Meet the Team

Administrative Team

  • Jack Hanson

    Executive Director and Founder

    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 buildings, 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.

  • Jonathan “Thor” Raines

    Jonathan “Thor” Raines

    Operations Director

    Jonathan “Thor” Raines is a native of South Carolina’s upstate region, graduating from Anderson University with two degrees in Theology and Theatre. His professional career includes several higher education and non-profit positions, thus developing his interest and passion for community investment and advocacy. Thor’s high regard for the planet and local government led him to Run On Climate, where he combines his operational and administrative expertise with a passion for climate justice.

    In his free time, Thor enjoys running, going to the movies, and performing on the stage and screen. He has choreographed and directed many regional productions, and has been featured in several films available on streaming. 

  • Rachel Spencer

    Recruiter

    Rachel is a dedicated human resources professional and talent acquisition specialist with over 5 years of recruitment experience. She majored in Human Resource Management with a minor in non-profit management at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Since graduation, she has worked in a variety of fields including healthcare e-learning, hospitality, events, and local city government.

    For the past three years in her role as a recruitment administrator she has learned more about policy, public systems, and how to move the needle when working with bureaucracy. Her time in city government has also taught her about partnering with public and private organizations in a variety of unexpected ways. Focusing on local initiatives and with the support of dedicated officials and stakeholders, ROC is moving the needle on climate change. This mission, combined with the opportunity to work with such a large group of early talent is what initially attracted Rachel to this role. Rachel is passionate about supporting early talent and helping them navigate early career paths. She also spent the better part of 2022 exploring the US National park system and all 63 of the National Parks. While her time exploring was truly an amazing experience, everywhere she went, she became more aware of the many different threats to these natural wonders. While these are national parks, the work starts at a local level, and she is excited to work with ROC to support programs and initiatives that protect them.

Electoral Team

  • 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.

  • India Michaud

    Electoral Fellow

    India is a second year student at the University of Vermont, studying international development and history. Her hometown is Silver Spring, Maryland. She is interested in climate justice and the positive social impacts of environmental policy. In her free time she enjoys running, playing guitar, and reading historical novels.

  • Francisco Tellez

    Electoral Fellow

    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.

  • Tabitha Manseau

    Electoral Fellow

    Tabitha is a rising junior at the University of Vermont. She is studying psychology with minors in public policy and public health. She grew up in Boston and enjoys hiking, reading, and playing tennis. By volunteering at local community centers and teaching kids to read, she found an interest in local politics and volunteer work. She is passionate about sustainable development, climate justice, and public health work. Tabitha is excited to work with diverse perspectives at Run On Climate to create effective and meaningful climate policy.

  • Natalie Rovner

    Electoral Intern

    Natalie is a junior at Tufts University majoring in Political Science and minoring in English and French. Growing up in downtown Chicago Natalie is very interested in environmental policy and advocacy in order to protect the climate. She strongly believes in the importance of local government and its ability to make impactful change. In her free time, she enjoys weightlifting, going to the beach, and watching movies.

  • Margaret Nalen

    Electoral Intern

    Marge is a senior at Tufts University studying political science and environmental studies. She is originally from Wisconsin, where she developed a strong passion for public lands, outdoor education, and environmental protection. On campus, Marge is involved in Tufts Mountain Club, Tufts Marathon Team, and Tufts AI Safety, and in her free time, she loves reading, going on adventures with friends, and playing the fiddle. Marge is excited to work with constituents, local leaders, and Run on Climate staff this fall!

  • Lily Mortenson

    Electoral Intern

    Lily is a sophomore at Wellesley College, where she is majoring in English and minoring in Economics. She is originally from Upstate New York and has long been interested in the ways effective campaigns can reach local communities. Growing up surrounded by the hills and lakes of New York and visiting her family in Colorado, Lily has developed a deep love and appreciation for the environment and the laws that protect it. In her free time, Lily enjoys reading, writing articles for her Substack, and going on long runs. Lily is excited to gain deeper experience in local-level climate initiatives as a member of the Electoral Campaign Support Team.

Policy Team

  • Quinton Zondervan

    Policy Director

    Quinton is an entrepreneur, climate activist and former three-term City Councillor in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He currently lives in Princeton, New Jersey. 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.

  • Peter Jarka-Sellers

    Senior 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.

  • Kiana Panah

    Policy Fellow

    Kiana Panah has worked with Run On Climate as a policy Spring 2026 intern. She is originally from Dallas, Texas, and is a fourth-year student at the University of Denver, graduating in June 2026. With a major in Environmental Science with minors in Gender, Women's and Sexualities Studies, and in Philosophy, she has taken a route of study that ensures viewing climate justice from a multitude of perspectives, enriching her experiences in fighting climate change. Even before her studies, however, Kiana has always been passionate about saving our planet. From her “Don’t Litter” club in elementary school to her 10-page-long reports on environmental ethics, the climate issue is one she feels incredibly strongly about working towards justice for. Kiana believes that little steps make a big difference, and she hopes to be able to spread that message and make a change through Run On Climate.

  • Emily Price

    Policy Fellow

    Emily is a rising third year at the University of Chicago studying Economics and minoring in East Asian Languages and Civilizations. Born and raised in a small town in Maryland, she developed both a love for the outdoors and a deep respect for local politics from a young age. Throughout her college career, she has striven to combine her academic passions with political advocacy, particularly concerning environmental issues, founding multiple organizations on campus and earning a $20k grant to conduct research on clean energy supply chains. She is excited to work with the Policy team at Run On Climate this summer to get on-the-ground experience organizing and legislating on these issues.

  • Talia Rizzo

    Policy Fellow

    Talia grew up in the Philadelphia area and is a rising senior at the University of Vermont studying sustainability, ecology, and policy with a concentration in environmental policy, planning, and law, with minors in writing and public policy analysis. She resonates with ROC’s mission of accelerating local-level climate policy because that is where meaningful gaps are evident, and opportunities for change are most impactful. She loves reading and traveling – a sentiment reinforced by her experience living abroad in Italy for the past four months. She also enjoys spending time in nature and feels passionately about environmental justice and ensuring fairness in policymaking. Her commitment stems from the desire to help bridge the gap between science and real-world policy, where tangible change is made.

  • Maggie Costello

    Policy Fellow

    Maggie is a second-year student at Macalester College in St Paul, Minnesota, double-majoring in Environmental Studies and Media and Cultural Studies. They were born and raised in Washington State, where they spent much of their childhood surrounded by old punks, falling off of trees, and jumping in the ocean, which they credit with helping them to develop a deep passion for environmental justice. Now, they spend their free time reading, beginning miscellaneous arts and craft projects, playing drums, and writing for their college’s student newspaper. Their career in environmentalism began in earnest in their freshman year of high school, when they joined their local chapter of the sunrise movement. They now help lead their college’s own hub of sunrise and participate in urban agriculture and mutual aid initiatives across the Twin Cities. Throughout their development as an environmentalist and climate activist, they have come to view local, grassroots change as a vital source of hope and momentum for the environmental movement. They look forward to working with Run On Climate to win meaningful material victories for communities in the US and move towards a brighter future for the planet.

  • Sireesha Dandamudi

    Policy Fellow

    Sireesha is a rising junior at San Jose State University majoring in Political Science. Being raised in Santa Clara, California, she learned the importance of environmental preservation under the lens of the negative impact of the ever-expanding tech industry. With the growth of environmentally-damaging architecture within Silicon Valley, fighting against such regression through political advocacy is something she wants to learn and carry throughout her policy journey. She is excited to further her passion for community organizing and policy formulation by continuing her work from the spring term with ROC. Her interests include baking, theatre, and embroidery.

  • Reese Gatewood

    Policy Fellow

    Reese is a rising senior at East Tennessee State University, pursuing a degree in Political Science with a minor in Environmental Studies. Originally from Nashville, she is an avid explorer of local and national parks and spends her time hiking, kayaking, and camping. These passions inspired her work with Outdoor Adventure, where she leads peers on expeditions throughout the Appalachian region.

    Reese’s commitment to environmental advocacy extends beyond the trail; she is dedicated to the Run On Climate mission of empowering local leaders to take bold action. She believes the most effective climate solutions are rooted in local government, and she is eager to bridge the gap between policy and sustainable community change to help cities translate ambitious goals into concrete results.

  • Abby Curry

    Policy Intern

    Abby is a rising sophomore at Brown University, where she is pursuing a double concentration in International & Public Affairs and Environmental Studies. Originally from a small town in Vermont, Abby learned at a young age the importance of community-level action and involvement. Her interest in the environment and climate policy was piqued her freshman year of college when she began doing research for a project on the environmental impacts of the war in Ukraine. She believes strongly in a solutions-oriented approach to the climate crisis, and that local change is one of the most effective avenues to pursue those solutions and keep communities engaged. In her free time, Abby enjoys reading, cooking, going to the gym, and playing volleyball on the club team at Brown.

  • Julien Yang

    Policy Intern

    Julien Yang is a senior at Yale University double majoring in Mathematics & Philosophy and German Studies. He is interested in answering questions raised by confrontations between people and systems — ethical, institutional, and technological. Some of his work includes comparative analysis of authoritarian political narratives in the 1936 and 2008 Olympic Games and developing circular economy recommendations for Yale’s sustainability infrastructure. In his free time, he enjoys playing the flute and experimenting with Chinese cooking.

  • Diana Oliver

    Policy Intern

    Diana Oliver is a sophomore at Northwestern University majoring in Political Science and minoring in Game Design + Media Arts + Animation. Growing up in Florida, Diana has always been exposed to the beauty and diversity of nature and is interested in how the fields of law, governance, and society can work to structure environmental conservation in their daily affairs. In her free time, Diana enjoys reading, exploring with friends, and relaxing with a nice breeze and view outside. Diana is excited to explore how policy on local levels can develop into collective activism that further addresses current climate issues with the Run on Climate team!

  • Dylan Hedgspeth

    Policy Intern

    Dylan is a senior at the University of Southern California studying Environmental Studies with a concentration in environmental policy and has a minor in Spanish. She grew up in El Cerrito, California, and has always been interested in sustainability and passionate about understanding how scientific research and policy intersect to address climate challenges. She believes that climate change requires systemic solutions, and those solutions ultimately depend on political will and policy change. This is why she’s excited about the opportunity to contribute to work that advances climate action in the political sphere with Run On Climate. Aside from academics, Dylan loves to read, play sports, travel, and explore new places. She has studied abroad twice — one semester in Spain and one in London! As she begins her final year as an undergrad student, Dylan is excited to learn more about climate advocacy and policy work through this internship.

  • Helena Emerton

    Policy Intern

    Helena is a sophomore at Brown University studying Economics and International and Public Affairs. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, she has grown an interest in urban policy and various methods for climate sustainability. She is especially interested in the ways that climate change interacts with other societal issues. Beyond climate issues, she has participated in policy work regarding food security, youth sports, housing justice, and children's rights. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, playing piano, and watching movies and TV shows.

  • Emma Butry

    Policy Intern

    Emma is a senior at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, double majoring in Environmental Studies and Writing & Rhetoric with a minor in Law & Society. Originally from Upstate New York, her proximity to the Adirondacks and the natural world sparked an early interest in environmental protection. Throughout her undergraduate career, she has contributed and published the Colleges’ STARS report and Greenhouse Gas Report, focused on environmental law and policy through coursework, and has become increasingly interested in community-based approaches to climate action. She hopes to pursue a career in law and policy after graduation. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, she enjoys skiing, traveling to new places, and trying as many coffee shops as possible.

  • Rachel Hooley

    Policy Intern

    Rachel is a final-year Master of Public Policy candidate at Northeastern University, concentrating in sustainability. She graduated from the University of Toronto in June 2025 with a major in Environmental Studies and minors in Sociology and Media Studies. Having grown up internationally, Rachel became motivated early on to pursue a career in sustainability. She's especially passionate about global inequality and how different communities experience the climate crisis. She's excited to join Run On Climate to put her policy background into practice and deepen her understanding of environmental politics.

  • Samantha Wolfgong

    Policy Intern

    Samantha is a senior studying psychology at Champlain College. Her academic and professional interests center on understanding how systems and policies shape people’s lives, particularly for communities that are disproportionately affected by inequitable policies. She resonates with Run On Climate’s mission of advancing climate policy at the local level because meaningful change often begins with understanding how policy affects people in their everyday lives. She is especially interested in the intersection of policy, research, and social justice, and hopes to pursue a career focused on social change and policy research. Outside of academics, she loves writing, traveling, and spending time with her cat. Her commitment to climate policy stems from a broader belief that effective policy should be grounded in research, responsive to communities, and designed with equity in mind.

  • Carly Moran

    Policy Intern

    Carly is a senior at Loyola University Chicago, where she studies Political Science, English, and Law and Policy. Carly is originally from Boston, Massachusetts, where she has worked closely with local city council politics and elections. She enjoys reading, writing, swimming, and traveling, which she did plenty of during her semester abroad in Rome last fall. Carly is very passionate about the importance of local politics, especially relating to environmental justice and sustainability. She is very excited about the possibility of combining her passion for the environment and political activism to make meaningful change.

  • Laine Sperry

    Policy Intern

    Laine is a senior at Lake Forest College, double-majoring in Politics and Environmental Studies. Growing up in Milwaukee, she loved how Lake Michigan’s shoreline was woven into the city, which led to her interest in preserving green space in urban areas. Recently, she worked with two friends to create a policy to conserve the ravines in her college town. She is currently researching how fossil fuel dependence affects women’s political opportunities. She is also passionate about sustainable fashion. In her free time, she loves reading, photography, and spending time with friends in Chicago. She believes that local advocacy is one of the greatest avenues for environmental change, and she is excited to contribute to ROC’s community-driven work.

  • Avery Dotson

    Policy Intern

    Avery is a graduate student at the University of Denver, where she is pursuing a master's degree in Public Policy. She received her bachelor’s in Sociology from Colorado State University, with a concentration in criminology and criminal justice. As a Colorado native, Avery grew up with a deep love for the state’s natural landscape. Witnessing the growing impacts of wildfires and other climate-related disasters firsthand sparked her interest in climate justice and community resilience. At the University of Denver, Avery works as a research assistant, serves as Treasurer for the Korbel Graduate Student Association and acts as the multimedia co-lead for the Korbel Harbinger, a student-run, community-focused publication. Her involvement extends beyond campus; she also serves on the board of the Greater Boulder Youth Orchestra, an organization dedicated to providing young musicians with opportunities to learn, perform, and grow. In her free time, Avery is a hockey goalie and performs as a bassoonist in a local orchestra. When she isn't at the ice rink or rehearsing, she enjoys film photography, collecting vinyl records, and getting lost in a good book. She is excited to drive positive change through Run On Climate and support initiatives that help communities become more equitable, sustainable, and resilient in the face of climate change.

  • Mali Gruber

    Policy Intern

    Mali grew up in New York City and recently completed her masters degree in Climate and Society at the Columbia Climate School. Her professional experience spans nonprofit development and coordination, database management, and climate policy research. She is passionate about the intersection between climate and urban infrastructure and systems and believes that climate action at the local level creates tangible and meaningful change. In her free time she enjoys reading, making pottery, watching films, and spending time with her cat.

  • Emi Rhodes

    Policy Intern

    Emi is a junior at Northwestern University studying Political Science, with a minor in Business Institutions, and a certificate in Energy & Sustainability. Growing up around the ocean, Emi developed an early appreciation for the environment and the responsibility we have to protect the places that shape our lives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she discovered sailing, and today she is a member of the Northwestern Sailing Team, where her connection to the water continues to shape the way she thinks about environmental stewardship. At Run on Climate, Emi is excited to work alongside local leaders to turn that interest into action, helping people recognize that their voices matter, that they have agency, and that meaningful climate progress starts with people who are willing to get involved.

  • Annie Yang

    Policy Intern

    Annie H Yang is a Public Policy Masters student at the University of Chicago where she recently graduated with a dual degree in Physics and in Environment, Geography, Urbanization studies. Annie dedicated her undergraduate career to environmental programming and advocacy on campus, working to enable campus sustainability through workshops, infrastructure, and administrative action while partnering with local organizations across Chicagoland to help pass climate legislation. In her academic life, Annie has led and supported research projects on energy infrastructure mapping, the public health benefits of green schoolyards, interdisciplinary exploration of environmental destruction, and integrated approaches to environmental urban design. She has also volunteered as an illustrator and graphic designer for several environmental non-profits such as Cleveland Sews and Abayuuti Climate Action Network. Annie was recognized nationally as a 2025 Udall Scholar for this research and advocacy work. This past summer, she worked with the Climate Advisor to the state of Illinois on climate and energy policy, and she is excited to continue supporting climate progress with Run on Climate! Though she was born in South California, she has spent equal parts of her life in California, New Hampshire, Hong Kong, Connecticut, and Chicago. In her free time, Annie enjoys learning languages, drawing, playing tennis, and ice skating. She also has two cats!

Fundraising Team

  • Libby Moss

    Vermont Canvass Director

    Libby is Run on Climate’s Canvass Director in Vermont this summer. She graduated from the University of Vermont this past May and majored in Sustainability, Ecology, and Policy and minored in Environmental Studies. 

    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, snorkeling, 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 education, advocacy, and justice. 

    Libby has been at ROC for a couple of years, starting off on the fundraising team and has been a Policy Fellow this past academic year, where she also co-led ROC’s new Youth Engagement Team. Her time at ROC has encouraged her to get more involved in her community and advocate for local climate action and youth engagement, which she hopes to continue to do after her time here.

  • Tiko Bedrosian

    Tiko Bedrosian

    Vermont Assistant Canvass Director

    Tiko Bedrosian is a lifelong Vermonter and a rising senior at the University of Vermont, where he studies political science, economics, and music. His professional experiences include canvassing for and serving on the Board of Directors of VPIRG, interning with the VT Chamber of Commerce, campaign work on Vermont electoral races, and more. As a firm believer in city and state politics, he is drawn to Run On Climate’s local mission. Outside of organizing, Tiko is a composer and music teacher who runs a classical music platform with an audience of more than 10,000.

  • Ambrose Moore

    Ambrose Moore

    Vermont Canvasser 

    Ambrose Moore is an undergrad at the University of Vermont, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Writing and Geography. He was raised in a military family, but Albuquerque, New Mexico, felt the most like home. Now, he is going to college here in Vermont. 

    The environment has always been a crucial motivator to Ambrose; his love for nature and policy action has flourished since becoming more aware of the world around him. The activism Ambrose has participated in ranges from LGBTQ issues to environmental advocacy. 

    Ambrose is excited to canvass with Run On Climate to help raise awareness and fund climate initiatives. Policy influences the lives of every individual in this world, and the environment deserves to be defended.

    In his spare time, he enjoys reading and writing–with a passion for both creative and technical forms of writing. 

  • Tedy Berman

    Vermont Canvasser

  • Eliana Allegri

    Vermont Canvasser

    Eliana Allegri graduated from the University of Vermont this past May with a degree in Sustainability, Ecology, and Policy, a minor in Green Building and Community Design, and a Place-Based Education certificate. Growing up in rural Italy until the age of 10, she developed an appreciation for the outdoors and human-nature connection. Through her work coordinating youth programs, she learned to communicate complex ideas in ways that feel accessible and relevant to people's everyday lives, a skill she now brings to conversations about climate. In her canvassing role, she hopes to foster meaningful conversations with others about their connection to the more-than-human world. She wants to empower people to participate in the climate fight in whatever capacity feels right to them.

  • Sanjana Pai

    Vermont Canvasser

    Sanjana graduated from University of Vermont with her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling last year, and went to undergrad at Fordham University in the Bronx. She majored in Psychology with a minor in Marketing and English. During the year, Sanjana works as a therapist. She grew up in New Jersey, but has spent lots of time in both India and California. Sanjana grew up hiking, and has always enjoyed the outdoors. She is excited to canvass with Run on Climate this summer to help fund protections for the many beautiful places she loves. In her free time, she enjoys going to the lake, reading, and gardening. 

Communications Team

  • Leslie Burk

    Communications & Development Director

    For more than two decades, Leslie Burk has supported local groups, nonprofits, and partners to protect the environment and build more resilient communities. Most recently at Freshwater Future, she championed clean drinking water policies, advocated for sustainable infrastructure improvements, and supported communities affected by local flooding. Leslie has consulted with hundreds of grassroots organizations to equip leaders and stakeholders with communication and fundraising strategies necessary to drive real change at the local level. Her career is a direct reflection of her personal connection to the Great Lakes and the forests of Northern Michigan, where she resides. Now, as part of the Run On Climate team, she aims to elevate local efforts, deepen connections with partners and supporters, and advance the urgent message that the time for local climate action is now. Outside of her professional life, Leslie enjoys exploring woods and waterways, gardening, foraging for wild berries, cooking, and creating fiber art projects.

  • Mason Edmunds

    Website Coordinator

    Mason grew up in South Burlington, Vermont, and currently works as a 5th grade teacher in a rural community in Northwestern Vermont. 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 equitable urban planning. He began his journey with Run On Climate in the summer of 2023 as a Social Media Intern. Mason then worked as Run On Climate’s Social Media Manager for two years before transitioning into his current role. In 2026, Mason earned a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Middle Level Education from the University of Vermont. In his free time, Mason enjoys snowboarding, hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, fishing, and playing chess.

  • Amiya Payne

    Communications Intern

    Amiya is a junior at Dickinson College majoring in Quantitative Economics and Environmental Science. Originally from Beach Park, Illinois, she is passionate about creating a more sustainable and equitable future, with a particular interest in environmental justice and the ways policy can address environmental challenges in underserved communities. She currently works as a Watershed Coordinator for the Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM), where she supports local conservation efforts, community engagement, and the protection of water resources. Through her work with Run On Climate, Amiya is excited to gain experience in climate communications and advocacy while learning how social media can help inspire meaningful action. She hopes to build a career at the intersection of environmental policy, economics, and social impact. Outside of academics and work, Amiya enjoys singing in an a cappella group, shopping, and spending time with friends, especially relaxing at the beach.

  • Lily Peterson

    Communications Intern

    Lily is a Senior at the University of Vermont, where she studies Political Science and Public Communications. Since moving to Vermont in 2014, she has developed a strong passion for environmental advocacy and a commitment to addressing climate change through community engagement and public policy. Her involvement with the Vermont Youth Lobby and UVM Student Government’s Committee on the Environment allowed her to engage with environmental issues at both the state and university levels, further strengthening her interest in climate policy and advocacy. Lily is also passionate about social media and digital communications, particularly the power of creative content to educate, excite, connect, and inspire people to take action. She enjoys creating and sharing engaging content and is excited to combine her interests in environmental advocacy and communications through her work as a Social Media Intern. She is eager to use her background in political science, public communications, and environmental advocacy to help make climate issues more accessible and encourage meaningful engagement online at Run on Climate.

  • Tyler Salgado

    Communications Intern

    Tyler Salgado is an intern based in Northern Illinois who recently graduated with Bachelor's in Environmental Sustainability. Originally an aerospace engineering major, Tyler chose to switch industries as he learned more and more about the climate. Despite the late change, Tyler's love for nature has its roots in his childhood. His summers consisted of camping in the woods and his winters with snowboarding. He has general work experience in finance as well as a background in social media and data analytics. Tyler is looking forward to growing his skills in media and contributing to Run on Climate!

  • Siena Farkas

    Communications Intern

    Siena is a junior at the University of Vermont, majoring in Environmental Science with a minor in Anthropology. She is originally from Lewes, Delaware, where her interest in environmental science stems from exploring the local beaches and marshes near her house. Growing up on the beach and going to school near Lake Champlain, she developed a passion for aquatic ecosystems and the intersection between wetlands and local communities, along with accessible education on environmental issues.