My career as an economic policy analyst has been dedicated to bridging data-driven analysis with practical, actionable environmental policy. What draws me to Environmental Initiative is its collaborative model, bringing together government, businesses, and community stakeholders to solve problems no single sector could tackle alone.

The value Environmental Initiative places on justice really resonates with me. I have seen firsthand how environmental burdens and financial benefits are often unevenly distributed, and the organization’s commitment to addressing those disparities and creating inclusive spaces for shared power aligns closely with my own work designing equitable policy.

That experience shapes how I show up as a board member. In my day-to-day work at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, I rely on data modeling and cost-benefit analysis to surface racial and social equity gaps in regional planning. I bring that same lens to our collaborative pursuit of environmental health, making sure it stays grounded in equity and inclusive decision-making.

I encourage anyone interested in this work to attend an upcoming Environmental Initiative event and connect with the diverse network of professionals we bring together. You can also explore joining one of our ongoing coalitions, or reach out to me directly on LinkedIn to start a conversation about getting involved.