Women are amazing. A simple statement that is nothing but true. During the month of March, which is Women’s History Month, it is common to look back at the trailblazers of our past. The women who gave everything so that we could have something. To thank all the women who fought for the life I am able to live now – voting, working, defining my own path, and having control over my own body – would be impossible in this short post. Not to mention the incredible women who continue to fight today so that we may carry on living and expanding upon that life. Therefore, I want to do something I believe to be equally important, celebrating the next generation of women.
Defend Our Future’s campus ambassador program currently contains 26 young activists, with well over half of them being women. These women have stepped up to be leaders in their communities –driving climate education and activism in their local circles to benefit us all. This is not an easy task. These women are still students working hard to prepare for their future careers, and many of them have additional jobs.
They have shown time and again how intelligent, dedicated, and creative they are. Their leadership on campuses is irreplaceable and Defend is beyond proud to be a part of their journey to inevitably change the world. So, with all that said, I am honored to give you the chance to briefly meet some of the wonderful and powerful women of Defend Our Future.
Addy Zenko, The Ohio State University
Major: Environment, Economy, Development, Sustainability
Why did you want to become a DOF campus ambassador?
It gives me the opportunity to make the largest and most direct impact on climate action that I can as a college student.
How has being a woman shaped your experience in the environmental movement?
Honestly, a majority of my peers within my major are women or gender non-conforming people so I am extremely fortunate to be a part of such a magical community of strong and motivated people.
What advice do you have for other young women looking to get involved?
Stick with it! I found a letter I wrote to Santa when I was 7 years old and the only thing I asked for was solar panels, so climate issues have been important to me my entire life. I have known that this is what I want to do since I was extremely young, so if you hear a voice like that dial in and get it done!
How would you like to see the environmental movement change?
I would like to see it become less “all or nothing” in which people don’t feel like they need to go completely vegan and outfit their house in solar panels to be taking action (although those things are great)! I would also like to see individual people shamed less when 100 companies are responsible for over 70% of fossil fuel emissions.
Who inspires or motivates you to be in this space?
My grandma, who is an environmental activism icon to me!
Taylor Campbell, Howard University
Major: Political Science
Why did you want to become a DOF campus ambassador?
I became a DOF ambassador because I saw an opportunity to be a leader in the environmental movement on my campus.
How has being a woman shaped your experience in the environmental movement?
Being a woman has shaped my experience because I can empower other young girls to care about their environment as well.
How would you like to see the environmental movement change?
I would like people to be more aware of the racial inequities when it comes to environmental justice. Certain things that hurt the environment also hurt certain communities more.
What advice do you have for other young women looking to get involved?
My advice is for young women to start caring about the environment by doing little things that affect their day such as using reusable water bottles, or nonharmful makeup products, and even being conscious of the clothing items that they wear.
Earth Day is coming up – how do you plan to celebrate?
I plan on hosting an event at Howard University giving away free swag and having earth day trivia on the yard
Chere’ Erickson, University of Central Florida
Major: Biology
Minor: Environmental Studies
Why did you want to become a DOF campus ambassador?
I wanted to get involved on campus while also doing something related to my major. DOF provided an excellent way for me to gain leadership and organizational skills in college. It also has made me feel like I have made an impact on the environment in the Orlando area.
How has being a woman shaped your experience in the environmental movement?
Being a woman in the environmental field, I feel like I have to have extra knowledge to prove I know what I am talking about. I also feel like I have to assert myself in classes with men to have them respect my knowledge/opinions. On a positive note, it also has allowed me to build a bond with the other women I work with. We all have each other’s backs and are able to build each other up when we feel defeated by the patriarchy.
What advice do you have for other young women looking to get involved?
Find friends and don’t be afraid to speak up and share your opinions.
How do you combat climate anxiety?
I try to focus on the things I can control. This includes using reusable bags at the grocery store, composting, and shopping consciously. Although individual action alone cannot solve climate change, it does help me feel like I am making an impact.
Morgan Brown, Colorado State University at Fort Collins
Major: Human Dimensions and Natural Resources
Minors: Ethnic Studies and Environmental Affairs
Why did you want to become a DOF campus ambassador?
To be a part of something bigger than myself and inspire others to take action when it comes to addressing environmental issues.
How has being a woman shaped your experience in the environmental movement?
As ecofeminism and intersectional environmentalism continue to grow as movements, I have found so much light and power in being a woman in the environmental movement because our connection to the Earth is vital in understanding the way we work with and alongside the Earth as well as the responsibility we have in protecting what the Earth is able to provide us every day. We describe nature as “mother nature” and so in this way she is described as a caretaker yet there is rarely reciprocity in what we give back to the Earth. therefore, being a woman has made me rethink what it means to be a caretaker and that it’s so much more than just being a mother to your own children – it’s about caring for something that’s bigger than yourself and doing whatever you can to give that thing the love and attention it needs to grow and prosper.
What advice do you have for other young women looking to get involved?
Getting involved in any movement and finding community through an issue that you are passionate about is one of the best ways to cultivate love, support, and find light in some of the darkest places. Before I joined Defend, I knew I wanted to be a part of an environmental movement but felt overwhelmed and like I didn’t know where to start. However, after I joined DOF, I began to feel less climate anxiety and more like myself, especially surrounded by people that are passionate about the same issues as me.
How would you like to see the environmental movement change?
I would like to see the environmental movement continue to change towards being more intersectional with the ways it works to address various issues. I think more often than not we tend to discredit the interconnectedness that many of our wicked problems share and try to combat these issues separately rather than together. In reality, these issues are wicked because of the way they connect to larger social issues and it’s only when we normalize these connections that we can begin to create real systematic change around these issues.
Earth day is coming up – how are you celebrating?
We are tabling at the Earth Day Event CSU is putting on as well as the Earth Day Festival the city of Fort Collins is putting on!
Paytience Smith, University of Houston
Major: Biology
Why did you want to become a DOF campus ambassador?
I’ve always been interested in climate change and wanted to see what impact I could personally make.
What advice do you have for other young women looking to get involved?
To find a part you’re passionate about and amplify it. For example, if you’re passionate about clothes, try a blog about sustainable fashion.
How would you like to see the environmental movement change?
I’d like to see more citizens put pressure on their elected officials and big corporations to be better and stop ruining the environment for personal gain.
What is your favorite way to bring sustainability into everyday life?
Carpooling. I don’t like driving anyway so I’m always happy to leave my car behind and ride with someone!
These are just a few of the incredible activists who are a part of Defend’s Campus Ambassador program. Remember their names because if their work with us is any indicator – they’re going places.
