WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Wildlife Federation’s Clean Economy Coalition of Color convened for their third discussion to strategize and explore opportunities for people of color in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) institutions, business and programs in the clean economy. The coalition aims to bring together Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, and Pacific Islander leaders and advocates of color to discuss and amplify clean economy opportunities that center equitable practices and build wealth among historically marginalized communities.

“There is unfunded and untapped potential in Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian and Pacific Islander communities who deserve opportunities to build a future where clean energy benefits those who have been disproportionately impacted by environmental injustices,” said Mustafa Santiago Ali, vice president of environmental justice, climate, and community revitalization for the National Wildlife Federation. “Representation matters and so do partnerships with entities who make it their mission to create equitable opportunities for our youth of color to engage in the new economy and create a better future.”

“A truly circular economy will be regenerative in nature. I believe that circularity starts at the initial engineering design phase of any product or service. This phase must incorporate an integrated-bottom line of people, planet, and economic prosperity,” said Michael Rojas, CEO and founder of ECOHomes LLC. “The needs and wants of all people must be addressed, which emphasizes the need for diverse and multi-racial participation throughout the circular economy as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The CECC is an alliance of some of the nation’s most insightful Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, and Pacific Islander leaders and advocates of color that are committed to amplifying ideas, recommendations, and solutions that uplift the priorities and economic interests of historically marginalized communities by guiding clean energy economy policies and implementation. The environmental justice team hopes to uplift equitable policies to inform decision-makers, share resources to build capacity among CECC member organizations, unpack legislation and policies that impact our communities, and highlight leaders of color that are currently operating in the clean economy to share best practices and lessons learned.  

Learn more about the Clean Economy Coalition of Color.