Bella Muñoz Buford (she/ella) is a first-generation college graduate from the Imperial Valley in Southern California. She is passionate about the impact green spaces have on communities and developing children.

Bonnie Bain has worked in the renewable energy sector, nonprofits, and community organizing. She is currently the Executive Director of Salem Alliance for the Environment (SAFE). Bonnie believes the fight for climate justice cannot be won without fighting for community wealth building, housing justice, language access, workers rights, and co-governance.

Erwin Li (he/him) was born in San Diego, CA, and grew up in a family and community of first-generation Chinese immigrants. He is passionate about solidarity economies for working-class communities of color. He loves to cook, bike, and be part of intentional community.

María Isabel (she/her) was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. María has been involved in opportunities that helped shape her passions: environmental justice, community organizing, and environmental policy in cities. She works with youth at the Trustees of Reservations.

Viana Nascimento immigrated from Latin America in her teens. Her interest in community development work was sparked after observing the experiences of the immigrant community in East Somerville. This inequity inspired Viana to study and work on systemic racism, urban planning, and community development and engagement.

@itsvalindachan

Additional contributor: Lev McCarthy

Special thanks to the entire team behind planning the Weaving New Worlds Conference + Celebration through the Repairing and Empowering Policy and Planning (REPP) Fellowship at Tufts University Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning.

Special shoutout to María Isabel for seeing the importance of making space for stories.

And the North American Indian Center of Boston for hosting the celebration.