Introducing: The California Environmental Voters Ambassador Program

The California Environmental Voters Ambassadors Program identifies, cultivates, and supports young leaders from marginalized communities in the Central Valley. The goal is for this cohort of young climate champions to build power to effect change on key issues like clean air, clean water, and climate resiliency, with a focus on racial justice, equity, and a green and just economic recovery.

Meet our 3 EnviroVoters Ambassadors:

Emmanuel Agraz-Torres

Location: Dinuba, Tulare County

Background: Emmanuel, who is pursuing sociology major at Fresno State, previously volunteered with Faith in the Valley as part of the university’s service-learning program, where he phone-banked to inform the local community on impactful propositions.

What inspired you to get involved? I believe in the power of community; however, there is no “community” without “unity.” Therefore, I believe that the Ambassador program is well equipped to help the Ambassadors unite the diverse Central Valley in demanding equitable climate action.

What are you hoping to get out of the program? The skills and guidance necessary to enact change in our communities. I view the outcome of this program to be my first step in serving my community.

What are your goals? Have the Ambassador program fuel my passion for community service, climate justice, and social equity, and in turn use this momentum to advocate for equitable solutions for social issues. After my time with EnviroVoters, I plan to apply to graduate programs that will empower my passion for community engagement.

What are the most pressing issues in your community? The lack of unity. However, I am faithful that the Ambassador program and my fellow Ambassadors are capable of uniting community members in demanding equitable climate action.

Savannah James

Location: Bakersfield

Background: Savannah has been organizing since 2020, beginning with her work on Prop F for the Children’s Council in San Francisco. 

What inspired you to get involved? My love for the people.

What are you hoping to get out of the program? A deeper understanding of my community and how environmental issues affect communities of color.

What are your goals? Mobilize and help communities of color.

What are the most pressing issues in your community? Civil rights and environmental justice.

Rubena Kahlon

Location: Fresno/Madera

Background: Rubena is pursuing a B.S. degree in biology while working at her family business in the Central Valley.

What inspired you to get involved? Witnessing the government’s lack of urgency with their action towards climate change encouraged me to seek out how I could aid in evoking this sense of urgency from the public.

What are you hoping to get out of the program? I hope to gain the knowledge and experience to become a more effective leader in my community and learn how to reaffirm the power of the public.

What are your goals? Use my experience to advocate for climate justice in the Central Valley and shed light on how climate change is impacting different members of our communities more severely.

What are the most pressing issues in your community? I see air pollution as one of the most severe issues in California. Addressing how this impacts our communities is essential to improving the quality of life and health of the people.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL VOTERS EDUCATION FUND 

California Environmental Voters (EnviroVoters) Education Fund, formerly the California League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, believes the climate crisis is here and this moment requires transformative change. EnviroVoters Ed Fund fights for equity and justice for all Californians, from voting rights to clean air and water. We work together to make government, policy, and voting accessible by conducting public opinion research, shaping the public narrative, organizing with allies and local communities, and educating legislators on pressing environmental issues. We won’t stop until we have resilient, healthy, thriving communities, and a democracy and economy that is just and sustainable for all. Join us at www.EnviroVotersEdFund.org and on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram