Thank you for joining us and listening to our panelists discuss their experiences as members of the BIPOC community and co-conspirators working in and around the field of conservation.
This event explored how racism and other issues of social injustice are connected to climate injustice and work against the goals of conservation.
Panelists:
Chris Schell
Assistant Professor at University of Washington, Tacoma
Chris Schell is an urban ecologist whose research integrates evolutionary theory with ecological application to disentangle the processes accentuating human-carnivore conflict. Specifically, Chris’ interests lie in understanding the endocrine mechanisms that underpin carnivore behavior, as well as explicitly examining the anthropogenic drivers (i.e. human densities, roadways, pollution, interactions) that select for bold, habituated, and less fearful individuals in metropolitan areas.
Ursula Valdez
Lecturer at University of Washington, Bothell
Ursula is a Lecturer at the University of Washington, Bothell. Her teaching is focused on the theory and application of topics in ecology (tropical and temperate systems), conservation, ornithology, natural history, human connections with the environment and field biology. In her courses, she provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding of the processes and mechanisms that explain the interactions of species with their environments and other species, including the critical role that humans have on them.
Aaron Soto-Karlin
Anthropologist & Filmmaker
Aaron is an anthropologist, filmmaker and innovation consultant who has documented the effects of deforestation on indigenous populations in Mexico, Guatemala, Panama and Brazil. He spent 10 years following the design and roll-out of California’s forest carbon cooperation program with Mexico and Brazil, where he alternated between roles as a researcher, union representative and storyteller. He’s proud to have supported the formation of an international movement to include local and indigenous communities in the management of protected areas and ownership of carbon credit programs. A Fulbright fellowship to examine pharmaceutical bioprospecting in Chiapas sparked his participation in the environmental justice movement.
LaTashia Treise
Senior Program Manager at Seattle Works
LaTashia has over 10 years of experience working with non-profits and individuals of various ages, socio-economic status, and cultural backgrounds. LaTashia grew up in a rural town in Iowa where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from Buena Vista University in Psychology, Human Services, and a minor in sociology. After graduating, she worked at a local youth shelter working with families and teens teaching behavioral health skills. LaTashia also taught Zumba, performed in theater shows, and volunteered in the community including clean up, community events, and mentoring at-risk youth.
Cassie Whitebread
Program Manager at Seattle Works
Cassie is an east coast native with experience working in education and the non-profit sector. She’s channeled her inner Bill Nye (minus the bowtie) as a middle school science teacher in Philadelphia, PA, run a volunteer training program on community composting and taught outdoor environmental education to youth ages 6-15. Cassie holds a B.A. in Human Services with minors in Wildlife Conservation and Urban Education from the University of Delaware and a M.S. in Urban Education from the University of Pennsylvania.
Jasmmine Ramgotra
Founder of Culture Shift & Student at University of Washington
Jasmmine is a performer, choreographer, visual artist, student and social change agent who believes in making change through art. She is the founder of Culture Shift, a group that seeks to make art accessible to everyone and to expand our knowledge through new forms of expression. She is studying Environmental Studies at the University of Washington in order to focus on people, the economy and social justice in addition to environmental science.
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