Rhyma Castillo
This interview is with Rhyma Castillo, a journalist whose work focuses on the systemic challenges that face underprivileged communities. Rhyma speaks about the path and social concerns that led her into the field of journalism and how she believes in using her platform to speak for those whose voices are suppressed. She details her experience during the polar vortex, describing its impact on communities of color as well as her own mental health, in contrast with its lessened cost to the wealthy and privileged. She closes by speaking against ideas of profit over people and in favor of community engagement.
Grace Carlin
This interview is with Grace Carlin, a San Antonio-based environmentalist. Grace discusses finding her passion for nature through exposure to national parks and educational opportunities. She talks about her work coordinating the Urban Land & Water program with the Green Spaces Alliance of South Texas, describing the impacts and challenges of community gardens. Grace also shares her interest in youth engagement, particularly the value of young people’s contributions and their right to a future with a stable global climate.
Alexia Leclerqc
This interview is with Alexia Leclerqc, an environmental justice activist working with PODER in Austin, TX. Alexia discusses moving around a lot in childhood and struggling with others’ lack of respect for her family’s Taiwanese and Buddhist traditions. They talk about coming into environmental justice work via their education and witnessing injustice and contradiction in the world. She shares about the work she does, such as water testing and meeting with politicians and scientists. Alexia also describes Start:Empowerment, the nonprofit organization they cofounded to get environmental justice curriculum into high schools.