Panel: Environmental Advocates

A conversation with Grace Anderson, Elmy Bermejo and Morgan Capilla, inspiring environmental protection and advocacy leaders at the City and Federal level. Panel moderated by Linda Calhoun, founder of Career Girls. For ages 8–18.

Watch on Youtube.

Grace Anderson is a network weaver, strategist and dreamer working at the intersection of race, healing and the environment. As an independent consultant, Anderson is committed to building the capacity of people of color in the environmental space by moving resources towards their dreams and by creating structural programming to support their growth. With over a decade of experience in the outdoor and environmental sector, Anderson has worked in several different capacities to uplift and center Black, Indigenous and People of Color. Anderson enjoys building community over food, riding bicycles and word games.

Elmy Bermejo is a strategic thinker with excellent relationship management skills, commitment to public services and tireless advocate for women's rights. In November 2021, President Biden appointed Bermejo to serve as the Regional Administrator with the Small Business Association for Region IX responsible for California, Arizona, Nevada and Guam. Previously she served on the San Francisco Commission on the Environment, Northern California Director for External Affairs for Governor Newsom as well as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs under President Obama. Bermejo’s family owns and operates Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar, a San Francisco institution. This experience gives her tremendous insight and sensitivity to the challenges faced by small business owners and the resources needed to make them successful.

Morgan Capilla is an Environmental Justice Coordinator with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 9, where she works to advance fair treatment and meaningful involvement for low-income communities of color facing disproportionate environmental and health burdens. Before her time at EPA, Morgan served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic. During her Peace Corps service, she collaborated with a women’s association on grassroots initiatives including improved cook stoves, ecotourism, and youth environmental education. In working closely with them, she developed a deep reverence for the ways in which grassroots movements have assisted marginalized communities in overcoming environmental and public health disparities.

Career Girls - Website