))
Episode 25: Ebony Twilley Martin on Environmental Justice and Imagining A Different Future
Manage episode 520119341 series 3656679
In this episode, the EmpowHER gals are thrilled to welcome Ebony Twilley Martin. Ebony is a nationally recognized leader in the environmental movement with over 15 years of experience in corporate and nonprofit leadership. As the former Executive Director of Greenpeace USA, Ebony made history as the first Black woman to lead a major legacy environmental organization, where she championed environmental justice, racial and gender equity, and frontline leadership.
Ebony’s journey into climate justice began when her son developed asthma — a personal reminder that clean air is not guaranteed for every family. In this episode, the ladies discuss Ebony’s journey into environmental activism, the intersectionality of climate issues, and the challenges faced by nonprofits in the current political climate. The ladies delve into the implications of SLAPP lawsuits on advocacy, the importance of diversity in leadership, and the need for imagination in navigating complex social issues. Ebony emphasizes the significance of voting and community engagement as essential tools for driving change in the climate movement.
Here are the key episode takeaways:
- Race remains one of the strongest predictors of pollution exposure, with black and brown children disproportionately affected by environmental harm.
- Intersectionality matters — you can’t talk about the environment without talking about equity, access, and justice.
- A lack of diversity in environmental leadership limits the perspectives and solutions needed for real, lasting change.
- SLAPP lawsuits are being used to silence advocates and drain resources from organizations fighting for accountability.
- Effective leaders balance activism with legal awareness, navigating systems while pushing for transformation.
- Creativity and imagination are essential tools for leaders facing complex, systemic challenges.
- Voting is one of the most powerful acts of climate action — it’s how we shape the policies that shape our planet.
And here is the episode breakdown:
- 00:00 Introduction to Climate Justice and Leadership
- 06:49 Intersectionality in Environmentalism
- 08:18 Challenges in Climate Justice Work
- 11:28 Navigating Donor Relationships
- 15:49 The Impact of SLAPP Lawsuits
- 20:00 Decision-Making in High-Stakes Situations
- 24:53 Balancing Activism and Legal Constraints
- 27:42 Leading with Imagination and Creativity
- 33:55 The Impact of Budget Constraints on Nonprofits
- 37:37 The Importance of Board Diversity
- 38:39 Systemic Bias Against Women of Color in Leadership
- 42:37 The Need for Supportive Networks
- 45:40 Empowering Women Through Coaching
- 48:25 Celebrating Small Victories
- 53:33 The Power of Voting for Change
- 54:34 Trusting Yourself in Leadership Roles
Keep up with the EmpowHER ladies by following them on socials as well as subscribing on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts!
29 episodes
Share
