I want to live in a world where everyone, everywhere, has access to clean air, clean water, healthy food, and abundant clean energy. I want families to be able to live and work with dignity.

The progress we’ve made as a society was possible because courageous people before us refused to accept the status quo. I believe we can continue to create a better world, together. Change takes initiative, and it always will.

That’s why I value Environmental Initiative’s work to make these aspirations real in Minnesota and beyond. To build the future we need, we must practice courageous leadership.

I have lived in rural places most of my life — and still do. For two decades, I’ve worked in higher education to cultivate diverse sustainability leaders, and I also serve as an elected official with my local soil and water conservation district. I want to support and partner with an organization that has the creativity, capacity, and relationships to advance these goals.

We need stronger connections across our rural and urban communities to meet today’s challenges. That is why I am excited to be part of Environmental Initiative.