Anyone Can be an Environmentalist
By Sewenet Haile
How I Got Here: Anyone Can Be An Environmentalist
Hi everyone!
My name is Sewenet, I am from Harlem, New York, and this summer I have been working at Mid-Hudson Energy Transition (MHET) as a Development Associate. I am thrilled to be a part of the second cohort of Hazel M. Johnson Fellows – a group of passionate early career environmentalists, who aim to strengthen their communities and uplift those most impacted by the climate crisis. This opportunity has deepened my commitment to environmental justice and allowed me to connect my background with broader efforts to advance equity in the climate space. My interest in climate and environmental justice stems from my personal and professional experiences in New York and abroad.
Growing up in Harlem, the effects of environmental racism were clear as day, but so was the legacy of environmental justice organizers. My childhood home is located across the street from a sewage treatment facility, which for years exacerbated health issues and made it unpleasant to live in. Only through the work of a local Black women lead nonprofit, WeACT, was air quality improved and other benefits for the neighborhood conceded. I learned early on that ordinary people can improve their communities.
After graduating from Barnard College, I had the opportunity to live and work in rural Zimbabwe, for a year, where I experienced energy poverty firsthand. I witnessed how disruptive poor energy infrastructure was to the wellbeing of entire communities. I quickly realized that energy access was central to economic development. I decided that I wanted to work in the energy sector, in order to spur economic growth and wellbeing for vulnerable communities. Solving energy poverty is the key to unlocking sustainable development around the world. So you can imagine my excitement when I stumbled upon the Hazel M. Johnson Fellowship.
I was impressed by the wide range of organizations they partner with and eager to join a community of budding environmental justice leaders. Additionally, as someone coming from an untraditional background – I have a degree in economics and no formal work experience in the environmental sector – this Fellowship provided an amazing opportunity to break into the industry.
As a Development Associate at MHET, I assist with fundraising efforts that support the organization’s mission to empower residents of Kingston, New York to own and share renewable energy and create healthier buildings. MHET is dedicated to ensuring that communities of color and low income communities are not left behind during the energy transition – a mission that closely aligns with my personal values and my career goals. Over the past two weeks, I’ve already learned a lot about renewable energy, community impact investing and development. As the summer progresses, I’m excited to learn more about the energy sector and my home state.
