About Us
Run On Climate’s mission is to accelerate cutting-edge climate policy at the local level in communities across the country by supporting candidates, collaborating with elected leaders, and expanding the influence of climate justice advocates.
Many climate organizations focus on state and federal-level policy and that work is critical. However, work at the local level is also critical, and it can and must happen in tandem with those higher-level policy struggles.
We believe that those who are passionate about the climate crisis can have an enormous impact by focusing on their own community. We are here to support them in that effort.

Meet the Team
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Jack Hanson, Executive Director
Jack Hanson is the cofounder and executive director of Run On Climate. He has been working to advance climate justice since his senior year of high school. In 2019, Jack was elected to the Burlington, Vermont City Council at the age of 24, breaking voter turnout records in the process. While on Council, he championed numerous policies to reduce emissions and lower the cost of living in Burlington, including requirements for landlords to weatherize rental units, renewable heating requirements for new buildlings, a citywide electric bikeshare system, a commitment and roadmap to get Burlington off of fossil fuels by 2030, and more. He started Run On Climate in 2021 to support other local-level leaders and climate activists working to advance climate action in their own communities.
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Diana Musco, Operations Director
Diana grew up in New York, and now calls Vermont home. Her journey has taken her around the globe, from developing social justice curriculum in India to managing operations at a resort in Alaska, and contributing to conservation efforts in South Africa and Kenya. Her passion for travel and protecting our planet have led her to Run On Climate, as she enjoys using her various skillsets to create meaningful change. Outside of work, Diana loves exploring new places and staying active.
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Quinton Zondervan, Policy Director
Quinton is an entrepreneur, climate activist and three-term City Councillor in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Quinton came to the United States as an immigrant from Suriname, in South America, when he was 15 years old. After completing his bachelors at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, he moved to Cambridge to study at MIT. As an activist, Quinton got the city to adopt a net zero action plan to eliminate building emissions, and brought attention to the city’s declining tree canopy. On the council, Quinton prioritized affordable housing, tenant protections, racial equity, stronger tree protections, protected bike lanes and strong action on climate change.
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Nick Wahlers, Elections Director
Nick grew up in a rural community outside of Rochester NY. While attending college in Burlington, VT, he began working for the Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG). This is where he got his start in community organizing, canvassing and fundraising. In 2016, he worked for the Bernie Sanders presidential campaign as a canvasser and field organizer. Afterwards, he returned to VPIRG to work as a campus organizer, phone bank manager, assistant canvass director, and eventually the head canvass director. He worked as a field organizer for the VT Democratic Party during the 2018 midterm elections. In 2020, he managed a campaign for State Senate in VT. He then worked as a field organizer for Samra Brouk, who was running for State Senate in the Rochester, NY area. Samra won that campaign, becoming the first black woman elected to represent the Rochester area in the State Senate. Since then, Nick has worked for Senator Samra Brouk as her Director of Community Development: meeting with local organizations and municipalities to understand their needs and using that information to help the Senator with state budget negotiations and grant nominations.
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Tabitha B., Administrative & HR Coordinator (Part-Time)
Tabitha is a lifelong Hoosier with a diverse professional background in operations, administrative support, and project coordination. She has held various roles across the nonprofit and tech sectors, including experience as an Executive Assistant, Program Manager, and HR Coordinator. Tabitha brings strong organizational and communication skills to her work and is excited to support Run On Climate’s mission in a part-time capacity. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs from Indiana University Bloomington, with a focus on Management, Legal Studies, and Human Resources. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, continuing education, and spending time with family.
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Mason Edmunds, Social Media Manager
Mason grew up in South Burlington, Vermont and currently resides in Montréal, Québec. He graduated from Concordia University in 2023 with a B.A. in Urban Studies. During his studies, Mason developed a passion for sustainable urban development, sustainable urban transportation, and inclusive urban planning. He began his journey with Run On Climate in the summer of 2023 as a Social Media Intern. Before returning to Run On Climate as the Social Media Manager, Mason completed a second internship where he worked on the Communication and Awareness Unit at the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, an organization that operates directly under the United Nations Environment Programme. In his free time, Mason enjoys snowboarding, rock climbing, kayaking, cycling, fishing, and playing chess.
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Peter Jarka-Sellers, Policy Associate
Peter has been active in climate advocacy and politics his whole life. He has worked on climate and clean energy policy in Interior Secretary Deb Haaland’s office, at the think tank ORF America, and in the German parliament. He has worked on campaigns, including Senator Tina Smith’s 2020 reelection, and for elected officials, including in Governor Tim Walz and Lt Governor Peggy Flanagan’s office. Peter was also a longtime volunteer with Citizens’ Climate Lobby, leading the Saint Paul, Minnesota chapter and serving as liaison to Senator Klobuchar. He holds a Master's from Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies with a focus in climate and energy policy and a Bachelor's in political science and international studies from Macalester College. Outside his work, Peter enjoys running, biking, fishing, hiking, cooking, books, and podcasts.
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Noah Spoth, Canvass Director
Noah is a lifelong Vermonter, growing up in Milton, Vermont. While attending the University of Vermont he studied history and political science with an interest in environmental issues and historical climate change. He took a position with the Vermont Public Interest Research Group for their 2022 and 2023 summer canvassing campaigns, helping raise money for environmental causes around the state.
After graduating from UVM in 2024 he took a position as a Balint Organizing Corp fellow and worked as a regional organizing director for the Vermont Democratic Party during the 2024 general election. The environment and climate have always been issues close to Noah's heart, and he's excited to support Run on Climate's work as Canvass Director.
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Caitlin Applebee, Door to Door Canvasser
Caitlin Applebee is a rising junior at the University of Vermont, double majoring in Environmental Studies and Film and Television Studies with a minor in Public Health, Equity, and Advocacy. They are originally from Scotch Plains, New Jersey where they learned the importance of local level organizing from attending protests in New York City and volunteering with the New Jersey Harm Reduction Coalition. Outside of school, Caitlin enjoys watching films, being with friends, reading, and spending time outside.
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Naima Sait, Councilor-in-Residence
Naima is currently City Councilor for Ward 5 in Somerville, MA. She is a first-generation Algerian immigrant and a long-time Somerville educator. As a former educator and a union organizer, she was actively involved in organizing around climate change education and environmental justice. She helped push for more sustainable modes of transportation that allowed educators to have access to reduced MBTA fares and Blue Bike passes. She led the effort to make Somerville the first school district in Massachusetts to create a climate change curriculum committee tasked with creating and implementing a climate curriculum. She worked with the Massachusetts Teachers’ Association’s Climate Action Network on helping unions in Massachusetts advocate for climate change education and climate resilient schools. She worked with youth in MA and Somerville Sunrise Youth members to develop strategies to advocate around climate policy. In her first year as a City Councilor, she brought forward a resolution on municipal buildings decarbonization that passed unanimously.
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Libby Moss, Fundraiser
Libby is a Junior at the University of Vermont, Majoring in Sustainability, Ecology, and Policy and double minoring in Environmental Studies and Art History. Before moving to the United States for college, she lived in Bali, Indonesia for almost all her life. Bali is a small, but ecologically and economically diverse tropical island. She grew up going to beach cleanups, scuba diving, and trekking through jungles on weekends. Over the years, she noticed that increased urbanization has destroyed habitats and affected many ecosystems and communities. Seeing this lack of care for the environment and the people affected by these changes nurtured her interest in environmental advocacy and justice.
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Orla Molloy, Electoral Fellow and Fundraiser
Orla is a senior at Northeastern University studying Environmental Studies and Political Science with a Concentration in Public Policy. Originally from the Southside of Chicago, her passion for community-focused policies was deeply influenced by her upbringing in a city known for its strong grassroots activism. Witnessing the challenges of environmental justice in an urban environment inspired her to focus on opportunities aimed at promoting equity and resilience in both urban and rural frontline communities.
In her free time, Orla loves reading, discovering new Boston coffee shops, and supporting small businesses. She is also a passionate Gaelic language activist.
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Lilia Klingler, Electoral Intern
Lilia is a senior at Middlebury College studying Environmental Justice with a minor in Religion. As a New Hampshire native, her gravitation towards environmental studies is inspired by her lifelong love for the White Mountains and enjoyment of the outdoors through skiing, hiking, and spending summers on Newfound Lake. Having worked previously with other environmental nonprofits, she is thrilled to bring her passion and experience to local policymaking as a means of giving back to Vermont communities. In her free time, she also enjoys reading and sharing meals with friends and family.
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Kyle Lehrfeld, Electoral Intern
Kyle is a sophomore at McGill University majoring in Economics with a minor in Political Science. Born and raised in New Jersey, he was always drawn to the great outdoors. After a backpacking trip across Spain sparked his passion for environmental action, Kyle knew sustainable solutions could wait no longer. Wanting to combine his love of politics and his passion for conservation, he began work as an Electoral Intern at Run On Climate. In Montreal, he works on campus as a Student Ambassador and tries his best to maximize his time outside. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, baking, and unapologetically cheering for Philadelphia sports teams. Kyle is excited to work with Run On Climate to make a change and help provide sustainable solutions for his community.
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Jada Gleeson, Electoral Intern
Jada is a rising senior at the University of Vermont studying Green Energy in Community Development and Applied Economics, with a minor in Political Science. Her fields of interest include policy research and analysis, sustainability, and everything from local level politics to international relations. Jada is originally from North Carolina, but spent time studying in Indiana before relocating to Burlington, Vermont. She has spent her time here volunteering for refugee resettlement and migrant justice organizations and participating in community cleanup events. She is most looking forward to advocating for climate change prevention and environmental protection through local level electoral campaigns and working with politicians that want to make a positive impact on their communities. In her free time, Jada enjoys hiking, travelling, and reading by the water.
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Elizabeth Hutchins, Electoral Intern
Elizabeth is a senior at the University of Vermont studying Sustainability, Ecology, and Policy with a concentration in Environmental Planning, Policy, and Law. She is from Lake Wylie, South Carolina, a suburb south of Charlotte, North Carolina. After completing her degree, she hopes to work within governmental environmental agencies. She loves to hike and kayak.
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Benjamin Buka, Electoral Intern
Ben is a Junior at Brown University majoring in Public Policy. He grew up in Rhode Island, and enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling. Ben’s interests lie at the intersection of data and climate policy, specifically using numbers to understand the structural barriers preventing environmental awareness. He looks forward to utilizing his past campaign experiences to provide electoral support at the community level with Run On Climate this summer.
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Andrei Caplow, Electoral Intern
Andrei Caplow is from Boston, Massachusetts, and he is an undergraduate student at the University of Vermont. He is currently studying environmental studies with a minor in business. Ever since being young, Andrei has had a passion for the environment, being outdoors, and sustainable practices. He has enjoyed hiking, swimming, and a variety of other sports. Run On Climate is the first opportunity that he has within the field to be hands on in bringing about a sustainable future, and looks forward to this opportunity. In his free time he enjoys going swimming or relaxing on the beach or grass.
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Claire MacDonald, Electoral Intern
Claire is a junior at University of Vermont majoring in Global Studies and Political Science with a minor in Food Systems. Climate change and climate policy are key junctures of these three areas of study, and she looks forward to investigating these connections more through interning at Run On Climate. She grew up in Columbus, Ohio before moving to Vermont for university. Living in two cities highly influenced by their politically active collegiate communities has made her greatly interested in the power of local action to advocate for key issues and bring about important change. Outside of school, she enjoys swimming, knitting, and cooking and is a member of the UVM women’s cross country and track teams.
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Francisco Tellez, Electoral Intern
Francisco is a Junior at Middlebury College studying Political Science with a minor in Spanish. Originally from Colonia, New Jersey, he learned the importance of helping the local community through volunteering in charity events and at soup kitchens. He believes the most impactful climate work begins at the local level, and is committed to climate oriented policy accessible to everyone. Outside of academics, he enjoys traveling, skiing, and listening to all types of music from reggaeton to grunge.
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Lola Remmert, Electoral Intern
Lola is a rising junior at Boston University majoring in Biology and Political Science. Her love for the environment stemmed from always being outdoors with my family in New Jersey, doing activities like hiking and swimming. She’s looking forward to helping promote climate awareness, especially in local communities. In her free time she likes to read, play volleyball, kayak, and spend time at the beach.
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Alexandra Bradley, Policy Fellow
Alex is a recent graduate from Boston University with a Bachelor’s in International Relations and a minor in Economics. Through her undergraduate studies in sustainable development and environmental policy, she developed a passion for climate advocacy and is excited to continue to support local sustainability efforts and policy changes as a Policy Fellow at Run On Climate. Originally from Windsor, Connecticut, Alex has background experience working in the nonprofit sector and remains actively involved in her community's environmental initiatives as a volunteer at Sierra Club’s Connecticut Chapter. Her fields of interest include public policy, sustainability strategy, and international affairs and she aspires to continue to drive positive social and environmental change through the advancement of sustainable practices. Outside of work, Alex enjoys thrifting, cooking, photography, and traveling.
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Curran Amster, Policy Fellow
Curran Amster, a junior at Middlebury College, is majoring in international and global studies/European studies with a concentration in Spanish and a minor in religion. Her fields of interest include international affairs, government relations, international sustainable development, and environmental policy. Originally from San Francisco, California, Curran has always been passionate about environmental sustainability, working with organizations such as the Surfrider Foundation to reduce the impact of plastics in marine environments on San Francisco's coast. During her time as an agricultural intern at one of the largest organic vegetable farms in Connecticut, she developed an understanding of agricultural methods, resource management, and sustainability challenges on a small-scale. With her family, she started and managed a ¼ acre organic mixed-use farm and managed everything from seed-starting to farmstand logistics. Her two summers working as a farmer informed her perspective on pressing global issues such as food security, climate resilience, and rural development, and she hopes to contribute valuable insights to the team at Run On Climate. In her free time, Curran enjoys skiing, dancing with Middlebury’s Riddim World Dance Troupe, performing with her bandmates, and writing and publishing her original music for streaming platforms.
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Alessia Noble, Policy Fellow
Alessia is a sophomore at the University of Vermont pursuing a dual degree in Political Science and Sustainability, Ecology, and Policy. Alessia grew up in California, where she was lucky to experience the wide array of natural landscapes that fostered her love for the environment. As Alessia grew up and continuously watched climate action initiatives get pushed to the sidelines, she knew she needed to get involved. After moving to New Jersey, she attended events like the March for Science in New York City, spoke out in her local political scene, interned at a law office, and volunteered at New Jersey Audubon. Alessia is excited to work with Run On Climate, as she aspires to further her research, advocacy, and leadership skills while aiding local communities in implementing climate-minded policy and helping change the course of climate change. In her free time, Alessia loves to camp, kayak, hike, ski, and shoot film photography. You can often find her looking at pictures of her dog, Gaia.
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Michael Mitton, Policy Fellow
Michael Mitton is a junior at the University of Vermont majoring in philosophy, and minoring in food systems and chemistry. In 2020, He started eating plant-based for health benefits. Veganism and plant-based eating were the starting points for his interest in environmental protection and conservation and climate change mitigation. He greatly enjoys hiking and backpacking. In 2023, Michael and two friends completed the 272-mile thru-hike of the Vermont Long Trail. He’s also done a number of thrilling day hikes including the Presidential Traverse and the ADK Great Range Traverse. He also enjoys skiing, music, drawing, trash collages, pickleball, philosophy, political theory, writing, and a variety of other topics.
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Maisie Schnee, Policy Fellow
Maisie is a sophomore at the University of Vermont studying Public Communication and Journalism with a minor in Accounting. She plans to attend law school once she completes her undergraduate degree, and she aims to use her degree to further the progress on issues such as climate change. Growing up in Vermont, Maisie has a strong tie to the environment around her. Watching winters dwindle, and the heat increase in Vermont has made her realize that climate change impacts are happening on a very local level, even when they are painted out to be distant issues. In previous years, Maisie ran her high school’s environmental club and attended the Youth Climate Congress at Vermont’s Capital. Maisie hopes to further her understanding of the climate policies and specific issues in Burlington, exploring the best ways to manage the ongoing climate crisis. In her free time, Maisie enjoys skiing, travelling, spending time with friends and family, music, and enjoying the outdoors.
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Molly Brenner, Policy Fellow
Molly Brenner is a sophomore at the University of Vermont majoring in Environmental Studies. She is from Cambridge MA, and has loved being outdoors since she was little. Her interest and passion for environmental justice and stewardship started after attending two semester-long programs during the pandemic that focused on simple living, care for the environment, and how to coexist with nature.
Molly will be an intern at Run On Climate for the Spring 2025 semester, and is excited to learn about environmental policy making, communications and outreach, and local community engagement in environmental challenges and community-based problem solving.
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Liron Brunner, Policy Intern
Liron is a current freshman at Northeastern University studying International Affairs and Political Science. She is from Philadelphia and greatly enjoys going for outdoor runs, cooking, watching science fiction movies, playing sudoku, and board game nights. She tries to spend as much time as possible outdoors walking her dog or participating in outdoor activities and has great appreciation for the beauty of nature. Her aspirations include going into environmental law, especially in the realm of conservation. She’s always had a sense of justice and wants to channel that into work that can make the world a better place. Now, she is a policy intern at Run On Climate to begin her journey advocating for the environment. She is greatly looking forward to working with the other interns and staff to learn and make a difference!
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Ting Cui, Policy Intern
Ting is a junior at Middlebury College majoring in Political Science with a minor in History. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Ting has developed a passion for climate justice. Her interest in environmental policy stems from firsthand experiences with urban environmental challenges—witnessing pollution in Baltimore's Inner Harbor and learning about the declining biodiversity in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. At Middlebury, Ting uses her political science studies to deepen her understanding of how policy can drive meaningful environmental change at federal, state, and local levels. Through her work with ROC, she hopes to explore the intersection between politics, law, and environmental stewardship. She understands that climate justice is fundamentally tied to social equity, as marginalized communities often bear the heaviest burden of environmental degradation. She aspires to contribute to solutions that address pressing environmental challenges while ensuring that environmental policies benefit all communities, particularly those most vulnerable.
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Louisa Blakely, Canvasser and Policy Intern
Louisa is a rising senior at the University of Vermont studying Anthropology, Biology, and Place-Based Education. Originally from New York City, she’s been surrounded by a wide variety of environments between the ever-climbing skyscrapers and cascading canopies in Central Park. Growing up, she was part of walkouts and climate marches celebrating what’s been accomplished and advocating for further action. She was also part of a team working to get a bill passed to give tax credits to restaurants that would return their oyster shells after using them. This was an effort to clean the Hudson River by returning the shells to the water so spat, baby oysters could grow and filter the water! She has always been eager to learn as much as she can about how such a complicated world functions and will forever be learning from everything and everyone around her. Recently, she’s had experience working in informal science education to further others' connection to their local environment. She is thrilled to be interning on the policy level now with ROC, helping further the crucial impact of local-level work! In her free time, she dances, scuba dives, explores the world, and hugs the people she loves.
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Jordan Whitaker, Policy Intern
Jordan is a senior at Northeastern University studying Environmental Studies with a concentration in Ethics and Social Justice. Originally from Townsend Massachusetts, their love for the environment began from spending countless hours exploring the nearby forests. Jordan has always been fascinated by the intersections between the environment and politics. They believe that localized climate action is a vital way to enact positive change in a just and inclusive manner. In their free time, Jordan enjoys running, reading, and hammocking with friends.
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Yijie Li (Sarah), Policy Intern
Sarah is a rising sophomore at Middlebury College, majoring in Environmental Studies. She is an international student from Shanghai, China, where she saw firsthand the lack of outdoor spaces in urban areas and the impact of policies in a different political system. She is passionate about making urban outdoor spaces more inclusive and promoting environmental education for all.
Currently, Sarah is leading her nonprofit environmental education and justice project, EcoEcho, through the Projects for Peace program. She has experience co-creating an environmental technology patent, working at a solar energy company, and serving on the Middlebury Environmental Council. In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time outdoors—playing ultimate frisbee, skiing, surfing, golfing, gardening, or walking her dog.
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Will Fultz, Policy Intern
Will is a recent graduate from the University of Vermont, with a B.A. in Economics, and a strong interest in economic inequality, development economics, and sustainable economic policy. Will is originally from Massachusetts, and his passion for the environment stems from a lifelong love of skiing and an interest in learning more about fish and other kinds of wildlife. Will is excited to apply his academic background and research skills as a policy research intern at Run On Climate, where he looks forward to contributing to meaningful solutions that support climate activism at a local level.
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Julia Guillet, Policy Intern
Julia is a junior at the University of Colorado Boulder pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in International Affairs. Originally from Greenwich, Connecticut, her interest in the environment and politics began when she was a child. She spent many days at the beach obsessing over the marine life in the tidepools. When she witnessed the effects of hurricane Sandy on her family home in 2012, it solidified her interest in climate issues and the environment. However, Julia’s passion for climate is not limited to her hometown. In Fall 2024, she studied abroad on a climate change program that went to Morocco, Nepal, and Ecuador. Here, she studied and researched the politics of land, water and energy systems. She is passionate about sustainable development abroad and in the most vulnerable places. Julia is excited to work with Run On Climate and bring new ideas and support to local communities, especially on zero waste projects. She hopes to further expand the network of climate activism across the country. In her free time, Julia enjoys skiing with her friends in the Rockies and French Alps, creating crocheting and quilting projects, and checking out new restaurants in town.
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Gianna Giordano, Policy Intern
Gianna Giordano, a rising senior at Northeastern University, is an Environmental Studies and International Affairs major with minors in Spanish and Italian. Through growing up in California as well as studying and working abroad in Italy and Australia, she has developed a deep love for nature and nuanced understanding of human’s relationship with the environment across the world. In Australia, she co-oped at the Institute for Economics and Peace, and aided in creating the Ecological Threat Report giving her a greater understanding of the most serious environmental threats and actions governments and organizations are taking to combat them. She is very excited to be a policy intern at Run On Climate and hopes to apply her knowledge of global policy and environmental issues to affect change on a local scale.
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Luke Ferrari, Policy Intern
Luke is a senior at Champlain College studying Environmental Policy. His fields of interest include wildlife conservation, sustainable transportation, and degrowth. He is originally from Cambridge Massachusetts and is now a Vermont resident. He hopes to work in local policy making to help promote sustainability and social justice. Luke is passionate about creating strong communities that can support one another in the face of the climate crisis. In his free time he enjoys reading, being outside, cooking, and thrifting.
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Bella Conrad, Policy Intern
Bella is a junior at Colorado State University, studying Ecosystem Science and Sustainability. She is passionate about environmental and social justice, especially amplifying underrepresented communities' voices so that they can be heard, along with making sustainability accessible to everyone. When studying abroad in Bocas del Toro, Panama, she researched the impacts that local change can bring to communities. She is excited to spend the summer working at the local level and eager to gain experience in environmental advocacy. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outside, especially hiking and snowboarding, traveling, and reading.
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Ana Martinez, Policy Intern
Ana is a rising senior at Northeastern University studying Political Science and Economics, with a minor in Environmental Engineering. Originally from Mexico City, growing up, she spent some years in Panama and Minnesota before moving to Boston for college. Inspired by her mother’s background in environmental engineering, she has been involved in environmental clubs and organizations from a young age. Seeing the effects of climate change and environmental injustices in the different cities she’s lived in sparked her passion for advocacy and policy.
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Sophie Schaad, Policy Intern
Sophie Schaad is a rising senior at the University of Colorado, Boulder majoring in Political Science. Originally from Chicago, going to school in Boulder, and spending a semester in Barcelona, Sophie has spent many years enjoying the outdoors in different areas. The difference between these cities' climate policies has furthered her interest in creating effective climate solutions. After graduation, she plans to go to law school and hopes to incorporate environmental justice into her career. In her free time, she enjoys working out, spending time with friends and family, traveling, and reading.
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Abbie Chipps, Policy Intern
Abbie recently graduated with a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Rhode Island. While at URI served as a staff reporter and news editor for the The Good Five Cent Cigar where she found her love for reporting environmental and climate issues on both a university and local level. Abbie was also a member of the university's sailing team where she received both conference and national honors. Growing up sailing, hiking and skiing in Seattle, WA, Abbie was instilled with a love for the environment that she hopes to harness her writing, research skills and her time at Run On Climate, to help protect.
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Alia Campbell, Policy Intern
Alia is a graduate student in the M.S. Environmental Science and Policy program at Northeastern University. She works as a research assistant in the Altin-Yavuzarslan Engineered Living Systems lab where she studies ELM design and sustainable applications. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Anthropology from Brown University. She is deeply invested in multidisciplinary climate solutions and the spaces where our environments and lived experiences converge, particularly from environmental health and justice perspectives. She is extremely excited to be working with Run On Climate and contributing to the advancement of climate policy on a local scale this summer.
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Rick Walker, Policy Intern
Rick Walker is a Middlebury College student studying Environmental Studies and Geography, graduating in Spring 2028. From Buffalo, NY, Rick comes to Vermont in search of forests and mountains. Rick is passionate about empowering local leaders to lead the change on our climate crisis. In his free time, Rick engages in the outdoors in many ways: hiking, climbing, biking, and skiing.
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Charlotte Tong, Policy Intern
Charlotte is currently a graduate student at Northeastern University Boston pursuing a Master's in Science in International Relations and Global Studies, with a concentration in Global Health and Development. Born in Thailand and raised in Singapore, Charlotte experienced firsthand how multicultural dynamics and environmental challenges deeply impact communities -- especially minorities, who often bear the brunt of these issues. This awareness fueled her passion for justice and led her to pursue her undergraduate political science degree at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, where she explored these intersections more deeply. Charlotte has previously interned with the Chief Data Officer in Hawai'i, conducting research and designing an AI awareness website to help citizens connect more deeply with state data. Back home in Singapore, she was passionate about migrant worker rights, co-organizing a fundraiser for migrant workers originally from countries such as Burma, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. She hopes to bring together all these global experiences and skills to build a long-term career in global health and development, and one day work with an international non-profit committed to equity and systemic change.
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Nikitha Hadya, Policy Intern
Nikitha is a junior at the University of Michigan, double majoring in Environmental Science and Political Science. She is passionate about incorporating indigenous ecological knowledge into contemporary conservation regimes and sustainability and development efforts. After her undergrad, she plans to continue studying environmental policy and planning as a masters student at UMich. She strongly believes in the strength and effectiveness of local climate initiatives and is looking forward to using her skills and knowledge to help create meaningful change at Run On Climate. Outside of school, Nikitha enjoys roller blading, reading, and going on long walks.
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Lily McNulty, Policy Intern
Lily is currently pursuing a masters in Public Health, with a concentration in Health Policy and Administration, at the University of Illinois, Chicago. After graduating from college, she took a job at a disaster response organization where she saw the direct effects of unchecked carbon emissions. She volunteered in Florida after Hurricane Ian, which solidified her desire to explore environmental and resilience policies. As a Chicago resident, she has seen firsthand how local-level climate action can advance greener legislation. She is looking forward to applying a public health lens to current environmental issues. In her free time she enjoys reading, gaming, watching movies, and playing tennis.
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Henry Shuler, Policy Intern
Henry Shuler is a senior at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and is majoring in environmental studies. He spent much of his childhood outdoors, which is where his passion for protecting the environment began to develop. He has interned at Dickinson College’s Center for Sustainability Education as a social media manager and E-newsletter editor. He has worked as a blog writer for Just Honest Living – a small business based in Glen Gardener, New Jersey – during which he wrote several articles about topics related to the environment. Henry is an aspiring journalist who wants to use storytelling as a means of presenting information about environmental issues in ways that appeal to the cultural values of various groups. He writes articles about topics he finds interesting and posts them to his Medium page. He enjoys spending his free time playing the guitar, reading, writing, exercising, being outdoors, and cooking. He is excited to begin working for Run On Climate, helping to advance their mission to support local-level climate policy and candidates in various ways.
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Stella Brin, Policy Intern
Stella Brin is a junior at the University of Vermont, studying Environmental Studies with minors in both Economics and Applied Design. Originally from Pomfret, Connecticut, she has been passionate about the environment and sustainability from a young age. She spent every extra second outside, which fueled her love for nature and the world around her. Throughout her education, she has developed a strong interest in clean energy and climate policy. She looks forward to using her studies to create change at the local level and further promote climate campaigns. She is eager to connect with those involved in Run On Climate and learn more about Burlington policy. Outside of work, she enjoys running, snowboarding, and watercolor painting.
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Sarah Lyons, Policy Intern
Sarah Lyons is a rising senior at Northwestern University studying environmental sciences and political science. She currently works with a lab that studies environmental health, and leads a student group that provides students with opportunities for environmental political participation, climate action, and community service. She plans to pursue a career in environmental law, and is passionate about food sustainability, environmental justice, and local climate action. Sarah is excited to join Run On Climate's mission in supporting local climate advocacy, as local politics can be an extremely powerful tool for creating change and supporting communities.
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Rachel Mahoney, Journalism Intern
Rachel is an aspiring investigative journalist heading into her final year at Northeastern University, ready to broaden my investigative experience. She’s super excited to dive into several new topics related to climate justice during her summer with Run On Climate!
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Grace Hilton, Social Media Fellow
Grace is currently a senior at the University of Vermont, majoring in sociology, with minors in anthropology, political science, and psychology. Growing up with a parent in the military, her travels cultivated her love for the natural environment and passion for knowledge surrounding climate change and climate policy. She looks forward to using her studies to amplify the voices of those making important changes. Outside of school, Grace loves crafts, reading, and anything else that she can do while laying in the grass.
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Emme Speicher, Social Media Intern
Emme is a rising junior at the University of Vermont majoring in Environmental Studies and minoring in Public Communications. She grew up in North Shore, Massachusetts, but now lives on Cape Cod. She enjoys hiking, swimming, and photography. She plans on studying abroad in Perugia, Italy with an environmental policy, sustainable practice, and protection program. She spent her childhood outdoors and was always drawn to the environment. She also is passionate about advocacy and social media marketing, specifically regarding climate and environmental issues. Emme wants to make a difference in environmental policy and spread awareness, which is what drew her to Run On Climate!
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Jess Richardson, Social Media Intern
Jess is a rising junior at Champlain College, studying in the Professional Writing program with a concentration in Editing & Publishing. Her passion for the environment was inspired by moving to Burlington; after growing up in small town New Hampshire where no one seemed to give the environment a second thought, the caring and thoughtful community in Burlington has been energizing. Jess hopes to use her journalistic skills during her 2025 summer internship to amplify the voices of those working hard to make change. Outside of work, Jess enjoys reading, writing, crafting, drinking coffee, and exploring the city.
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Margaret Sprigg-Dudley, Social Media Intern
Margaret is a junior at Northwestern University studying history and environmental policy. Having grown up in Ohio, she gained her love for the environment from exploring the Ohio forests. Her studies have led her to an interest in food sustainability; she taps maple trees every winter and recently studied abroad in New Zealand where she learned about the island's ecology and food systems. Outside of school she enjoys walking around the city and hunting down new coffee shops. Her work as a barista allowed her to directly interact with her community, teaching her the importance of local action. She is excited to bring this background to Run On Climate as she continues her work in sustainability!
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Ryann O'Carroll, Social Media Intern
Ryann is a sophomore at the University of Vermont studying Business Administration with a theme in environmental sustainability and a concentration in marketing. Originally from Buffalo, New York, she enjoys spending her summers paddleboarding on Lake Erie and her winters skiing and hiking. She has been enthralled by climate change from a young age. Her passion for environmental conservation stemmed from watching the infamous Buffalo winters and ski season shorten with the warming of the climate. Ryann understands that there is no better time to take action than now. She hopes to spread knowledge on our planet's climate crisis and to increase awareness of local policymakers who are fighting to make positive changes.
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Tasnim Khanom, Social Media Intern
Tasnim Khanom is a rising sophomore at Boston University majoring in political science and minoring in Deaf studies. After graduating, she plans on either going to law school or working in public policy. She is passionate about reproductive rights, education, and climate policy! She looks forward to being a part of the social media team here at Run On Climate.
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Eli Dunlap, Social Media Intern
Eli is a rising senior at the University of Chicago, double majoring in Laws, Letters, & Society and Environmental/Urban Studies. A Chicago native, they have firsthand experience with the environmental injustices and ecological burdens disproportionately faced by marginalized communities. They follow the traditions of Environmental Justice advocates like Hazel Johnson, fighting for equitable environmental protections and access for communities of color in the city and beyond. Post-graduation, they plan to go to law school, focusing on Civil/Environmental law. They are an active member in Uchicago’s Environmental Justice Task Force and participate in a variety of community organizing, primarily focused on tenants’ housing rights. In their free time, they enjoy biking, music, weightlifting, tea brewing, and envisioning a world led by community care.
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While the climate movement has accomplished so much, we haven’t taken investment in local organizing and policy infrastructure seriously enough. Join us and ensure our movement is fighting at every level to save our planet.
Check out our initial GoFundMe promotional video!