Despite the fact that women of color have higher levels of concern about environmental issues like climate change, they are woefully underrepresented in leadership positions in the environmental community. That’s why, today, we are launching the Rachel’s Network Catalyst Award, to provide women leaders of color support and recognition for their commitment to a healthy planet.
The award will recognize up to five women of color making an environmental impact in communities across the country with prizes of $10,000 per winner, as well as networking and mentorship opportunities throughout the year.
“We want to shine a light on the wonderful women working across the country to protect our planet,” said Rachel’s Network President Fern Shepard. “We hope our investment catalyzes not only individual women’s career trajectories, but the environmental movement as a whole in becoming more representative and just.”
In a video accompanying the award, We See You, women leaders of color talk about the importance of representation in the environmental field.
“The environmental devastation that we’re dealing with right now—it isn’t a time to say ‘this group is going to deal with it and not everybody else.’ We need everybody at the table,” says Angelou Ezeilo, CEO and founder of the Greening Youth Foundation.
Applications are due by April 15 and winners will be announced in late 2019. To learn more about the award, or to apply, visit rachelsnetwork.org/catalyst.
Photo and video by Kaia Rose.
AWESOME!!!!
This is an inspiring award for often neglected recognition of work done by women of color. One very special woman in our community has done this work with primarily African American children for years with very few resources.
This is awesome and very much needed!
Is the geographic location solely domestic? Can it include international work?
Thanks for your message, Chery. Unfortunately, the award is only available to US residents. The work they do could be international though.
Are there updates to when the awardee(s) will be announced? And when this opportunity will be open for applications in 2020? THANK YOU!
Hi Ashley, We’ll be announcing winners in October – stay tuned! We don’t yet have a date for 2020 applications but recommend checking back in the new year.