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.

Diana grew up in New York, and her journey has taken her around the globe. Some of her past experiences include developing social justice curriculum in India, managing operations at a resort in Alaska, and contributing to conservation efforts in South Africa and Kenya. Her passion for travel and concern for our planet have led her to Run On Climate, as she enjoys using her voice and various skillsets to make a positive impact. Outside of work, Diana loves to travel and stay active.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lindsey is a student at the University of Vermont majoring in Sustainability, Ecology, and Policy, with minors in Animal Science and Women and Gender Studies. Originally from Boca Raton, Florida, she has always been interested in the environment and wants to do her part to help it. Driven by a desire to create a positive impact, she is excited to collaborate with like-minded individuals to ensure a sustainable future. In her free time, Lindsey enjoys going to the beach, listening to music, reading, being outside, and playing with her dog.

Eloise is a senior at Wesleyan University studying Government, Economics, and Environmental Studies. She is extremely passionate about environmental policy and is excited to be working with Run On Climate, where she looks forward to making a difference in fighting the climate crisis starting at the local level. As a proud native of Evanston, Illinois, where she spent five summers as a beach lifeguard, Eloise has a deep love for Lake Michigan and loves to spend her free time in the water. Outside of work and school, Eloise loves to play soccer, listen to music, swim, and solve the New York Times mini crossword.

Anya Anaya is a senior at Dominican University, majoring in International Relations with a minor in Italian. Raised with a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and global issues, she has developed a strong passion for climate action and using social media to create positive change. Anya aims to work with nonprofits, helping to amplify their missions and connect with wider audiences. As she finishes her degree, Anya is excited to contribute to organizations dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community and is looking forward to working as a Social Media Intern for Run On Climate.

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. Orla looks forward to working with Run On Climate to identify impactful local climate initiatives and research current environmental policy trends. In her free time, Orla loves reading, discovering new Boston coffee shops, and supporting small businesses. She is also a passionate Gaelic language activist.

Tabatha is a senior at the University of Vermont double majoring in Political Science and Environmental Studies. Recently, her work has concentrated on sustainable infrastructure and energy, electric vehicle policy, and transportation. Tabatha is passionate about the Run On Climate’s mission and believes the most effective climate policy comes from local actions. Furthermore, by working with a community and getting them directly involved in effective local policies, she believes we can create stronger and more resilient communities that are invested in their future. Tabatha is excited to work for Run On Climate to strengthen her research skills, learn about effective policies, and see how climate policy functions in different communities across the country. Originally from Portland, Oregon, Tabatha enjoys skiing, swimming, and reading.

Ashley is a Senior Environmental Studies major with a minor in Law and Society at the University of Vermont. Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, her passion for environmentalism and climate action came from her time spent in the outdoors of her home state. As she got older, she saw the natural landscape change around her because of urban sprawl, wildfires, drought, ecotourism, and further development of fossil fuel. She recognized that laws and policy, specifically on the city and state level, are the most impactful in reducing human harms to the environment.  During her time at UVM she has interned with 350VT and started a multi-collegiate environmental club called the Climate Action Collective, which she continues to co-lead. Ashley hopes to further her understanding of Burlington policy and place based change in her time with Run On Climate.

Julián is entering his second year at Middlebury College majoring in Environmental Policy and grew up in Palo Alto, California. He is planning on entering the legal space intending to focus on environmental law. He looks forward to working on policies that could be implemented at the sub-national level, where he believes most reform can occur. His outside interests include golf, bouldering, watching live music, and reviewing restaurants. 

Alex is a recent graduate from Boston University with a B.A. in International Relations and a minor in Economics. Her fields of interest include sustainable development, public policy, and global affairs and she is passionate about the development of clean energy and sustainability initiatives at a local level. Originally from Windsor, Connecticut, she looks forward to working at Run On Climate to help promote local climate campaigns and address climate change issues through policy research and advocacy. Outside of work, Alex enjoys thrifting, cooking, and traveling.

Madison is a rising junior at the University of Vermont pursuing a degree in Sociology with minors in both Economics and Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies. She has always been passionate about social justice causes and values her experiences working with organizations at the community level in the Burlington area with The DREAM Program and in her hometown of Needham, MA with Welcome Home. She believes working toward climate justice is crucial and can be a unifying force as it will improve the lives of individuals from all communities. She is excited to use her knowledge of social change as a tool to help improve climate policy within local governments. In her free time, Madison enjoys spending time with friends, baking, and listening to music.

Max Handelman is a junior at the University of Vermont majoring in public communications with a concentration in media and journalism. From Gaithersburg, Maryland, Max grew up surrounded by diverse wildlife and fisheries, and developed a deep passion for environmental advocacy. Working as a journalist since high school, Max is dedicated to using the news to spread the word on climate-related issues.

As a journalism intern, Max hopes to work with Run On Climate to continue to use the power of journalism to identify and educate audiences on local climate initiatives nationwide. In his free time, Max loves to read books, discover new music, and go outside to watch birds.

I am a senior at the University of Vermont majoring in Political Science and French and minoring in Public Communications and Law and Society. Being from Brooklyn, I know the impact that change at a local level can have and am eager to help promote environmental awareness and help make change locally in Burlington. Being a public communications minor I am excited to learn more about social media strategy and creation. I enjoy snowboarding, playing soccer, hanging out with my friends and being by the ocean.

Ethan Robbins is a sophomore at the University of Vermont studying Political Science and Economics. Originally from Dayton, OH,  his love for the environment and awareness of climate issues developed by attending Sanibel Sea School in Sanibel, FL. He interned at the organization last summer and witnessed the extensive coral bleaching of the Florida Keys first-hand. This drew his attention to the lack of climate policy to address climate issues and inspired him to become involved in this work.  His excitement to work with Run On Climate stems from his belief that local climate policies are the key to an eco-friendlier future. In his free time, he likes to go hiking, attend concerts, and bike.

Colin is a Senior at the University of Colorado double majoring in Environmental Studies and International Affairs. Originally from Fort Collins, Colorado, the environment has always played a significant role in his life. He believes that through grassroots organizations, we can tackle environmental issues in the most equitable, inclusive, and effective way possible.  Recent work has included a study conducted with Argentinian ranchers of the impacts of their local climates on crop production. In his free time, Colin is on CU's triathlon team and skis whenever he's able. 

Grace is currently a junior 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.

Emma Ricks is a sophomore at the University of Vermont studying Sustainability, Ecology, and Policy with a concentration in Law and Policy. She wants to go to law school to study environmental law as she hopes to work on Capitol Hill. Originally from Chesapeake, VA she is passionate about working against coastal erosion and protecting shorelines. In her free time she likes Pilates, going to the beach, and seeing friends. 

Ellie is a senior at the University of Vermont majoring in environmental studies and political science, so she’s excited to work with Run On Climate to blend both of her interests! She’s been working in nature for years at a summer camp, but she’s really interested in getting more involved with policy work and working towards sustainability. She was born and raised in central Vermont and grew up in nature: skiing, swimming, camping, and everything in between. She’s excited to get more involved in protecting the environment she loves and meeting people who feel the same!

Diana is a student at Northeastern University majoring in Criminal Justice and Political Science. Diana has been interested in protecting the environment since she was 5 years old, and that drive is still present to this day. She is excited to work with people with the same goals, as well as getting to contribute to influencing people to vote for candidates committed to protecting the environment. In her free time, Diana enjoys listening to music and playing the guitar. 

Ashley is a senior at the University of Vermont majoring in environmental studies. She grew up in Vermont and spent her time skiing, hiking and camping which grew her love for nature and the environment. During her time at UVM a focus of her studies has been environmental policy and climate change. She is excited to get more involved with local policy related to protecting the environment she grew up in through interning with Run On Climate.

Julianna Elton is a junior at the University of Vermont, majoring in Environmental Studies and Political Science with a minor in Geospatial Technologies. Originally from New York State, she spent much of her childhood on Fire Island, a small barrier island off Long Island, which inspired her passion for environmental issues. Growing up with a place-based education that emphasized outdoor learning and the island's unique ecosystem, Julianna developed a deep connection to her environment. She has witnessed firsthand the impacts of climate change on her home, including increased flooding, longer hurricane seasons, and rising sea temperatures. These experiences have fueled her determination to make a positive impact, both in her community and beyond, by working to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis. Julianna is particularly interested in the power of local-level policies tailored to individual communities' needs. She is eager to gain experience in working with local government and stakeholders to drive meaningful change. In her free time, Julianna enjoys spending time outdoors, swimming in the ocean, running, cooking, and crafting.