Now at Howard University in her senior year. Angel is majoring in International Affairs. She has pursued her interest in environmental advocacy with Earth Charter Indiana since 2017, serving as a Climate Camp counselor and ECI’s inaugural director of the Youth Environmental Press Team. Angel received national recognition as a Student Leader from the USGBC and Green Schools National Network Best in Green Schools Awards. The Indiana University Environmental Resilience Institute honored Angel with a Hoosier Resilience Award. Her leadership in this venture is an outgrowth of her desire to educate and inspire youth and adults on the importance of climate action and environmental stewardship.
Barbara is a member of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Indiana. She currently serves her congregation in west central Indiana as their Justice Promoter. Trained as a physician assistant and a registered pharmacist, her attention and energy are now devoted full-time to focusing the effort and amplifying the impact of the sisters and their partners in the ministry of justice. Living in harmony with all creation is foundational to her work. In 2017 her community promoted the Providence Climate Agreement as an act of resistance to climate change by promoting lifestyle changes that reduce emission of carbon dioxide (CO2). The White Violet Center a sponsored ministry on the Sisters of Providence campus, is dedicated to teaching, caring, inspiring for all creation. Working to reorient the human community to a relationship of mutuality with creation is one of her key passions. Barbara is a member of the Wabash Valley chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby, and the newly forming Terre Haute Sustainability Commission. Spending time outdoors is central to her spirituality and ongoing formation. Barbara was born and raised on the near northside of Indianapolis and currently lives in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods on the campus of her congregation’s motherhouse.
Tim Branson is an art educator and artist whose work is inspired by the natural world and cross-cultural experiences. Before moving to Indianapolis from Chicago, he taught art in schools, museums and community centers. Currently he teaches art and sustainability classes at the School for Community Learning. For years, he’s been a part of art-making activities at Climate Camp.
Molly Denning is a born and raised Hoosier with a love for Earth. As a passionate advocate for environmental stewardship and youth empowerment, Molly brings a unique blend of science, art, and community to her work. With experience ranging from marine conservation and sustainability research to community art, she’s led initiatives that celebrate and inspire civic action. In the past decade, Molly’s work with Earth Charter Indiana includes the Indianapolis’ Climate Resilience Resolution, Climate Camp, and ‘Save the Monarchs’ a collaborative art project with local schools. She is excited to continue her work with ECI as a board member, and looks forwards to continue serving the Indianapolis community.
Molly is an environmental scientist focused on conservation and sustainability. In her free time she enjoys yoga, art, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.
Diego is a dedicated advocate for environmental conservation and sustainability, with a background spanning global warranty coordination, technical support, and sustainability initiatives within the bicycle industry who brings his unique perspective to the ECI board. Diego grew up in a bilingual home and moved between Mexico and the US during his childhood, which led to his rich cross-cultural understanding. He received his BS in Psychology from Purdue School of Science at IUPUI in 2020 and worked as the donation coordinator for the Campus Kitchen Project at IUPUI's Office of Sustainability, where he helped divert food waste from landfills to local populations in need.
Beyond his professional life, he's an avid outdoor enthusiast, finding solace and inspiration in activities such as climbing, cycling, paddle boarding, and hiking. This connection with nature fuels his dedication to fostering sustainable practices and preserving our environment.
Khepri serves as the Executive Director at Greenways Foundation and is currently pursuing her Master in Public Affairs.
Cristina Padilla is Sustainability Specialist for the Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team. Cristina first joined forces with Earth Charter Indiana while working as a Project Manager for the City of Indianapolis Office of Sustainability. In close partnership with Earth Charter Indiana, she developed and launched the Indianapolis Thriving Schools Challenge in 2018. In the fall of 2019, Cristina joined the Earth Charter Indiana Resource Council before formally joining the Board of Directors in 2020.
Born in Mexico and raised in Indiana, Cristina grew up between two worlds. In a Spanish-speaking home, she was immersed in the traditional Mexican values of caring for the environment, conserving resources, and minimizing waste. These deeply ingrained values, combined with a passion for justice, sparked a flame for sustainability.
A Tree Tender associated with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful and Treasurer of sustainability club at University of Indianapolis, Pooja believes in building a strong community connection so we can inspire and educate more people to live and dream of a sustainable future. It is possible when we constantly fight the battle of reducing waste, reusing resources and making a commitment to serve our community. Pooja says, “I desire to do something for our youth, especially when I see my two young girls with big vision and voice, to have the courage and inspire others in many ways like planting trees in the neighborhood, taking care of vegetable garden in my backyard, serving meals in the hospitals, and donating basic necessities to homeless shelters. I find a great sense of belongingness.” Through Earth Charter Indiana and its mission, Pooja wants to create a strong support system for our youth and their families, so they have an opportunity to connect with each other and find a common passion of living sustainably.
Pooja was born and raised in India where diversity is strongly defined and although she comes from a different culture and background, one thing she finds common and very contagious with others is a healthy attitude to make a difference, whether it is a one time participation or continuous commitment. Pooja lives in Noblesville, IN with her husband and two wonderful girls who are equally active and involved in community service in their own way. With her finance background and an altruistic behavior to help others in any shape and form, she feels blessed being part of a group of like minded people who are making a great impact in their daily life. Pooja says “I strongly believe that everyone has something to give and share.”
Faye Snodgress is the Chief Executive Officer of the Global Educational Community, an organization that works with schools to develop students who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence that they need to thrive and fully participate locally, regionally, and globally. Through her roles at Kappa Delta Pi and UNESCO, she gained knowledge of sustainable education, global citizenship, social justice, authentic learner-centered learning, and social-emotional learning. Her experience working in diverse business and education positions in multiple countries played a significant role in developing Faye's appreciation for our deeply interconnected world and the critical importance of ensuring that all learners receive a quality education to achieve a sustainable society. She is serving as an Altrusa International NGO representative to the Global NGO Executive Committee with the Department of Global Communications.