Environmental & Climate Justice

Environmental Leadership Initiative Convening

March 28, 2024
By Andres Magaña

In February, Liberty Hill hosted its first Environmental Leadership Initiative (ELI) Convening, a two-day gathering for newly selected ELI Fellows to connect, build community, and set expectations for their two-year journey within the program.

Twenty-two incredible Environmental Justice leaders representing BIPOC and immigrant communities, Native California and tribal communities, and geographically diverse regions across the state gathered for the first time in-person for the inaugural convening.

The two-day program, facilitated by Liberty Hill, Cities & People, and Anti-Oppression Resource & Training Alliance (AORTA) with support from members of the ELI Advisory Council, focused on community building, and exploring the specialized training and peer-learning designed for the program.

“I am hoping that participants take away a strong sense of community, that they feel more connected to one another, that we begin to help them feel invested in, and that they feel energized and empowered to keep doing the work that they’re doing every day,” shared Maggie Mireles-Corzo, Liberty Hill Director of Capacity Building.

The Environmental Leadership Initiative is a five-year initiative that will invest in the development, empowerment, and growth of emerging and active Environmental Justice leaders from throughout California. Together, participants will deepen their understanding of Environmental Justice principles, engage in collective movement-building work, and develop the skills necessary to create lasting impact in their local communities.

The Environmental Leadership Initiative is hosted by Liberty Hill Foundation, through the generous support and investment from the William & Flora Hewlett Foundation and the David & Lucile Packard Foundation.

Learn more about our Environmental Leadership Initiative and our Leadership Training & Capacity Building.