Catherine Coleman Flowers is the founder of the Center for Rural Enterprise and Environmental Justice (CREEJ) which seeks the implementation of best practices to address the reduction of health and economic disparities, improve access to clean air, water, and soil in marginalized rural communities by influencing policy, inspiring innovation, catalyzing relevant research, and amplifying the voices of community leaders. This is done within the context of climate change and through the lens of environmental justice.

A member of the Board of Directors for RMI, the Climate Reality Project, and the Natural Resources Defense Council), she is employed as the Rural Development Manager for the Equal Justice Initiative. She also serves as a Senior Fellow for the Center for Earth Ethics at Union Theological Seminary. Her goal is to find solutions to raw sewage that exist in rural communities throughout the United States. Catherine is also an internationally recognized advocate for the human right to water and sanitation and works to make the UN Sustainable Development Agenda accountable to front-line communities. Her journey is chronicled in her book entitled Waste: One Woman’s Fight Against America’s Dirty Secret, which will be published by the New Press this fall. Catherine was recently awarded a 2020 MacArthur Fellowship grant for her work as an Environmental Health Advocate. 

Nick Jiles is a manager for RMI’s Affordable Housing team, working specifically on projects to industrialize and scale net-zero energy retrofits for affordable multifamily buildings. His work includes project management for pilot demonstrations and building electrification policy initiatives. Nick is a thought nomad who spent previous chapters serving labor and Senate leadership, as well as consulting for labor, affordable housing developers, and nonprofits. He holds a Master’s in Environmental Policy and resides in Humboldt County, where he enjoys his pack, the sea, and the sweet science.  

Maggie Super Church is a nationally recognized leader in affordable housing and climate finance with over 25 years of experience. As the Director of Policies and Programs at the Massachusetts Community Climate Bank (MCCB), she leads efforts to decarbonize the building sector while addressing the housing crisis. Known for her strategic approach, Maggie blends expertise in real estate finance, public health, and climate action to create innovative solutions that prioritize low- and moderate-income communities. Her leadership and commitment to community-driven development make her a key voice in sustainable and equitable progress.

April Long is the Program Director for the Western Mountain Regional Housing Coalition, where she leads efforts to address affordable housing challenges in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys. With over 20 years of experience in program management and a strong background in local government collaboration, April is committed to creating sustainable housing solutions for the community. She also serves as the Executive Director of the Ruedi Water and Power Authority.

Gail Schwartz has resided on the Western Slope for over 50 years and begun her career in community/resort planning. She is a former CU Regent, two term Colorado State Senator and former APCHA housing director with an over 40-year background in affordable housing policy and development. Renewable Energy, resource deployment, and rural economic development were significant portions of her legislative portfolio.

Michael Reiner is an Analyst and Policy Advisor within DOE’s Office of Energy Justice & Equity (EJE). His team works across the department to advance energy justice priorities within DOE funding opportunities, strategic planning, and program design. Michael leads the development of a national energy poverty framework and supports other activities focused on equitable grid planning, building decarbonization, and the development of EJE mapping tools. Michael holds a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering & Sustainable Systems