As we dive into a new, challenging and, crucial year ahead of us, we want to take a moment to celebrate some of the key highlights of Color of Water members in 2024. From penning op-eds to being recognized for their community contributions, Color of Water members continued to shape key conversations around water and environmental justice with their unique voices. Here’s a snippet of Color of Water thought leadership.
Celebrating Color of Water leadership
Beyond media placements, our Color of Water network made some big moves last year from White House appointments to awards and more. Join us in celebrating some of these highlights:
- Tanner Yess was appointed to the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council (WVXU).
- Khalid Osman for receiving Stanford’s 2024 Environmental Venture Projects awards for his research on “Addressing climate-induced migration through infrastructure.”
- Michael Méndez for winning the Hero Award from California Safe Schools for outstanding contributions as an environmental justice scholar, author and advocate.
- Jessica Dandridge-Smith and Cate Mingoya-LaFortune were featured as part of Grist 50 Fixers. Check out Jessica’s contribution to Virginia Hanusik’s book Into the Quiet and the Light: Water, Life and Land Loss in South Louisiana, as well as Cate’s book, Climate Action for Busy People, if you haven’t.
In 2024 we also launched a new podcast series featuring Color of Water members in collaboration with waterloop. Check out our latest episode featuring Adriana Renteria. Stay tuned for more episodes in 2025!
Color of Water media moments
- Ayanna Jolivet McCloud reflected on why policymaking should be reframed as a creative act as she walked us through her artistic and advocacy background (Burnaway)
- Chakena Perry reminded us how ten years after the Flint water crisis, the fight to replace lead pipes continues (Shortwave) and revealed how Chicago children have been exposed to lead in water (CBS)
- Sri Vedachalam and Sanjiv Sinha unpacked how green jobs offer underserved communities opportunities for economic empowerment and resilience (Second Wave)
- Nataly Escobedo Garcia called out how the expansion of farms and corporate interests in the California Central Valley is affecting small communities (SJV Water)
- Dezaraye Bagalayos and Angel Fernández-Bou wrote about Allensworth’s collective plan for a new agricultural model of self-sovereignty and resilience (Union of Concerned Scientists’ The Equation)
- Jessica Thrasher shared five tips on creating your own earth-friendly, sustainable yard to conserve water and support pollinators and wildlife (Coyote Gulch)
- Julia Fay Bernal warned us about how using water insecurity to finance pilot projects to prolong the use of fossil fuels can be extremely dangerous (The Santa Fe New Mexican)
- Andrian Lee reflected on the significance of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and questioned if money will reach those who need it most (The Water We Swim In)
- Ani Jayakaran unpacked how permeable pavements can help protect coho salmon in the Pouget Sound basin (Newsweek)
- Beth Roach discussed the importance of centering Native engagement and leadership around water and land stewardship (Modern Farmer)
- Julian Gonzalez reflected on the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act highlighting key signs of progress and the work still ahead (WHYY)
Know of other people who’d be interested in joining Color of Water? Pass this form along so we can grow together!