After an extensive search, we are humbled and excited to introduce Jasmine Sanders as our new Executive Director. Jasmine brings tremendous experience managing strategic initiatives, an outstanding track record in financial management, board development skills, and an impressive academic background in climate science.
Hailing from Louisiana, she grew up witnessing the impact of rising sea levels and underpriced fossil fuels that lead to devastating oil spills. Motivated by her love of science and passion for climate policy, she researched the effects of rising sea temperatures on corals in her graduate studies in the UK. On Capitol Hill, she got deep into the weeds of climate policy, drafting briefs for legislators on the impacts of rising sea temperatures, atmospheric changes and effects of climate change that are rarely talked about, namely health.
In addition to her strong foundation as a climate advocate, Jasmine has the organizational and financial management expertise necessary to lead Our Climate as an organization. Most recently, she managed strategic initiatives and special projects for the Executive Office at HIAS, an $80 million international refugee rights protection agency, operating in 16 different countries with over 900 employees. During her tenure, she initiated and managed an internal JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) committee, analyzed departmental budgets to align with organizational goals, and collaborated with a cross-divisional team to create the Refugee Rights Framework. Her full bio can be accessed on our website. We believe her experience as a leader at the intersections of the climate crisis, whether as a tropical marine biology expert in Southeast Asia or in refugee rights, make her the perfect person to continue and strengthen Our Climate’s legacy of youth leadership development and climate policy advocacy.
As we begin this new partnership, we are grateful she has chosen to be a part of our team and eager to support her leadership as Our Climate’s new Executive Director. We are confident Jasmine’s passion and invaluable professional skill set will cement a strong legacy of youth leaders for the future. Jasmine’s first day is July 1st, but we couldn’t wait to introduce you to her. Please join me in welcoming Jasmine!
Sincerely,
Natalie Popovich
Board President
Our Climate