News
Visiting the Women Leading Urban Agriculture in Chicago
What could a non-extractive agriculture project look like? In June, Rachel’s Network visited Urban Growers Collective in Chicago to find out. Catalyst Program Director Shreya Durvasula shared observations and lessons learned from the trip to Green Era Campus and the South Chicago Farm.
Rachel’s Network Launches Legacy Award for Longtime Environmental Movement Leaders
Rachel’s Network celebrated its 25th anniversary by announcing a new program to support women leaders of color with long experience in and deep dedication to the environmental movement: the Legacy Award. The inaugural Legacy awardees will participate in a week-long retreat in Dakar, Senegal. There, they will meet social justice leaders, connect with each other, and have space for reflection, learning, and rest.
2024 Annual Report
There’s no getting around it: the years ahead will be arduous for both women and the environment. Everything our organization and members have worked for in the last 25 years is now at risk because of the new administration. But while some politicians, corporations, and organizations are distancing themselves from vital environmental work and diversity, equity, and inclusion, Rachel’s Network remains resolute.
Rachel’s Network Welcomes Five New Board Directors
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.
Rachel’s Network Statement on Federal DEI Rollbacks
As an organization committed to supporting the most marginalized leaders in the environmental movement, Rachel’s Network is appalled by recent moves to rollback DEI in the Trump administration. We stand with our grantee-partners and broader network in continuing to shine a light on injustice and ways to dismantle it. We will also continue to run the Catalyst Award, our annual program for women environmental leaders of color.
Rachel’s Network Supports Community Leaders at Wellness Retreat
Rachel’s Network hosted its first in-person event exclusively for Catalyst awardees and finalists at the Kripalu Center For Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts in November for a gathering focused on care and restoration for women environmental leaders of color.
Announcing the Recipients of the 2024 Catalyst Award
Rachel’s Network announced the awardees and finalists of its 2024 Catalyst Award. The award honors women leaders of color for their commitment to a healthy planet, and provides them with financial support, wraparound leadership services, and public recognition.
Recent Supreme Court Decisions Harm Public Health
Last week, the Supreme Court issued three decisions that have profoundly damaged our country’s ability to address pollution and climate change. We in the nonprofit sector must do all we can to shore up vulnerable communities in the face of these attacks.
Rachel’s Network Responds to Fearless Fund Case
A lawsuit is targeting the Fearless Fund Foundation, a venture-capital fund that offers $20,000 grants to Black women business leaders. Plaintiffs intend to instill fear in those working for equity. Rachel’s Network remains firm in its commitment to women of color environmental leaders through the Catalyst Award program.
2023 Annual Report
Rachel’s Network is a community of women working together to protect people and planet through collective learning, funding, and advocacy. Our funder members are engaged in supporting grassroots organizations led by women across many issues from toxics and regenerative agriculture to conservation and climate change. And in 2023, we did more than ever before. Read our 2023 annual report to learn more.