Now at Howard University in her Sophomore 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. Akinleye received national recognition as a Student Leader from the USGBC and Green Schools National Network Best in Green Schools Awards. 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. Akinleye received academic recognition from Howard University as a recipient of the Alain Locke Scholars Award and is studying abroad in São Paulo, Brazil.

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.

Mike Blackwell is the board president for ECI and a lifelong proponent of global stewardship. He is an attorney at Husch Blackwell. Mike received his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University with high distinction in economics and business management, and graduated from the Indiana University McKinney School of Law with concentration in the fields of energy, environmental, and natural resources law. He most often enjoys biking, yoga, jazz improvisation, and new adventures.

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.

Edith’s work focuses on educational programming for youth and adults, specifically removing barriers for Latino/x/e's to connect with nature and their community. She currently serves as the Manager of Volunteer Programs at Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, creating ways for community members to bring the benefits of green space to Indianapolis. In her previous role at Amelias Bakery, Edith developed a food spoilage discount system, and a 7-day bread donation schedule with local community centers, domestic violence safe houses, and places of worship. Keily is also a successful artist who designs and paints signs at local businesses. Ever since high school Edith has been driven to make a difference in her community and advocate for marginalized groups in Indianapolis. She is passionate about educating others on issues impacting their communities and providing resources to help solve those challenges.

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.

Dr. Gabriel Filippelli is a Chancellor’s Professor of Earth Sciences at Indiana University, Indianapolis and the Executive Director of the Indiana University Environmental Resilience Institute. His research and writing are aimed at climate change impacts on the environment and on human health, and resultant human exposures to beneficial and harmful environmental components. He also works on small spatial and temporal scales in urban environments, relying strongly on citizen-science and community-engaged research to both understand the science and to motivate community action on environmental health. He publishes widely in scientific journals and informal venues, is the recent Editor-in-Chief of the journal GeoHealth, is a Fellow of the International Association of GeoChemistry, and is an Air Quality Fellow of the U.S. State Department, supporting the Embassies in Pakistan.

Khepri Hazel (she/they) is the Administrative Associate of Greenways Foundation and a researcher with IUI’s Department of Biology and the Center for Earth and Environmental Science. She began her fundraising career at Keep Indianapolis Beautiful in 2019 and learned about policy making as intern with the Indiana State Senate.

Khepri is pursuing a master’s in public administration with a concentration in nonprofit management from the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IUI. She served as the Vice President of Administration for the Student Sustainability Council, and she currently volunteers with the Indianapolis Public Library and Shortridge High School Booster Club.

As a multiracial single mother of four, Khepri is passionate about working alongside her community to create an equitable and just future for all. Since moving to the midwest from Florida, she loves to support unique small businesses and explore hidden hiking gems.

Katelyn Hurt, CPA, is the Compliance Specialist within the Site Selection & Business Incentives practice at Sikich LLP. She ensures companies remain in compliance with their state and local incentive programs, including property tax. She also provides incentive audit support as needed. Bringing expertise in compliance best practices and prior project management, she promotes communication and support with clients to ensure companies maximize their negotiated benefits. Prior to joining Sikich, she worked in public accounting and in local economic development. Katelyn received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master of Science in Accounting from Indiana University. In her free time, she enjoys trying new recipes, yoga, exploring her surroundings, and spending time with friends and family.

MaCie' specializes in sustainability, process improvement, and engagement of vulnerable communities. MaCie' has a Master of Public Affairs from Indiana University Bloomington, with Lean and Green Belt Six Sigma certifications. MaCie' has worked for the City of Indianapolis' Office of Sustainability, handling the City's environmental, sustainability, and resilience work. She assisted with the public engagement, creation, and implementation of the City of Indianapolis' first Sustainability and Resilience Action Plan. During her time at the City, she also aided the City in being awarded a 2.5-million-dollar climate grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies. MaCie' has also worked for Engaging Solutions, LLC. A minority business consulting firm where she served as a Senior Project Manager and a Community Engagement Leader. In this position MaCie' assisted with monumental change-making and engagement throughout the City of Indianapolis; she assisted the Indianapolis Urban League and The African American Coalition in their African American Quality of Life Initiative and served as project lead for the Your Voice 2022 engagement campaign to garnish public input on the future City-County Council districts, the first engagement forum hosted on redistricting in the City's history. Through all of this MaCie' still finds time for her community as she is a board member for One Voice Coalition of Martindale Brightwood and Earth Charter Indiana, an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and a member of the Links, Incorporated, of which she served as the International Trends and Services Facet Chair. MaCie’ most recently became the recipient of Princeton University's Princeton in Africa Fellowship Program, where she will spend a year abroad serving as the Business Planning and Analytics Fellow for the International Livestock Research Institute in Nairobi, Kenya.

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. She has blissfully planted roots in Indy's Cold Springs neighborhood, where she lives with her partner Matthew, daughter Cecilia, and greyhound Alma.

Reverend Carlos Wesley Perkins is the anointed, visionary leader whom God has sent to lead Bethel Cathedral AME Church—Indianapolis. Through his bold, principled leadership, Bethel Cathedral has made great strides in spirituality, education, administration, technology, and ministry expansion. Rev. Perkins readily admits that he is a humble servant whom God has blessed tremendously. God blessed him with a fantastic combination of diverse life experiences, which prepared him for this divine appointment He graduated with honors from the prestigious Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University with a Master of Divinity; from the University of Maryland with a Master of Education and Counseling; and from Ithaca College (New York) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics and Sociology. Rev. Perkins is enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry Program at the Payne Theological Seminary (Wilberforce, Ohio). Rev. Carlos is married to Reverend Carla Sharon Perkins, and they have two children, Jebron Carlos and Jemila Carla.

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.”

After ten years working in veterinary medicine, Desi (she/her) graduated from Indiana University with a Master of Environmental Science and Master of Public Affairs, where she developed a focus on conservation and policy, particularly in the realm of environmental justice. Committed to improving the environment and advocating for positive environmental policies, Desi has volunteered at the Indianapolis Zoo, Indiana Phenology, and the Hoosier Environmental Council, where she was also an Outreach Intern. Her passion for conservation, animals, and SCUBA diving led her to a Marine Conservation Internship with the Whale Shark and Oceanic Research Center on Utila, Islas de la Bahía in Honduras. With 23 years of residency in Indianapolis, Desi is enthusiastic about working with her local community to drive positive change and promote sustainable practices.

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.