Richard Mabion was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas. He served a 2-year tour of duty for the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict (66-68), after which he graduated from college in 1971 with a BS in Education and a minor in Psychology. He then spent the next three decades as a self-taught urban social engineer and businessman in Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri. Since 2006, he has worked as an independent community organizer for the environmental movement in Kansas City, Kansas. In 2007, he founded an Environmental Literacy organization called Building A Sustainable Earth Community. He has since been recognized for his commitment to involving more people of color in environmental causes, which led to the creation of an Environmental Literacy conference called Breaking the Silence.

As a result of his efforts, the Pitch News organization selected J-14 Inc., an organic farm, and the “Q” Brew Coffee Shop, two Black-owned Quindaro businesses that Richard personally promoted, as their choice for ‘the best of’ in Kansas City in 2007, and then Richard himself as their 2008 Activist of the Year for the state of Kansas.

In 2011 Building A Sustainable Earth Community was one of two organizations selected by the Midwest Sociological Society for its annual Social Action Award, given to exceptional grassroots organizations working to further social justice in the Midwest. In January 2012, the Kansas Sierra Club elected him as its first statewide Black Board member. Then, in 2013, the National Sierra Club selected Richard as its 2013 Achiever of the Year.

In 2014, the NAACP branch of Kansas City elected Richard as its president. He ran on an Environmental Literacy ticket. In 2016, he and Margaret May were selected as the man and woman of the year for the EPA Region 7 Environmental Justice Department.

Craig Volland earned a degree in Civil Engineering from Duke University in 1966 and an MBA from University of Chicago in 1968. In 1968, he worked for a large industrial corporation headquartered in Chicago. He transferred to the Kansas City area in 1970 to work with a division that manufactured prefabricated sewage treatment plants and pump stations. He then became an independent consultant in 1982 as Spectrum Technologists, evaluating industrial, environmental processes. Craig gradually phased into providing technical support for civic and local governmental entities concerned about industrial pollution.

 In the late ’80s, Craig advocated for trash recycling and fought municipal trash and medical waste incinerators focusing on emissions of mercury and other toxic heavy metals. He also advocated for stronger air quality regulations in Missouri and Kansas.

In the early ’90s, Craig co-founded the Kansas City Food Circle to advocate for local and regional farming of organically grown produce and free-range animal products. In 1994, Craig moved to the Kansas side of the metro and became active with the Sierra Club, working primarily on issues of air quality, agriculture, energy, and international trade. In 1995, he began providing technical support for western Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska citizens’ groups and local governments concerned about large industrial-scale livestock operations (CAFOs). He also worked with labor unions and others to oppose International Trade Pacts (NAFTA, GATT) that gave global corporations means to overrule national environmental law. 

Craig helped organize residents to stop the construction of the 21st Century Parkway circumferential expressway in Johnson Co. Starting in the early to mid-2000’s, he was part of Sierra Club and other Kansas Enviro groups’ efforts to address the threat from Climate Change by opposing coal fired power plants and promoting wind and solar power  and energy efficiency. In 2003, Craig began advocating for reducing health impacts of the annual burning of the Flint Hills grasslands. 

In 2010, Craig worked with community organizer, Richard Mabion, on a program to distribute high efficiency CFLs, LED lights and simple weatherization means to primarily economically challenged residents in Wyandotte County. 

Craig is certified as a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) and member of the Air and Waste Management Association.

Ruth Rosell is Director of the Buttry Center for Peace and Nonviolence and Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology Emerita at Central Seminary, Shawnee, KS. As Director of the Buttry Center, one of her primary focuses has been raising awareness about climate change and educating people of faith for creation care and climate action. She has been a member of the Climate and Energy Project’s Wind Energy Advisory Group this past year and is currently part of Kansas Interfaith Action’s climate working group.

Atenas Mena is a first generation Mexican American born and raised in Kansas City. Ms. Mena has a Master’s in Nursing Leadership; her extensive environmental health training, on the ground community organizing and advocacy stemmed from a multitude of years of service and opportunities to serve as a community nurse, coordinator, organizer, environmental justice leader, and director.

Atenas is passionate about serving the people of her community, bringing awareness to the health impacts from climate change and environmental pollution/contamination, community empowerment, sustainable solutions and ultimately achieving health equity for a more prosperous future.

Destination Innovation is a catalyst for youth leadership development, encompassing entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and juvenile justice. Their mission is to align boldly-resilient young people with the tools and mindset to move courageously, with purpose and discipline, to activate underserved communities.

DI facilitates pathways for youth to empower themselves with knowledge, mentorships, and innovative problem-solving skills to address the barriers they face and create the kind of community they want to live in.

DI originated as a youth entrepreneurship program, encompassing a summer camp for middle
and high school students and other events throughout the year for youth to develop their entrepreneurial skills and networks. Racial justice is and has always been at the core of DI, with the purpose behind entrepreneurship programs being to create opportunities for BIPOC youth in Wichita to build economic power for themselves and their communities. As a result of this transition, DI has become a hub for young people in Wichita to collaborate across several intersecting racial justice issues that deeply impact Black and Brown Kansans: 1) economic inequities, 2) voter suppression and lack of political representation, and 3) the criminalization and incarceration of BIPOC youth. Likewise, the three programs that operate within this hub
focus strategically on building youth power around entrepreneurship (Camp Destination Innovation), voter engagement and mobilization (Root the Power), and abolishing youth incarceration (Progeny). DI is structured as a hub so the programs can operate with substantial
autonomy, centered around the leadership and the needs of youth and young adults involved in each one.

DI’s Root the Power program seeks to eliminate roadblocks to youth civic leadership and participation by educating, equipping, and connecting young people so they can build the kind of communities that they need to thrive. Root the Power youth also has a strong focus on environmental justice. In Kansas, harnessing youth-led environmental justice initiatives through programs like Root the Power is essential. Empowering young leaders not only cultivates a sense of responsibility towards the environment but also fosters a generation deeply invested in sustainable practices. By engaging Kansas youth in environmental justice, DI not only addresses local environmental challenges but also inspires a wave of positive change that resonates nationally and globally. Through grassroots efforts driven by the energy and passion of youth, Root the Power works to build a more equitable and resilient future for all.

Destination Innovation is also involved in the climate movement as an active Kansas WEALTH State Table member. DI partners with CEP through Energy Navigators to help households with high energy burdens in historically marginalized communities in Sedgwick County lower their energy bills and make their homes safer, healthier, and more affordable.

Wes Jackson is the co-founder and president emeritus of The Land Institute. A 1992 MacArthur Fellow, he is the author and co-author of numerous books, including An Inconvenient Apocalypse: Environmental Collapse, Climate Crisis, and the Fate of Humanity, and Hogs Are Up: Stories of the Land, with Digressions and New Roots for Agriculture. Jackson is widely recognized as a leader of the global movement for more sustainable agriculture. 

He was a Pew Conservation Scholar in 1990 and received the Right Livelihood Award in 2000. Life magazine included him as one of 18 individuals predicted to be among the 100 important Americans of the 20th century. Smithsonian in 2005 had him as one of “35 Who Made a Difference.”

Kay Johnson is an experienced sustainability and environment management professional with a broad background in several business and manufacturing sectors and municipal government. Since 2013, Kay has held the position of Sustainability and Environment Manager for PROSOCO, Inc., a Lawrence, KS building construction product manufacturer. Her role includes not only regulatory affairs and sustainability initiatives but also governmental affairs and community engagement. Kay has been an advocate and participant of Climate and Energy Project initiatives and a member of the Clean Energy Business Council since 2017, when her company installed solar panels on one of its buildings. Other community and professional memberships include City of Lawrence Sustainability Advisory Board, City of Lawrence Land Development Code Update Committee, Douglas County Local Emergency Planning Committee, US Green Building Council (USGBC) Central Plains, ASTM E-60 Sustainability, Lawrence Chamber Government Affairs, and Board Member and Climate/Sustainability Committee Chair of the Lawrence/Douglas County League of Women Voters.

Kay holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Master of Science in Environmental Studies. Her professional certifications include Certified Hazardous Materials Manager and LEED Green Associate. She is an alumna of the Wichita Chamber’s Leadership Wichita and Kansas Chamber’s Leadership Kansas.     

Jay Antle has been the Executive Director of the Johnson County Community College (JCCC) Center for Sustainability since 2009. JCCC was named the 2012 and 2016 Best Two Year College by the United States Green Building Council in their Best of Green Schools Awards and consistently ranks in the top ten of sustainable community colleges in North America. JCCC’s electricity usage is now effectively carbon neutral. 

Jay was the host of the National Community College Sustainability Webinar Series and has presented at numerous sustainability conferences over the years. He is the Chair of the AASHE (Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education) Board of Directors and has been on that board since 2015. He has served as a judge for various sustainability awards from AASHE, Business Intelligence Group, National Wildlife Foundation, American Association of Community Colleges, and the Edison Awards. Antle is a four-time winner of the JCCC Distinguished Service Award. He has also led JCCC faculty/staff trips to learn about the Flint Hills for 19 years. Antle proudly served on the Climate and Energy Project board from 2014 – 2020. He holds a Ph.D. in American Environmental History from the University of Kansas.

Dawn Buehler is the Kansas Riverkeeper and Executive Director with Friends of the Kaw. As the Kansas Riverkeeper, Dawn is a non-governmental public advocate that works to protect and preserve the Kansas River. This is accomplished by holding the community accountable for the river’s health, working to resolve pollution concerns about the river, advocating for the Kansas River and its environs, educating the public, and providing outreach activities to get people involved in the river.

Dawn holds a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife Conservation from Oregon State University and a Bachelor in Business Administration from Baker University. Dawn is the Chair of the Kansas Water Authority and the Governor’s Appointee for the Oil & Gas Advisory Committee. Dawn is also active on the Board of Directors for the Kansas Land Trust and the Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams. 

Rabbi Moti Rieber has served as Executive Director of Kansas Interfaith Action and its predecessor organization, Kansas Interfaith Power & Light, since March of 2011. He is a graduate of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Wyncote, Pennsylvania. A life-long activist on peace, social justice, and environmental issues, Reb Moti brings a variety of pulpit, interfaith, and organizational experiences to the work of Kansas Interfaith Action. Reb Moti and his wife, Suzy, have three adult children and live in Overland Park.

Irene Caudillo is the President and Executive Director of El Centro, Inc. She has dedicated her entire career to serving the educational, health, and cultural needs of her community. After graduating college, Irene spent the beginning of her career developing children and youth programs for nonprofit organizations, including El Centro and Wyandotte Mental Health Association. Irene went on to work with the Kansas City Missouri Health Department as a minority health outreach coordinator before becoming Executive Director for Youth Opportunities Unlimited, Inc., an agency devoted to developing and maintaining collaborative efforts, advocating, and supporting services to improve the quality of life for Wyandotte County youth. In 2004, Caudillo joined Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas as the Director of Family Strengthening, managing their social services for a 21 county area. In 2011, she became the Director of Clinic Operations for Swope Health Services, where she provided operational leadership to their satellite clinics. 

For the last ten years, Caudillo has led the agency where she began her career, serving as President and Chief Executive Officer for El Centro, Inc., overseeing the agency’s day-to-day operations. Caudillo is a member of numerous community boards, including the Wyandotte Health Foundation, Health Forward Foundation, KU Advancement Board, Greater Kansas City United Way, and the University of St. Mary Board of Trustees. She has received numerous honors for her work, including named by City Union Mission’s Women who Changed the Heart of the City award in 2010, the 2015 NFL’s Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award, the 2015 Donnelly College’s Delta Award, the 2016 Legend of Diversity award from the Wyandotte Ethnic Festival Committee, and 2020 Sisters of Charity Vincentian Charism Award. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Irene is married and the proud parent of three young adults.

Beto Lugo Martinez is an environmental justice organizer and the executive director of CleanAirNow in Kansas City. He serves to raise community voices in the fight against environmental racism and to overcome the systemic exclusion of fenceline communities from the decision-making process. His lived experiences growing up at the fenceline combined with the foundational environmental justice work done by CleanAirNow KC are disrupting the status quo. CleanAirNow, which was started by a neighborhood group, works to bring systemic change in industry practices and government policies to protect health, promote justice, and bring attention to the environmental racism and inequitable distribution of environmental pollution and health hazards in overburdened communities. 

Beto organizes community-led, environmental justice policy and contributes to research and other community-engaged initiatives to improve environmental protections and address environmental health inequities. Beto has co-authored multiple academic publications on community-based health research, air pollution, data accessibility, and community engagement. He also participates in multiple national climate and environmental justice coalitions and advisories. In August 2021, Beto was invited to serve on the EPAs Clean Air Act Advisory Committee, to represent a grassroots frontline perspective.

Bill Dorsett began installing solar thermal systems with the Carter administration and with the collapse of that era’s tax credits, switched to passive attached solar greenhouses. With the construction of Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Station, he began installing remote photovoltaic pumping and power supplies. In 2005 he installed one of the first string inverter grid-connected system in Kansas. The advent of micro-inverters opened the field to safe installation to most anyone, so with the help of Manhattan friends, Bill co-founded the Flint Hills Renewable Energy & Efficiency Cooperative (or FHREEC as it’s affectionately referred to). Bill has taught (and will teach) anyone who wants to learn how to install solar panels. He has supervised over 50 installations. Over 700 solar panels are producing electricity because of Bill. These panels will produce electricity for a very long time. Bill is a volunteer who organizes other volunteers. He also works constantly to improve all other aspects of solar power in Kansas. Bill is a long-time supporter of the Climate + Energy Project and an active member of the Clean Energy Business Council.  He is a wealth of knowledge on solar and has been a consistent voice educating and advocating for solar energy in Kansas for decades.

Zack Pistora is the Legislative Director for the Kansas Chapter of the Sierra Club where he strives to provide information and analysis for members, and support to state legislators regarding environmental issues. He represents Sierra Club and other Kansans on issues such as water conservation, hydraulic fracking, energy efficiency, clean energy, and more at the Kansas State Legislature.  He is also an active board member of the Kansas Natural Resources Council and the Kansas Rural Center.  Zack is a long-time friend and supporter of the Climate + Energy Project.  He’s always ready to jump in and lend a hand, whether it be managing the recycling after WEALTH Day or organizing legislative visits.  For at least eight years, Zack has been a reliable partner, volunteer, and friend to CEP.

Mary Adams Treaster served on the board of the Climate + Energy Project for six years, including four as the board treasurer. Prior to her engagement on the board, Mary was a dedicated volunteer for CEP at the Annual State Fair booth for Wind Works for Kansas. Her strong public engagement for renewables included being a member of the original Reno County Wind Energy Task Force. Her commitment to Kansas energy solutions continues on with her recent appointment to the Kansas Citizen’s Utility Ratepayer Board in 2019. Mary’s commitment to CEP has shared her time, talent, and treasure to make CEP stronger.

Jasmin has become a leader in sustainability planning efforts across Northeast Kansas. Most recently, her leadership has guided the Climate Action KC Playbook on issues of health equity and environmental justice, in addition to her role as the Sustainability Coordinator for Douglas County, Kansas. Jasmin is an active change agent for sustainability and social justice with national and local impact. She led the push to source 60% of Douglas County government facilities from wind energy at a reduced cost to the county. She also led the City of Lawrence to commit to 100% renewable energy by 2035. Jasmin has been locally and nationally recognized for her equity efforts, including being named a Kresge Foundation Population Health Scholar and the recipient of a University of Kansas 2020 Sustainability Leadership Award. She is a founding member of the recently formed Douglas County Equity Coalition, which brings together and coordinates equity efforts of institutions such as local governments, universities, school districts, hospitals, and nonprofits. She also currently serves as an Equity Advisor to the Douglas County COVID-19 Recovery Coordination Team.

As a Maize High School teacher, Stanley Bergkamp inspires students to take action on climate issues through the  Maize Solar Initiative. The mission of the Maize Solar Initiative is to raise funds to install systems that convert sunlight into electricity thus saving the district money, reducing carbon emissions, and leaving a legacy for future generations. The Maize Solar Foundation and the See Beyond Campaign successfully developed and implemented a fundraising strategy that raised over $200,000 and secured the financing to install a 720 panel, 200 kW ground mounted solar array at Maize High School in June of 2019. Not only was the campaign successful financially, it also raised awareness among the students, alumni, and businesses of the viability of renewable energy. He served as a role model for students demonstrating that with hard work and a vision, they can make a difference in their world. In the first year of operation ending June 6, 2020, they system saved over $32,000 for the Maize District.

Mary Fund has dedicated her life to sustainable agriculture and rural communities.  A strong presence at the Kansas Rural Center for the last 40 years, Mary has worked bravely and tirelessly to raise issues of environmental concern – from clean energy to clean water, healthy soils to local foods, and so much more. Mary never shies away from bringing up the important, if controversial issues, including most recently highlighting climate change in town halls across the state. Mary is as direct in her opinions as she is curious about what others think, which makes her a valuable partner to all. Mary has elevated rural issues to legislators while simultaneously addressing challenging issues with rural audiences.

Mary’s no-nonsense, common-sense approach has been foundational to conversations about environmental issues for decades.

Kim Bellemere has been a reliable and enthusiastic partner with the Climate + Energy Project for the last eight years, first as a steering committee member for Water + Energy Progress and most recently as a strong WEALTH partner.  In her work as the Director of Outreach at the Grassland Heritage Foundation, Kim speaks passionately about the important role of grasslands and native plants as a climate solution.

Kim’s leadership on climate change among conservationists has lit a spark for change and catalyzed partnerships to address climate issues locally. 

Kim’s nominator explained, “I’ve often felt overwhelmed by the climate change discussion until I started having conversations with Kim and noticed the work that she was doing with the Grassland Heritage Foundation. Small steps lead to big ones, and it’s people like Kim that take the first step so that the rest of us can follow.”

The Merc Co+Op has elevated solar power and electric vehicles as clean energy solutions in a high-profile location. Through a full rooftop array, two solar covered carports and a solar covered patio, the community-owned grocery store installed 688 high performance solar panels to provide 29% of their energy each year, when combined with an electric vehicle charging station and a solar covered pergola the panels will produce enough energy to power 22 homes each year. The Merc’s highly visible location for solar panels and one of the few Electric Vehicle charging stations in Lawrence has strong potential to inspire other businesses to get on board with clean energy. The Merc Co+Op is also working to ease the pressures of food deserts in Kansas by opening a grocery store in Wyandotte county.

Since 2012, the co-op has reduced electricity consumption by 30% through LED lighting and preventative maintenance, in addition to reducing waste, improving access to local foods, and presenting sustainable options for the northeast Kansas community.

The Metro KC Climate Action Coalition has rapidly elevated the issue of climate change in northeast Kansas. Initiated by Lindsey Constance and Mike Kelly, the MKCCAC provides a vehicle for local and state elected officials to take action on climate change.  The coalition brings together diverse local elected officials to use their power to tackle climate change at the local and state level. MKCCAC has organized several events, including the upcoming Metro KC Climate Action Summit in Kansas City on September 14. They are in the process of developing a local action playbook, a climate emissions inventory, and more. This bipartisan coalition has made impressive progress convening elected officials across the state line, leading with conversations about regional climate change solutions.

As a Kansas State University Chemical Engineering and Food Science professor emeritus, leader of the Kansas Natural Resource Council, and organizer of the annual KSU Sustainability Dialog, Larry’s 54 year career reflects a dynamic approach to pressing climate and energy issues; his public outreach and volunteer leadership has had far-reaching impacts across the state for decades. Larry is always willing to lend expertise, insights, and a listening ear to people working for change in Kansas.

Bob Eye stands out as the go-to attorney for environmental and other public interest organizations in and outside the state for any issues related to Kansas. He is a wonderful supporter and advocate for climate and energy issues, and a generous mentor for environmental professionals and students. All Kansans who care about climate, energy, and environmental issues should appreciate what Bob Eye does to make our state a better place.

Elina Alterman’s vision of health equity and civic engagement in Kansas has dramatically expanded and improved CEP’s programming in the past two years. Through her work at KHF, she facilitates nonprofit capacity building and collaboration across organizations and sectors to make progress on challenging issues facing our state and our communities. Elina’s vision has impacted the way nonprofits collaborate and connect in ways that will be felt for years to come.

Project RALLY is a nonprofit in Kansas City, Kansas, working for change in their community by advancingRespect, Accountability, Leadership, Love, and Youth. In the past year, Project RALLY members have has engaged in every opportunity CEP has offered, including our Integrated Voter Engagement and KansasEnvironmental Leadership trainings. The Project RALLY team works in collaboration with the people around them, reaching out to learn more, teaching others how to be better, and always offering to give back to the community.

Scott has been a clean energy champion since his early work with the Kansas Geological Survey in 1999. From his days as a project and technical manager with JW Prairie Wind Power, his management of the Kansas Energy Information Network, to his current work with Cromwell Solar, Scott has been a terrific resource for CEP. He has helped with research and presented at roundtables on both wind and solar. He always takes time to answer questions for CEP’s team.

Gary has been a dedicated, longtime volunteer for the Climate + Energy Project, regularly engaging in legislative advocacy and events, including Wind Works for Kansas, WEALTH Day at the Capitol, and CEP’s Environmental Leadership Summit. Gary’s passion has supported many nonprofits, includingKansasSierra Club, Lutherans Restoring Creation, Jayhawk Audubon, Lawrence, KS, and Kansas Interfaith Action. He always shows up with a smile on his face, eager to help make Kansas a better place

Mark Richardson is easily the volunteer who has been with us the longest and engaged the most!  Mark has been a part of almost every campaign, always showing up with a smile, a positive and steady attitude, and a willingness to work. Mark exemplifies CEP’s common ground approach to elevating renewable energy, working with our neighbors, and finding solutions that work for Kansas. Mark is a long-standing, tireless supporter of our work and our staff, willing to put in the hours as a volunteer, speak up for renewables at the statehouse, and sustain the work as a board member.