”“It’s inspiring to see these young leaders stepping up to engage in local climate action and make a real difference in our community. Their involvement is a vital part of our journey towards a more sustainable and equitable Austin, and I’m excited to see the ideas and solutions they’ll bring to the table.”
Zach Baumer, the City of Austin’s Chief Sustainability Officer
As the impacts of climate change become more apparent and widespread, the need to support youth with knowledge, skills, and resources to grow into the next generation of intersectional environmental leaders is more critical than ever. The 2023–2024 Austin Youth ClimateEquity Council members began their school year with an interest in getting involved in climate action at the city level. They concluded their year having learned diverse approaches to climate resilience and working to amplify the voices of frontline organizations addressing critical community issues.
“I really enjoyed being in such a diverse and open-minded space because it’s not
something I am exposed to at school. I also really enjoyed learning about
different environmental non-profits around Austin.”
—23–24 Austin Youth Climate Equity Council Member
The Austin Youth Climate Equity Council’s mission is to activate young climate champions with the tools they need to engage in community issues around climate change, the City’s Climate Equity Plan, and environmental justice. In partnership with the City of Office Austin Office of Sustainability, EcoRise facilitated the third council cohort this school year, supporting 30 high schoolers from across CentralTexas to harness their passions and deeply engage in the climate resilience work happening in Central Texas.
Council members had the opportunity to learn from local organizations and environmental justice leaders about the intersections of sustainability, community resilience, justice, and equity. The Council formed groups based on interest and began working with frontline community organizations, like advocacy groups and nonprofits, undertaking projects to build capacity for the organization’s initiatives to engage more community members in climate resilience action. The culmination of their hard work and dedication was showcased at the 8th Annual Central Texas Student Innovation Showcase. They shared what they learned about local environmental issues, how they supported climate action, and how the community could get involved with their mentor organizations and contribute to a more climate-resilient Central Texas. Learn more about each group’s work and mentor organization by expanding the sections below.
Community Health & Resilience with DAWA & The Village Place
DAWA (Diversity Awareness and Wellness in Action) is an organization that honors, celebrates, and empowers the essential work of BIPOC community members through direct financial support and culturally relevant health-centered programming. The Council members below helped with creating a digital presentation overview of what DAWA does for stakeholders and the community. They also got their hands dirty helping to repaint the organization’s recording studio, which provides production space to BIPOC podcasters, creatives, and grassroots organizations to produce high-quality media content.
The Village Place fosters hope, resilience, and community-driven change for Austin’s Black residents by providing facilities, resources, and venue rental space that celebrates culture, promotes empowerment, and encourages collaboration. The Council members below helped plan the Village Place’s Mother’sDay event. The entire youth council also joined a workday to reorganize and label the Village’s free library.
Ellison (she/her), 17
My name is Ellison. I am a junior at Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, representingDistrict 6. I am an 8th-generation Texan; my mom is Latina and has taught me that when you believe in something, you work toward it. We need to act now since we are already seeing the impacts of climate change, which disproportionately impact low-income and people of color communities. I am here to take action and make an impact!
Idalia (she/they), 17
My name is Idalia Meshoulam, and I’m a senior at Austin High School, representing District 2. I joined the AYCEC to learn more about what I can do to preserve our natural areas and influence those around me to do the same. I hope to see less waste make an impact in our thriving city.
Izzy (she/her/ella), 14
My name is Yvette, and my nickname is Izzy. I’m in 9th grade and attend Del Valle High School and represent District 1. I wanted to join the council because I want to help the environment and learn more about climate change and what we can do to help. What I hope to see in the future is less pollution fewer people using electricity, and less trash in oceans and parks anywhere. I would also like to see people taking care of the environment.
Kamiyah (she/her), 17
My name is Kamiyah, a 12th Grader at McCallum High School, representing District 9. I hope to see a brighter future for my city with improvements in the economy and community engagement, and I aim for amore livable, inclusive environment.
Zani (she/her), 15
My name is Zani, and I am a 10th-grade student at Navarro Early College High School, representing District 4. I wanted to join the council because I wanted to help carry out projects for the benefit of the entire community. Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Cut down on what you throw away. Volunteer.Volunteer for cleanups in your community.
Community Resilience with PODER
PODER (People Organized in Defense of Earth and Her Resources) empowers East Austin communities through education, advocacy, and action on local environmental, social, and economic justice issues.The Council members below engaged in an array of community organizing opportunities with PODER.They helped register voters and educated the community about the SOLAR program. These council members also joined the community-led oppositional movement against the Home Options for Middle-income Empowerment, or “HOME” Act. They educated and organized community members around how this policy would change the land development code, encouraging the building of smaller single-family homes in Austin. The communities PODER works with rallied to oppose the act, which would promote further displacement of low-income residents and gentrification.
Ananya (she/her), 16
My name is Ananya, and I am a senior at Anderson High School! I represent District 10. I wanted to join the council to raise awareness about how climate change is humanity’s biggest crisis and how it exacerbates our society’s existing inequalities and injustices. My deep connection with the environment and the joy nature gives me pushes me to be the voice in our community that helps preserve the ecosystem around us.
Annika (she/they), 15
My name is Annika, and I’m a freshman at the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders. I represent District 2. I joined the Council to learn about the world and how to become a better citizen. I’ve always been interested in the environment, and I hope for Austin and the world to work diligently toward saving our planet.
Caroline (she/they), 15
My name is Caroline, and I’m a sophomore at McCallum High School, representing District 7. I wanted to join this council to take a more active part in helping my community and addressing the urgent climate crisis. I’m excited to participate because climate action is so important right now.
Joaquin (he/him), 14
My name is Joaquin, and I am in 9th grade at Anderson High School, representing District 1. I wanted to join this climate council to have a bigger impact on my community, and this council would be a great tool. I connect to the environment by camping and doing park cleanups. In the future, Austin will be mindful of its impact on the environment and its inhabitants.
Leya (she/her), 17
My name is Leya Bustami, and I am a 12th grader at Vandegrift High School, representing District 10. I wanted to join the Council because I am incredibly passionate about the environment and the local solutions we can implement to slow the effects of climate change. I want to educate and involve more young voices in government to improve the future of the Earth.
Max (he/him), 17
My name is Max and I am a senior at the Liberal Arts and Science Academy. I represent District 8. I a man Alum of the Encampment for Citizenship 2022 and 2023, a leadership and community-building program focusing on social justice, including racial equity and climate justice. Texas is getting super extreme weather these days, so I donate to many nonprofits, such as Planet Wild, to help, but thisCouncil is my chance to make a difference. I enjoy making mental health awareness videos as a personal passion project.
Phoenix (she/her), 17
My name is Phoenix, and I’m a senior at Eastside Early College High School. I represent District 3. I’ve joined the council because I’d like to further strengthen my skills in fighting for environmental equity and outreach as I pursue a career in environmental science and policy. Growing up in East Austin, I realized the environmental injustice that has been going on in my community and neighborhood since before I was born. I’ve grown passionate about climate change and am trying to take the next steps to protect our future. I hope to see more policies in Austin that protect people and the environment over profits, increase green spaces for economically disadvantaged people, and put equity and human right sat the core of decision-making and action on the climate crisis.
Rahila (she/her), 16
I’m Rahila, a junior at Manor Senior High School, representing District 4. I wanted to join the council to have a voice in decision-making and contribute to positive changes in our community. I’ve always connected deeply to the environment and believe in preserving and protecting it for future generations. I hope our city becomes more sustainable, with cleaner air, green spaces, and eco-friendly practices. Let’s work together for a greener future!
Safira (she/her), 15
My name is Safira. I’m in 10th grade at Liberal Arts and Science Academy High School, and I represent District 1. I wanted to join the council because caring for our environment is really important. I want to inform people around me about climate change and, at the same time, learn more things about our planet. What I hope to see in the future in my community is the improvement and taking care of our local biodiversity.
Food Security with Festival Beach Food Forest
Festival Beach Food Forest is a grassroots pilot project that transformed 2/3rds of an acre of city parkland into an edible forest garden that community members are encouraged to openly forage and enjoy.The Council members below worked with FBFF to learn about urban agriculture, food security, and sociocracy—the governance style of the organization. They helped with the gardens, supported food production, and led the entire Council to remulch a large portion of the food forest during the It’s MyPark volunteer day.
“Working with the Festival Beach Food Forest has had an impact on the way I view
environmental impact. I learned how different parts of the city can greatly be affected
just because of where they are located. The Food Forest also taught me how food
should be accessible to everyone and how green spaces are so important. The Council
made me think about issues I hadn’t given much thought and now I am constantly
thinking of how we can improve sustainability and strive for environmental justice.”
—23–24 Austin Youth Climate Equity Council Member
Adrian (he/him), 17
My name is Adrian. I am a senior at McCallum High School, representing District 4. I joined the council to get involved with environmental issues affecting my city. I am an outdoor person, and I love cliff jumping. I want to help protect Austin waters.
Elijah (he/him), 15
I’m Elijah, a Liberal Arts and Science Academy High School sophomore representing District 6. I wanted to join the Austin Youth Climate Equity Council because I feel my city, as any other, could be an excellent example for proving that places can be climate-beneficial and functional. Climate change has a global effect on rising temperatures brought on in exponentially damaging fashion by humans and many industrial advancements. I hope to voice my opinions and help present ideas my peers and I bring to the table in a direct, intentional, and impactful way.
Kaylyn (she/her), 15
My name is Kaylyn. I’m in 10th grade at Bowie High School. I wanted to join this council because I’ve always wanted to be part of a group with the same goals. I hope to raise awareness of our climate issues, inspire others to learn, and create a more sustainable future.
Laila (she/her), 17
My name is Laila. I am in 12th grade, attending Manor Senior High School and representing District 1. I joined the council to experience and learn about our environment and to meet new people.
Luka (he/him), 17
My name is Luka and I use he/him pronouns. I’m a 12th-grader who attends McCallum High School inAustin and I represent District 9. I wanted to join the Youth Climate Council because I was curious about what I could do to help my community. Living in Austin you’re always surrounded by green space; growing up in a beautiful environment has made nature a big part of my life. I hope these beautiful green spaces that are a part of my life will be a part of the lives of future generations.
Manisa (she/her), 17
My name is Manisa and I am a senior at Eastside Early College High School. I represent District 1.
Sana (she/her), 17
My name is Sana, and I’m a Crockett High School senior representing District 5. I wanted to join the council because I plan on pursuing a career in environmental engineering and am particularly interested in energy efficiency. I would like Austin to become a more environmentally friendly city with more energy efficiency.
Sophia (she/her), 14
My name is Sophia, and I’m a freshman at McCallum High School. I represent District 7 and wanted to join the council to help myself and others understand how we can help the environment and how even the smallest change in our daily lives can make an impact. I love the natural beauty of Austin, and in the future, I’d like for our city to have more green spaces and communities for both animals and people to thrive.
Vincent (he/him), 15
My name is Vincent. I am a sophomore at Akins High School, and I represent District 5. By serving on this youth council, I hope to learn more about climate change and its effects, raise awareness, and help as much as I can with climate change issues in my community.
Renewable Technology with Pecan Street Inc.
Pecan Street, Inc. is on a mission to accelerate the transition to clean, low-carbon energy and integrated water management by connecting researchers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and impact investors to innovative research, data, and technology. The Council members below learned about the systems and technology that run Pecan Street’s massive data collection projects, how community members become part of the data collection, and how the data is changing the face of renewable energy. They took what they learned and spoke alongside CEO Dr. Anissa Rodriguez Dickerman on numerous occasions including the University of Texas at Austin’s Energy Week keynote.
Alexander (he/him), 14
My name is Alexander, and I am a 9th grader at LASA, representing District 9. I wanted to join to help save the planet. I love to connect to the environment by hiking and going to state parks. I hope to see more green plants and trees throughout the city and less trash around every part of the city.
Ella (she/her), 17
My name is Ella and I am a senior at Vandegrift High School. Being a young person and watching as the adults in power allow our future to be corrupted can feel very isolating, and through this Council, I hope to find a community of individuals who use that feeling as inspiration to fight for our own futures.
Feyi (she/her), 17
Hi, my name is Feyi. I’m a senior at The Ann Richards School for YoungWomen Leaders, representing District 5. I joined the Austin Youth Climate Council because I want my thoughts and passion for global sustainability and equity to be reflected in my actions. I hope to be part of the initiative toward broader access to resources and education on topics surrounding climate change in the Austin community.
Grace (she/her), 16
I am Grace, an 11th grader at McCallum High School, representing District 9. I wanted to join thisCouncil to feel like I was making a difference more than just wishing for something to change. Climate disruption is one of our biggest threats as of currently and if I on a personal level can make any impact I will do so with my best foot forward. I hope to see in the future a more environmentally educated Austin that focuses more on how to help its citizens regarding the climate instead of profit.
James (he/him), 17
Hello y’all. I’m James, a Senior at Liberal Arts and Science Academy High School, representing District 8. I joined the Austin Youth Climate Equity Council because I wanted to convert my anxiety about our world’s uncertain future into actual efforts to make a difference. As I pursue engineering, I hope to learn how to incorporate green techniques into how we design and build things.
Luci (she/her), 17
Hello, my name is Lucina. I am a senior at L.C. Anderson High School and a representative of District 10.I wanted to join the Council to pursue environmental justice and fight for a more sustainable future. In my pursuit of ecological research, I have witnessed how Austin communities are impacted by climate change on different levels. I aspire to fight for environmental equity and ensure that the voices of marginalized groups get represented in decisions on renewable energy, environmental preservation, and the ongoing climate crisis to limit this problem
Nistha (she/her), 16
I’m Nishtha, a Liberal Arts and Science Academy High School junior representing District 5. I’m thrilled to return to this council after a year of learning opportunities. I loved being a part of the AYCEC in my freshman year and am even more excited now that I can bring more to the table. I’ve always been so intrigued by big buildings and how they can be multi-purposed and improved to fit the needs of everybody and the planet.
Maryam (she/her), 17
My name is Maryam. I am a Senior at L.C. Anderson High School, participating in the IB diploma program, and a proud representative of District 10. What motivated me to join the Youth ClimateCouncil was the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded and passionate peers to promote change for our future. Having close connections with the beautiful coastal city of Alexandria, Egypt, climate change has particular significance to me because it could lead to the loss of many invaluable coastal towns worldwide. My love for the beach and traveling makes me passionate about advocating for climate change reforms and environmental protection.
EcoRise is immensely proud of these students and their journey. They have shown that with the proper support and opportunities, young people can become powerful advocates for environmental justice and equity. By providing them with the confidence, tools, and resources they need to succeed, we are not only shaping their future but also the future of our planet. We’re grateful to the City of Austin Office of Sustainability for their support of this year’s Austin Youth Climate Equity Council and for being dedicated partners who firmly believe in the program’s mission. Together, #WeRise!
If you are a high schooler or know any students interested in joining the Austin council, please follow us on Instagram at @EcoRise_Youth to learn when applications for the next council are open.
