Jessica Diaz an ecologist and environmental justice advocate whose work is rooted in her experience growing up in east Houston, Texas as a daughter of Mexican immigrants. The dual experience of living with the petrochemical industry looming in the background and her cultural connection to the earth drives her commitment to improving air, water, and environmental quality for all communities and our non-human relatives. Jessica currently serves as the Restoration Manager at the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, where she helps lead Maryland’s largest shoreline restoration initiative, the Middle Branch Resiliency Initiative. Learn more about Jessica here.
What inspired you to join the UUMFE board?
“Living in a world where there is always an environmental or social crisis is exhausting.” – Jessica Diaz
I was inspired to join the UUMFE board because of the opportunity to support an organization that is calling us to slow down, be intentional, and cultivate relationships through practices of Earth care that are rooted in environmental justice. Living in a world where there is always an environmental or social crisis, is exhausting. As we collectively navigate the challenges we are facing, in cultivating relationships and spiritual practices we can remain grounded and moving forward towards a better future.
What is one program or strategic goal that you are most excited about in the next year?
I have two things I am most excited for: 1. this year’s Community Read, and 2. supporting youth engagement. The Community Read, Radically Reframing Climate Change: A Guide to Saving Ourselves by Will Hackman, will be a great opportunity to dive into how conversations can be the change to build a stronger climate movement. I am also excited to support UUFME’s goal in widening our youth, Gen Z, and Millenial engagement. As the generations that have inherited the climate crisis caused by previous generations, it is important that youth have avenues to come together spiritually and build community.
What does climate justice mean to you?
“My vision of a just climate future is one where clean air and water are a given for every community” – Jessica Diaz
Climate justice to me means making sure the people who have lived with environmental harm are the ones shaping the solutions, that environmental initiatives are informed by those communities, and that environmental spaces are acessible to those that need them most. My vision of a just climate future is one where clean air and water are a given for every community, where we adapt quickly and share resources generously, and where caring for the Earth and caring for each other are understood as the same work.
