CCAN Empowers Emerging Climate Leaders

We are proud to support the important work of Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) as they empower emerging climate leaders through the Carol Brantley Fellowship program. Over the past year, six emerging climate leaders advanced work across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., strengthening community power, influencing policy, and amplifying new voices in the movement for a just and sustainable future.

In Baltimore, fellow Koryn Guile helped organize a major event urging lawmakers to make polluters pay for climate damages. She recruited more than 50 participants and held one-on-one meetings to deepen volunteer engagement. Her leadership contributed to over 320 petition signatures and more than 2,000 outreach calls, mobilizing residents in support of climate accountability.

In Northern Virginia, Alyssa Fleming connected with communities most affected by the climate crisis. Through outreach at events such as the Prince William Juneteenth Parade and Fairfax City Pride, she added 150 new supporters to CCAN’s network. Alyssa also hosted a community event highlighting how rising heat and flooding are already affecting neighborhoods across Northern Virginia.

At the national level, Jasmine Perez focused on elevating the experiences of BIPOC farmers as part of CCAN’s advocacy around the 2024 Farm Bill. Through interviews and storytelling, she shed light on challenges and opportunities in federal programs like the Environmental Quality Incentive Program.

During the spring legislative sessions, three additional fellows strengthened CCAN’s policy work. Kaelyn Roney, based in Maryland, coordinated advocates, designed factsheets, and supported testimony for key climate legislation. Her efforts helped ensure that public engagement translated into tangible progress in the statehouse.

In Virginia, Carolyn Hindle played a central role in tracking lawmakers’ positions, facilitating communication among climate coalitions, and testifying before committees on behalf of CCAN Action Fund. Her leadership extended beyond the Capitol, as she took on a leadership role at an Earth Day rally in Richmond.

At the federal level, Elle Falkowski examined how to make disaster relief more equitable and effective. She researched FEMA reforms, supported rallies defending NOAA from budget cuts, and collaborated with college students advocating for climate solutions in Washington, D.C. Her work helped shape CCAN’s emerging campaign for fair and resilient disaster recovery systems.

The Carol Brantley Fellowship has demonstrated the transformative power of investing in young leaders. Each fellow brought distinct skills and passion to the climate movement, translating knowledge into tangible change in policy, community organizing, and public awareness. Their achievements underscore a simple truth: meaningful progress begins when emerging leaders are given the opportunity to learn, lead, and shape a better future. Importantly, part of the funding for this project went to raising the fellow’s hourly wage to $25, aligning with the MIT Living Wage standard for the D.C. metro area, ensuring accessibility for students and young professionals regardless of financial background.

This work is important and inspirational. We are so excited to see the new generation of climate leaders take over the work of fighting for a more just world.