As Black History Month comes to an end, we want to shine a light on Black leaders who are driving environmental justice forward. These changemakers are fighting for clean air, safe water, climate action, and equitable access to green jobs in communities that have been historically overlooked.
Black communities have always been at the forefront of environmental justice—from advocating against toxic pollution in cities to leading the transition to clean energy and sustainable economies. Today, we recognize four incredible leaders who are making real change happen.
Andre Peart – Creating Pathways for Economic Justice
Andre Peart is the Founder & CEO of Untapped Solutions, a company using technology to help formerly incarcerated individuals find jobs and career opportunities in clean energy and beyond.
Many Black and Brown individuals face barriers to employment due to systemic injustice. Andre is breaking down those barriers by connecting justice-impacted individuals with training programs and workforce development opportunities.
Through his work, he is helping build economic justice and create lasting change in Black and underserved communities.
Paul Presendieu – Leading Local Climate Action
As the Chair of the City of New Rochelle’s Ecology and Natural Resources Advisory Committee, Paul Presendieu is making sure that Black and immigrant communities have a seat at the table in climate policy.
Paul has also served as a United Nations Ambassador for Climate Action, where he has worked to ensure that climate solutions include equity and justice. His leadership has been recognized by the Clinton Global Initiative and Grist, who named him one of the top 50 Climate Leaders to Watch in the U.S.
His work is proof that climate leadership must reflect the diversity of our communities.
Paul Presendieu | LinkedIn
Peggy Shepard – A Pioneer in Environmental Justice
Peggy Shepard is a trailblazer in the environmental justice movement. As the Co-founder and Executive Director of WE ACT for Environmental Justice, she has spent decades fighting for clean air, water, and environmental protections for Black and Brown communities.
She has served as a leader at the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council and the EPA’s National Environmental Justice Advisory Council. Her work has forced government agencies and corporations to take environmental racism seriously.
She is proof that community activism can change national policy.
Raya Salter – Fighting for Energy Justice
Raya Salter, also known as “Climate Auntie,” is a passionate advocate for clean energy and environmental justice. As the Founder and Executive Director of the Energy Justice Law & Policy Center (EJLPC) in New Rochelle, NY, she is building grassroots power and youth leadership for a just energy transition.
With over 15 years of experience in energy law, Raya has worked to ensure that Black and frontline communities have a say in climate policy. She is a member of the New York State Climate Action Council and has testified in Congress, where she fearlessly challenged big oil interests.
Her work reminds us that climate solutions must be rooted in racial and economic justice.
At Sustainable Westchester, we are committed to highlighting Black leaders, advocates, and changemakers who are driving the clean energy transition forward. Their work is essential to ensuring a just and equitable transition—one where all communities have access to clean air, water, affordable energy, and green job opportunities.
The path to a clean energy future must be built on equity, inclusion, and justice. We will continue to support, amplify, and stand alongside Black voices leading the way in environmental justice—not just during Black History Month, but every day.
