this came later, as she was gradually exposed to more traditionally Caucasian-based outdoor activities through Girl Scouts, summer camp, and collegiate relationships. During Keisha’s international and national travels, she was able to visit many local, state, and national parks, but always noticed the lack of diversity in visitation and employment.

Consulting and collaborating with land trust organizations, state, and local parks, as well as neighborhood locations with green spaces, Keisha is changing the mentality surrounding nature-based play and outdoor recreation among people of color. With teaching people of color how to treat and interact positively with their environment, Let’s Go Outdoors believes we’re a step closer to global sustainability and increased interest in visiting natural landscapes. By opening doors for further exploration, learning options for education, and providing leadership by outdoor professionals, more people of color may be drawn to careers associated with outdoor recreation.

Loán Lake is a politically savvy marketing and communications expert, feature writer, and the Principal of Gobi Consulting, LLC, a marketing consultancy based in Maryland and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Her work in the U.S. Congress, media, non-profit organizations, tourism and hospitality, and as an entrepreneur, enables her to develop proactive strategies for brand messaging, public relations and marketing that engage her audiences for effective outcomes. Loán specializes in tourism marketing and development, multicultural marketing and diversity branding. She is also a 2009 inductee into the Temple University “Alumni Gallery of Success” for her accomplishments in tourism sales and marketing.

Angelou Ezeilo and her husband James are among our nation’s foremost experts in preparing young people from urban communities to become responsible environmental stewards. For close to a decade the Ezeilos’ non-profit Greening Youth Foundation has pioneered culturally-based programs that help youth make healthy lifestyle choices, including focusing on public land management agencies and the conservation sector as a source of employment and careers. Mrs. Ezeilo is an expert in the development, placement and retention of racially-diverse young people in the environmental sector. She serves on the National Park Service’s Centennial Advisory Board. Greening Youth Foundation has also been selected as one of the 21st Century Conservation Corps.

Mrs. Ezeilo’s love for the environment dates back to her childhood when she had the chance to escape the dense urban streets of Jersey City, New Jersey and spend summers in upstate New York with her family. Graduating from Spelman College in Atlanta, she pursued a Juris Doctorate in Law from the University of Florida, College of Law.

She began her career as an attorney for the New Jersey State Agriculture and Development Committee. Her environmental focus led her to a position as Project Manager for the Trust for Public Land (TPL) in its New Jersey and Georgia offices. In that capacity, she specialized in acquiring land for preservation, working on the New York/New Jersey Highlands Program; Parks for People-Newark; the New York/New Jersey Harbor Program in New Jersey; the Atlanta Beltline and the 20 County Regional Greenspace Initiative in Georgia.

Over years of immersion in this sector, Mrs. Ezeilo came to see the huge gap between the land being preserved and the paucity of efforts to engage citizens with those lands. She was particularly struck by the fact that young people were missing from the equation. This became her impetus for creating Greening Youth Foundation, providing environmental access to underserved children and young adults through its Public School Initiative and Youth Conservation Corps programs. Greening Youth provides services throughout the country and in West Africa.

Mrs. Ezeilo is widely recognized in the conservation and civil rights sectors and is part of the growing movement to connect racially diverse America with our publicly owned lands and the environment. She is a member of the National Center for Civil and Human Right’s Women in Solidarity Society and the South Fork Conservancy boards; an Advisory Board Member for the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, The Million Mile Greenway, Inc., Keeping It Wild, Inc., and Outdoor Afro.

Mrs. Ezeilo and her husband live in Atlanta with their two sons Miles and Cole and their dog, Nina.

Dr. Carolyn Finney

Carolyn Finney, Ph.D. is a writer, performer and cultural geographer. As a professor in Environmental Science, Policy and Management at the College of Natural Resources at the University of California, Berkeley, she explores how issues of difference impact participation in decision-making processes designed to address environmental issues.

Although Carolyn pursed an acting career for eleven years, a backpacking trip around the world, a solo trip through East Africa, and living in Nepal changed the course of her life. Motivated by these experiences, she returned to school after a 15-year absence to complete a B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. While working on her PhD at Clark University, Dr. Finney won both a Fulbright and Canon National Parks Science Scholar Fellowship.

Stefan Moss is an international environmental scientist and educator with a career in the field that spans almost twenty years. As a scientist, he has published papers on toxic chemicals in the environment including PCBs, flame retardants, and pesticides. He has worked in the public sector on UN-related projects in the Caribbean including the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. In the private sector, he parlayed his experience in ecotoxicology to work on environmental remediation projects in the United States for Fortune 500 companies such as Exxon Mobil and BP.

A gifted science communicator and public speaker, Stefan has held several academic appointments and currently lectures at Georgia State University. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and Biology from Lee University, and a Master's degree in Environmental Science from the University of Tennessee.

Carolyn Hartfield

Carolyn Hartfield is a self-styled late bloomer, baby boomer who is seasoned and savoring in the spices of life! She teaches others to live their life to the fullest, through outreach and engagement in lively and fun outdoor activities. The activities include, but not limited to; hiking, bicycling, camping, zip lining, kayaking, spelunking, hang gliding, traveling, sailing, and much more.

All of this enjoyment while nourishing the mind, body and spirit in a natural and pure way, resulting in clarity of mind, improved physical fitness, and oneness with nature.

Frank Peterman, Sr. served as Southeast Regional Director of the Wilderness Society 2003-2010, during which time he managed the office and the campaign to protect wilderness areas. His priorities were to connect the public with the federal lands and serve as a liaison to the Congressional Black Caucus. His innovative approach included the development of the non-profit Keeping It Wild which organized educational and recreational visits to the parks and forests, culminating in an Annual Gala which brought members of Congress together with their constituents in a social setting. The organization was cited “Best New Environmental Program” by Earth Share of Georgia. Mr. Peterman brings years of experience and insight in community organization, environmental concerns, community perceptions, politics, policy, and effective communications. He worked successfully with Congress and conservation organizations to get National Park Designation for Ocmulgee National Monument, and to protect wilderness areas in the North Georgia Mountains. A lifelong nature lover, he recently completed his semi-autobiographical novel, South Florida Son, centered on his youthful experiences related to the breach of the Everglades ecosystem and the development of the Civil Rights movement. A skilled negotiator, manages the Bureau’s business affairs while also serving as a speaker.

Irela Bagué is an experienced bilingual (Spanish and English) public affairs consultant and Principal for The Bagué Group, a full service consulting firm with more than 20 years of experience in Florida representing business development, public infrastructure, water and waste water resources, natural systems restoration, sustainable “green” initiatives, public involvement services, market research and government affairs.

In 2003, Irela was appointed to the South Florida Water Management District Board by Governor Jeb Bush, where she held the position of Board Vice-Chair until April 2007. She was responsible for spearheading policies in the areas of water resources development and regulation, flood control, water quality protection and natural systems restoration primarily with a focus on the restoration of America’s Everglades.

As a former state-appointed official, Irela has earned the respect of clients and policy makers alike. She is known for her in-depth understanding of the political process and for her critical insight and clear and straightforward communications style making her a credible and engaging spokesperson.

Irela has been an advocate of natural systems restoration, water resources and diversity in the environment having provided key testimony on behalf of the State of Florida to the United States House of Representatives Sub-Committee on Water & Power. She served as Chair of the Miami River Commission and was instrumental in gaining public support for the multi-million dollar dredging project to deepen the channel for larger vessels to help increase Miami’s marine and shipping economy.

Her career highlights include working for National Audubon Society’s Florida State Office as the State’s Public Affairs Coordinator managing outreach campaigns to promote support for Everglades restoration.

Irela currently serves on the National Parks Conservation Association’s Regional Council and Chairs the Sustainability, Environment & Energy Committee of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. She is a frequent contributor to The Miami Herald and is often featured in both Spanish and English-language broadcast media throughout South Florida.

Evonne Blythers

Evonne Blythers is the Director of the Edge of Night Camping Club (ENCC) and Environmental Education Coordinator for the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance where she helps youth experience nature at the Atlanta Outdoor Activity Center. As Founder and Director of ENCC she has been a very strong advocate in getting families outdoors. Evonne formed Edge of Night in 1994 after returning from a family camping trip and realizing the family had broken all the rules of the campground. Edge of Night has been featured in an episode of Georgia Outdoors and participates annually in the Great American Backyard
Campout.

In 2009, Evonne was a finalist for the Cox Conserves Heroes and a nominee for East Metro Atlanta Citizen of the Year. An administrative assistant by profession, she has worked for Zoo Atlanta and Georgia Aquarium, and serves on the board of the Keeping It Wild Program since 2006. Evonne has visited all of the 65 Georgia State Parks and Historic sites and has been a Girl Scout Leader since 2001.

Krishel Augustine

Krishel Augustine, “Miss Teen Navajo 2013-14,” is an ambassador and role model for other young people in her Navajo culture and in the wider world. With Navajo being her first language, the millennial leader easily bridges the gap between her Native Nation and the general public. A singer and songwriter, she uses her talents to augment her presentations and is featured on the National Park Service “Songs for Junior Rangers” CD.

Krishel represents a voice seldom heard in urban areas – Native, millennial, knowledgeable and engaged with national parks. Krischel spent hundreds of volunteer hours working in the areas of interpretation, resource management and fee management at Saguaro National Park in Tucson, AZ. She currently resides in the splendor of Grand Canyon.

Attorney Stacey Evans is a recognized animal welfare leader and expert in policy issues impacting animal health, the human-canine bond, and the conservation and management of canine wildlife. Her advocacy has helped pass laws that reduce animal cruelty, help prevent pet overpopulation, protect pets and working dogs from domestic violence, prohibit people convicted of animal cruelty from owning or possessing animals and improve protection of canine wildlife.

An adventurer who has driven dog teams of Alaskan huskies, Siberian huskies, Canadian Eskimo dogs, and other types of sled dogs in the U.S. and Canada, she enjoys the outdoors snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, and raising her American Eskimo rescue dog.
Attorney Evans’ dedication to the welfare of animals is reflected in the fact that she represents those interests on the United States Department of Agriculture Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Animal Health; is a representative of Project Coyote; a board member of the Animal Legal Defense Fund, and a Vice-Chair of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section’s Animal Law Committee. Prior to those roles, Stacey chaired the Maryland State Bar Association Animal Law Section.

She has extensive experience educating organizations, legislators, and audiences about laws, legislation, policy, and issues impacting animals in the United States and beyond. She is a frequent speaker at animal law and policy related conferences such as the No More Homeless Pets Conference, classes, and special events including the U.S. Police Canine Association, Region 3 awards banquet. She is a frequent contributor to radio and television shows discussing animal law, legislation, and policy related issues.

The founder and CEO of Humane Strategies Benefit LLC – a business empowering nonprofits, scientists, and veterinarians to advocate effectively to promote animal health, the human-canine bond, and sound wildlife management, with a focus on dogs and wild canids – Attorney Evans graduated from George Mason University and Tulane University Law School.

Sid Wilson’s 2013 induction into the Denver Colorado Travel Industry Hall of Fame affirms his position as a leader in the tourism industry in the South West. The owner/operator of A Private Guide, Inc., providing group tour and event transportation products and services has invested more than 20 years servicing the vast corporate, convention, reunion and meeting trade in Denver and Colorado. He has creatively expanded his business to serve the African American sector by creating heritage tours highlighting the contributions of their forbears in the exploration and development of the American West as explorers, fur traders, miners, cowboys, and in the military.

Wilson’s love for travel and the great outdoors date back to his youth. He fondly remembers navigating Brooklyn’s tidal creeks, causeways, salt marshes, jetties, and isolated beaches with his dad in their 16-foot aluminum skiff in search of the best fishing holes. Moving to Denver, he embraced Colorado’s Western heritage and culture and took advantage of the opportunities afforded by the state’s dynamic tourism industry.

Mr. Wilson leverages his relationships with his hospitality industry suppliers to assist in developing and providing materials for the tour guides he trains and employs. He collaborates with entities such as the Black American West Museum; Visit Denver; the Colorado Historical Society; Colorado State Parks; the National Park Service, and the International Guide Academy.

Educating the public on the role of people of color in Colorado’s history is very important to Mr. Wilson. Focusing on African American family reunions, meetings, youth programs, and conventions, he has developed very successful Heritage Tour itineraries highlighting the contributions of Colorado’s pioneering African Americans in exploration, the fur trade, mining, ranching, and the military, while providing outdoor recreation options for the more adventurous. He specializes in the flexibility to go the extra mile to accommodate those few clients in a group who may want to do something off beat such as visiting “Scotty with the Hot Sauce.” Providing that special personal touch makes his tour products and service a unique experience.

Sid Wilson and A Private Guide, Inc. will help you highlight the desirability of your destination to multiple markets, and bring interested patrons to you.

Dr. Nina Roberts

Dr. Nina Roberts is an outdoors woman who has hiked and camped in national parks, forests and wildlife refuges from coast to coast for close to 30 years. The depth of her engagement with our natural resources is matched only by her immersion in the management, policies and social trends affecting the public lands. As a woman with a bi-racial heritage who is passionate about the outdoors, Dr. Roberts specializes in experiential learning, and is a model of the behavior you want to promote.

A native New Yorker, Dr. Roberts grew up with multiculturalism as part of her DNA. The second oldest of four, her parents were interracially married in the 1950s when such acts of love were illegal in many states across the country. Dr. Roberts takes great pride in her unique ethnic mix (White/U.K., East Indian, and West Indian/St. Lucia) and has traveled coast-to-coast speaking about cultural diversity in relation to parks and protected areas.

Dr. Roberts fell in love with the outdoors as a teenager and made her work a lifetime practice of immersion. She has served as program director, adventure guide and park manager. Besides visiting more than 200 units of the National Park System, she has spent time in the back country in scores of forests and explored many wildlife refuges.

Associate professor in the Department of Recreation, Parks, & Tourism at San Francisco State University, Dr. Roberts is a Fulbright Scholar and experiential educator whose cultural research has been vital to both public land managers and community partners. She is a leader in the movement to connect urban-based communities with their parks and other public lands.

Dr. Roberts is renowned in her field, her enthusiasm and advanced knowledge of public lands being highly regarded in communities of color, in the academic and non-profit sectors, and among policymakers.

Her areas of focus and training include: Understanding demographic shifts and population trends; Positive Youth Development (including urban youth, single-gender programs/girls outdoors); Community engagement and outreach strategies for reaching new audiences; Recruitment and retention of diverse employees and Cultural competency training and staff development.

Dr. Roberts has received more than a score of distinguished awards such as Servant Leader; Master Practitioner; Martin Luther King, Jr., Scholarship; and academic notoriety at SF State including the Environmental Studies Program Faculty Award; and nomination for the Faculty Community Service Learning Award.

Her perspectives on diversity, national parks and the use of public lands have been widely shared on CNN.com, Boston Globe, L.A. Times, NBC News Bay Area, New America Media, The New York Times, and Public Radio International. She has also interviewed with WildeBeat (the audio journal about wilderness), and The Allegheny Front environmental radio for western PA about “Welcoming Minorities to State Parks.” She is featured in the landmark book Black and Brown Faces in America’s Wild Places and is well published, including numerous journal articles and book chapters about social and environmental justice, women/girls outdoors, youth leadership, and her multiracial identity.

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