Continuing the Climate Action Momentum: The new cohort of MI Healthy Climate Fellows welcomes returning faces
In January, Michigan’s Department of the Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Office of Climate and Energy and CEDAM launched the third cohort of the MI Healthy Climate (MHC) Fellows Program, a statewide leadership development program advancing climate action. There are a few familiar faces in the cohort this year. Of the 15 fellows, five are returning for another year of work across the state, advancing progress on the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan.
The goal of the MHC Fellows Program is to accelerate Michigan’s climate goals and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 through capacity building and leadership development. Returning fellows are showing they are eager to lead climate action and continue the work and momentum they started last year.
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Rural Prosperity, the same host site she was placed at last year. “Returning felt like an opportunity to build on the foundation we created and continue advancing meaningful climate and resilience work in rural Michigan.”
Charlotte Mayworm also returned to her previous host site at EGLE’s Environmental Services Division. When she saw that there would be another opportunity to work as a fellow with them, she jumped on the opportunity. “I loved working with my team, with teachers, and with local community organizations,” said Charlotte. “The Michigan Green Schools recognition program is growing every year, and I am happy to help bring more school communities into the fold. There’s lots to be done, and nowhere else I would rather be!”
Mallory and Charlotte are not the only returning fellows who were placed with their previous host site. Damaris Potter was as well; she is placed with the Grand Valley Metro Council. “After my first term, I realized how much deeper the work could go with more time and consistency. There were projects and relationships that felt like they were just gaining momentum, and I didn’t want to walk away from that.”
Although multiple returning fellows are continuing for a second year with their same host site, two returning fellows are taking what they learned last year to add capacity at a new host site. They both reflected on takeaways from their previous experience being part of the program.
Destiny Stetina, placed with the City of Benton Harbor, shared that her experience with her former host site (City of Kalamazoo) taught her how to meet communities where they are, how to lead important meetings and conversations, and how to adjust her ideas to fit the community’s goals. These are skills that will benefit her not only at her new host site but also in her future career. “With my first host site, I held various community and stakeholder meetings to gather feedback and input for project ideas, and I had to learn how to put together an agenda and how to maintain pacing to get to each point so I could be respectful of everyone’s time.”
Jessica Austin, placed with Michigan Green Building Collaborative, shared similar sentiments to Destiny; it was necessary to turn environmental language and concepts into everyday language. Jessica learned how to do this through her experience hosting listening sessions at her previous host site, West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC). “These listening sessions have taught me that while everything is connected to climate, not everyone feels a personal connection to it. It’s important to convey the reality of climate change in a way that relates to their everyday lives.”
The MHC Fellows work on projects that benefit and impact all Michganders. The collective impact from fellows in Cohort 2 was astounding: presenting at conferences across Michigan, reviewing and updating community sustainability plans, assisting communities in receiving more than $200,000 in grant funds, and more. The returning fellows are no exception.
The MHC Fellows Program is grateful to have these impressive leaders return as part of our third cohort. We are excited to see how they build on the work they accomplished during their previous cohorts and how their mentorship will enhance the program for our new fellows.
The MI Healthy Climate Fellows Program is a partnership between EGLE and CEDAM. MI Healthy Climate Fellows serve at nonprofits, state and local governments, and community-based organizations across Michigan, providing critical support to communities tackling climate change. Fellows receive significant training and career development support to step into Michigan’s climate leadership pool. There are currently 15 fellows at host sites across Michigan. Learn more about all of our cohort members, their host sites, and projects.
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