WASHINGTON, D.C. — Zahra Saifee, policy and advocacy coordinator for the Environmental League of Massachusetts (ELM), has received the National Wildlife Federation’s annual Young Leader Award in recognition of her critical advocacy work over the first two years of her career.

Saifee has played a particularly integral role with the New England for Offshore Wind (NE4OSW) coalition, helping coordinate between 100 partner organizations as a member of the group’s leadership team. She also led the coalition’s environmental justice group, helping align on a set of key principles to ensure the industry takes account of diverse perspectives and interests as it continues to grow.

“In just two years, Zahra has firmly established herself as an emerging leader working to ensure that everyone benefits from clean energy across New England,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “Securing the promise of offshore wind requires that every voice in every community is a part of the solution, and Zahra has excelled in bringing together leaders from all sectors to make the vision of offshore wind a reality. Our advocacy work wouldn’t be where it is without her, which makes me all the more excited to follow her career in the coming years.”

“The climate crisis is an immense challenge, but also an opportunity to create a better world,” Saifee said. “I’m proud to work on these issues every day, while ensuring our decisions take account of communities that haven’t always had a seat at the table. A big thanks to all of my team members across New England, who are a joy to work with and provide critical support and mentorship for my work.”

The National Wildlife Federation Conservation Achievement Awards began in 1966. Since then, the National Wildlife Federation has celebrated individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting wildlife through education, advocacy, communication and on-the-ground conservation. Previous honorees have included former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, First Ladies Lady Bird Johnson and Michelle Obama, and other national leaders, including U.S. Senator John McCain and filmmaker Robert Redford.