Sunday, May 23, 2021 2:30pm to 3:30pm
About this Event
Event in collaboration with the classes of 1976 and 1996.
Climate issues require us to look at the interconnectedness of pressing environmental challenges and the need for more integrated thinking and solutions. Alums from the class of 1996 will share their experiences in navigating this complex scenario, addressing the role of individuals in shaping institutions and their dynamics and how local, national and international actors can influence social justice. The panelist will seek to make this an empowering moment for those of us who are concerned, but are still unsure how to best act towards halting climate change. Presentation followed by a Q&A.
Panelists
Britt Vickstrom ’96 majored in religion and Russian language and literature, and has an ecology and theology master’s of theology from the University of Edinburgh. Britt is an experienced environmental advocate and volunteer, and has served six years on the board of Iowa Interfaith Power and Light, an interfaith organization that mobilizes and supports people of faith to take action on climate change. She currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Eagle View Group of the Sierra Club. Britt also volunteers at Nahant Marsh Environmental Education Center, the largest urban wetland on the upper Mississippi River.
Liz Karan ’96 majored in geology and holds a master's degree in international environmental policy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University. She has worked with the environmental community, including the Center for Clean Air Policy, the Conservation Law Foundation and the National Environmental Trust, on a diverse portfolio of initiatives focused on marine conservation, climate and energy policy, and business development. Liz currently leads a project at The Pew Charitable Trusts to protect ocean life on the high seas, a global effort to safeguard marine life that falls outside the jurisdiction of any country.
Maria Ivanova ’96 majored in European studies with a focus on international environmental policy and holds a joint master’s degree in international relations and environmental policy from Yale University. She worked at the Swedish Environmental Protection agency and at the OECD in Paris before pursuing a Ph.D. in international environmental policy at Yale, where she also led the Global Environmental Governance Project. Maria is associate professor of global governance, director of the Ph.D. program in global governance and human security, and director of the Center for Governance and Sustainability at UMass Boston. She was a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and now serves on the Joint Scientific Committee of the World Climate Research Programme.
Sarah Hardgrave ’96 majored in environmental studies with a minor in anthropology and holds a master's degree in community and regional planning and public administration from the University of Oregon. She has worked as a land use and environmental planner in local government, nonprofit and consulting positions in New Mexico and, for the last 20 years, in California. She is currently the chief of staff to an elected member of the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, with a policy focus on regional water supply issues, including drought preparedness and groundwater management, as well as on flood management and floodplain habitat restoration projects at the mouth of the Carmel River.
OPEN TO ALL classes attending Reunion 2021.
Reunion registration required to receive passcodes. Click here to register for Reunion.
Click here to join the event: https://mtholyoke.zoom.us/my/mhc1996
For any questions about event access, please email programs_team-g@mtholyoke.edu
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