Angelo Villagomez is a senior fellow at American Progress, where he focuses on Indigenous-led conservation. In his blog, he describes how mentoring creates new leaders and how mentors can learn and grow from mentoring relationships.

In part two of this two-part series, we asked environmental leaders what motivates them in 2026 to offer a source of inspiration and the reminder to have courage as we move forward together.

Reflecting on the challenges 2025 presented, finding motivation to sustain equity work and lead on inclusive practices is even more essential than ever. In part one of this two-part series, we asked environmental leaders for their 2026 new year wish to offer a source of inspiration and the reminder to center rest and joy in our work.

Girl Plus Environment is changing the face and future of the environmental justice movement by making it more inclusive, representative, and actionable. Through community-led initiatives, innovative campaigns, and strategic partnerships, the organization is not only raising awareness, they are building power. GPE envision a future where those most impacted by environmental injustice are also those leading the charge toward solutions.

Dionna L. Brown is a public health scholar, sociologist, and environmental justice advocate from Flint, Michigan. In this blog, Dionna discusses the impact mentorship had on her environmental justice movement journey, and how those experiences have driven her passion to ensure she supports and advocates for others in the sector.