WASHINGTON, DC – Rachel’s Network, a nonprofit that elevates and supports women environmental leaders, today announced the addition of five new members to its board of directors: Annel Hernandez, Maria Kolby-Wolfe, Dr. Virginia Necochea, Autumn Saxton-Ross, PhD, and Dr. Nikki Traylor-Knowles. Following these appointments, the board will comprise 16 directors.

“We are thrilled to welcome these five incredible leaders to our board of directors,” said Rachel’s Network Board Chair Kef Kasdin. “Their expertise and skills in grassroots organizing, nonprofit management, advocacy, academic research, and philanthropy will significantly strengthen this organization.”

These appointments come as Rachel’s Network has grown its total grantmaking to over $3.1 million, primarily through the Catalyst Award, an annual prize that honors women environmental leaders of color. The organization also fosters funder education and organizing, and relationship-building events for women in the movement.

The new board members will begin their three-year terms with Rachel’s Network in March 2025:

• Annel Hernandez teaches environmental justice and climate resiliency at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, and conducts research with the Resilient Coastal Communities Project. Previously, as director of climate and environmental policy at the New York City Council she spearheaded zero waste and renewable energy legislation. She also served as the associate director of the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance, leading advocacy on city and state climate policy issues to catalyze coastal resiliency, energy transitions, community preparedness, green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and more. She is a policymaker, advocate, researcher, teacher, and a lifelong New Yorker committed to building a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient city.
• Maria Kolby-Wolfe is president and CEO of Washington Women’s Foundation (WaWF) and an instructor at the University of Washington in nonprofit leadership and management. Before guiding WaWF Maria held various development and communication roles at Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, Seattle Symphony, Path with Art, ACT Theatre, Museum of Pop Culture, and Swedish Medical Center Foundation. She also served as a board member for TeamChild, Rainier Valley Food Bank, Allied Arts Foundation, and Global Leadership Forum. Her passions and beliefs align directly with her work: food, art, and justice for all.
• Dr. Virginia Necochea is the executive director of the New Mexico Environmental Law Center and a longtime educator, researcher, writer, and community advocate. Her commitment to land and water emanates from her abuelitos—individuals who were deeply connected to Mother Earth. She is the former executive director and a founding board member of the Center for Social Sustainable Systems, a community-led nonprofit focused on protecting the Valle de Atrisco (South Valley, NM) and larger Middle Rio Grande region.
• Autumn Saxton-Ross, PhD, is vice president of education and chief equity officer at the National Recreation & Parks Association. She has worked in positions at the intersections of health, equity and the outdoors throughout her career including as program director for place-based initiatives at the National Collaborative for Health Equity, Mid-Atlantic director at NatureBridge, program specialist at the DC Department of Health, and assistant director for health in parks for Washington Parks & People.
• Dr. Nikki Traylor-Knowles is an associate professor in marine biology and ecology at the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science at the University of Miami. She is a cell biologist who studies the evolution of immunity, wound healing, and regeneration. Her lab uses cell biology, genomics, microbiology, and molecular biology techniques to study the cnidarian innate immune system and its interaction with climate change and other human-induced stressors. She is also the founder and director of Black Women in Ecology, Evolution and Marine Science, a nonprofit that helps combat the isolation and abuse in STEM against Black women.

“In light of the many threats facing our planet and communities, we need the brightest leaders at the helm. These five women have a wealth of experience across the environmental movement,” said Rachel’s Network President Fern Shepard. “We are looking forward to working with them to build our organization’s capacity to address these challenges.”

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Rachel’s Network, a 501c3 nonprofit named in honor of Rachel Carson, is a community of women at the intersection of environment, philanthropy, and women’s leadership who exchange ideas and act on our planet’s urgent challenges. Since 2000, the network has collectively granted over $3.1 million to organizations and programs that secure a thriving planet for future generations and women leaders at the frontlines of our movement.