Meet the Team

Adel is the child of Cuban political refugees and a first generation American. She fell in love with forests in the 4th grade when she learned about the interconnectedness of wetlands, water, and ecosystems. Adel builds support for our campaigns by creating compelling content and managing member engagement through data analysis and reporting.

Adam has a passion for organizing people and fighting the corporations whose practices destroy our earth. While attending UNCA, where he graduated with a BS in Environmental Management and Policy, he began his career in activism as an intern for Dogwood Alliance. Since then, Adam has worked with several organizations to fight coal plants, protect our public water systems and build the sharing economy. In his spare time, Adam loves spending time on/in the rivers of Western NC.

Dr. Treva Gear is the founder and chair of the Concerned Citizens of Cook County, a community grassroots organization in Adel, Georgia. She is an Army veteran, an educator, and a community organizer. She believes in being the change that she wants to see in the world and doesn’t mind “getting into good trouble.” Dr. Gear holds a doctorate in Adult and Career Education from Valdosta State University.

Beth Griffin comes to Dogwood Alliance with a background in fundraising for education and conservation non-profits. As a child in Boston, Beth got to the woods by scaling the 6ft fence between her urban neighborhood and the historic and naturalistic Forest Hills Cemetery. Later, Beth enjoyed the woods of New England, Virginia, and the Carolinas as an equestrian and hiker. Now she explores WNC rivers as a kayaker. Beth is delighted and proud to be a part of Dogwood’s unfolding story of environmental and social justice for Southern forests and communities.

Lucia advances justice for conservation, biodiversity, and climate change policy. Her work in Environmental & Wildlife Biology has taken her all over the country and to Africa and Mexico. Lucia holds a Master’s Degree in Leadership Studies with a concentration in Organizational Psychology from the University of San Diego. She has a BS in Wildlife Habitat Management from Arizona State University. Lucia is an avid diver and volunteers with coral reef restoration. She loves hiking, camping, exploring wetlands, live music, and trying new restaurants and breweries with friends and her dog, Bonsai.

The love of the forests has deep roots in Joi’s family, passed down for generations. Walking through the woods as a child was her favorite pastime, finding new trails and exploring the city streams in the Carolina sun. Joi is passionate about social media and advocating for the ecosystems that make this world beautiful. She has over 10 years of social media management and nonprofit experience. Joi identifies as a bit of hippy and a bit like Liberace – the perfect mix between sustainable and glitter. Joi is a vegetarian and finds that catch and release fishing is a peaceful form of meditation a

Balpreet is from Panjab in South Asia. Panjab’s history is an intersection of land & water rights. Of sovereignty, environmental, and economic justice. Balpreet’s work focuses on systemic transformation and behavior change. She asks: What does it take to root out inequities? To create healthy organizations that value people rather than exploit them? Balpreet always centers the needs of people in her work. She’s a developer, builder, facilitator, and researcher. She guides teams towards creative ideas and cohesive team structures and processes.

Michél was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago. He immigrated to the US as a child and is a longtime organizer. He focuses on the intersections of injustice and the compounding issues that affect the most marginalized. He is also focused on centering humanity and empathy in how we do the work. Michél loves creative expressions, cooking, baking, and spending time with loved ones. He graduated with a BA in Political Science from Emmanuel College.

Kadin Love is a dedicated community organizer and activist from Hattiesburg, MS. He’s been organizing for over 10 years. He has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi. Kadin was named a Young Climate Leader of Color and Young Black Climate Leader by the People’s Climate Innovation Center.

Kimala Luna builds and supports the Dogwood Alliance community. She connects people to the Dogwood mission. She runs programs, organizes events, and finds volunteer opportunities. Kimala makes volunteering easy and rewarding. She is committed to helping others protect our forests and communities. In her free time, Kimala loves to roller skate and learn new things.

Katie is passionate about working at the intersection of forest conservation and environmental justice. She holds a BA in English and an MS in Women’s & Gender Studies, with a focus on nonprofit administration. With over a decade of experience in grants management, she is excited to support Dogwood’s vital work protecting Southern forests and communities impacted by environmental degradation. Katie is also a certified group fitness instructor and enthusiastic about supporting her local community.

Sasha’s most carefree memories of childhood are of perching high in trees while growing up in New Jersey. A born organizer, Sasha’s work has included photo archiving, family history and community history and social activism. Sasha is thrilled to join Dogwood Alliance in protecting Southern forests, not only for their use as nature’s playgrounds, but as vital natural habitats. A mom of three sons and foster mom to several little ones, Sasha treasures time spent hand embroidering, sewing and quilting, especially under a shady tree.

Holly fell in love with the woods and land of Western North Carolina when she moved here in 1991 and has never left. She brings to Dogwood nearly twenty years of program, marketing and fundraising leadership with local and national organizations. Besides a degree in writing, Holly also has a wilderness education background and is delighted to be an integral part of Dogwood Alliance’s future. On the weekends she likes to paint, hike and compose music.

Paige Polk (she/they) is a facilitator & programmer based in Durham, North Carolina. Paige is passionate about collective well-being. They inspire us to think and feel as we build the world of our dreams. As Dogwood’s North Carolina State Manager, they work with stakeholders to protect NC forests. Paige’s background blends climate, tech, government, and Emmy-award winning storytelling. They are the founder of the Not Yet well-being library. Paige holds a BA in Anthropology from Rice University and a MA in Media Studies from Pratt Institute.

Stephanie is passionate about movements that take on community and environmental issues. She has 19 years of nonprofit leadership experience. She’s worked at the local, regional, and national level. Stephanie collaborates to build thriving, durable organizations with deep impact. She holds BA in Anthropology and Political Science from the University of Georgia. While at UGA, Stephanie participated in Dogwood Alliance’s Staples Campaign.

Scot has been with Dogwood Alliance since 2000 and has served as a campaign organizer, field director, campaign director and is currently the communications director. In his role he is in charge of story telling, creative, media relations, and PR. He has a dual BA from Drew University in Psychology and Philosophy and has worked previously with the Fund for Public Interest and in music PR for artists such as Buddy Guy and Ani DiFranco.

Amanda (she/her) is a first generation Cuban American. As a child in West Virginia, she saw first-hand the impact of forest destruction. Now, she helps others support Dogwood Alliance’s vital mission and applies her skills to online and web marketing. A poet, essayist, and fiction writer, Amanda is also the filmmaker of Dogwood’s award-winning Stories Happen in Forests documentary. She holds a Masters degree from Queens University of Charlotte and a BA from Antioch College. Amanda has been with Dogwood Alliance since 2010.

Danna is the founder of Dogwood Alliance. For over 25 years, she has been at the forefront of forest protection in the US, leading hard-hitting campaigns and negotiating ground-breaking forest protection commitments from some of the largest companies in the world. She is a leading voice connecting the dots between climate change, forest destruction and social justice and pushing for forest protection in the US at a scale necessary to meet the sustainability challenges of the 21st Century. She holds a law degree from Emory University.

Emily blends her love of beautiful Southern US forests with an enthusiasm for taking on the corporate interests that threaten our communities and our environment in the name of profit. She is a graduate of UNC Asheville, with BA degrees in Political Science and Sociology, and holds a Masters in International Studies and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from NC State. Emily is an avid hiker and traveler and has explored trails in locations ranging from the Appalachians to the Himalayas to the Amazon.

Morgan Alexander is a Masters student at Duke University. She’s studying both Environmental Management and Public Policy. She has a background in atmospheric sciences and geography. She’s adept at policy research, renewable energy strategies, and environmental justice advocacy in the Southern US. Morgan develops climate solutions that center equity and community resilience.

John grew up wandering the woods, climbing trees, and tracking animals. John was an activist in the Civil Rights and Peace movements. There he saw the destructive forces of poverty and racism. He also learned there is tremendous power in joining together to take action. People aren’t powerless to affect major change. He later discovered Dogwood Alliance hosting a booth at a music festival in Atlanta. For many years, John has organized events supporting the work of Dogwood. John is returning to the board. He’s excited to be working with the “brilliant staff and dynamic board.”

Dr. Marvin Burns is a higher education professional. He has more than 20 years of experience working in colleges and universities. Marvin grew up around the Tuskegee National Forest. There he learned to appreciate the world of natural resources. He has also worked for the US Forest Services in Oregon and Montana. He understands the impacts of natural resources on people and communities. Marvin has a BS in Environmental Science from Alabama A&M University. He holds a MS in Agricultural Education from the University of Missouri.

Michael is the Senior Manager of Strategy for the South Carolina Environmental Law Project. He’s spent most of his career as a public interest environmental lawyer. He protects natural resources and communities across South Carolina. He’s been an adjunct professor of environmental law at Furman University. He’s been a board member for Friends of the Reedy River and Trees Upstate. Michael was the Executive Director of Conestee Nature Preserve. He has a degree in engineering from Clemson University.

Aanahita combines science and policy to address the climate crisis. She explores the link between climate change, poverty, and criminal justice. Aanahita hopes to work at the local level. She plans to use her skills to better serve marginalized Southern communities. She has a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma. Aanahita is earning a Masters in Public Policy.

Allen is an environmental scientist. He’s an activist and writer. Allen was a scientist at NRDC for 26 years. He worked on forestry, plastics, and paper industry impacts. He’s also worked on waste management and industrial ecology. He’s been on scientific committees and advisories for many organizations. He lectures throughout the world. Allen received the Distinguished Alumni Townsend Harris Medal.

Joe has managed natural resources for over 30 years. He’s a consultant at EcoGrounds Management Systems. Joe works with green industry organizations. For 18 years, he was a Facilities Management Director at Duke University. He also managed the buildings and grounds at the school’s Marine Laboratory facility. Joe has a Masters in Environmental Management from Duke University

Judy is a nonprofit leader and community builder. She’s devoted much of her career to the well-being of older adults. She promotes the equality, safety, and health of older LGBTQIA+ people. Judy manages multimillion dollar budgets. She’s increased budgets through grants and donations. Judy is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Judy has led and participated in anti-racism work.

Dr. Krystal Martin is a passionate advocate, educator, organizer, and servant leader. She is the founder of KMARTIN Group and cofounder of the Greater Greener Gloster Project. Krystal promotes environmental justice, clean air, and a better quality of life for those impacted by the wood pellet industry. Krystal is a three-time graduate of Jackson State University. She has a life membership with the JSUNAA. She also has a diamond life membership with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is the daughter of Jane Martin.

Rebekah Miel is the founder of Miel Creative, a design and communications studio. Her clients span the ecosystem of ESG. From soil health to community outreach and food systems policy to affordable housing. She has spent 20 years fundraising for nonprofits, movements, and disaster relief. Rebekah enjoys putting together puzzles. She loves hiking through the Smoky Mountains with her partner and 11-year-old twins. Her tattered copy of “50 Simple Things You Can Do to Save the Earth” sits on her office bookshelf.

Jonathan is the Director of the Energy Access Project at Duke University. He’s the Area Director at the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment, & Sustainability. Jonathan works on policy and economic issues. He focuses on rural electrification and grid de-carbonization. He’s volunteered with the Peace Corps in Mongolia. He was on the House Natural Resources Committee. Jonathan has a master’s in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School.

Abi is a conservationist and environmental advocate who worked in the Eastern US and Latin America to establish and manage nature reserves, fight climate change, support healthy communities, and raise awareness about assaults on the environment. She founded an ecotourism business, consulting on projects and programs throughout the world and offering ecotours to sites in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. She serves on the Boards of American Rivers and As You Sow. She is active in funder networks addressing climate change and environmental protection.

Aby is an environmental social researcher. She advocates for just ways to care for public lands, natural areas, and cultural sites. For over 10 years, she’s worked with government agencies in the US and Africa. She creates management plans for important conservation areas. Her plans protect wildlife and support local economies. Her research also focuses on the relationship between race and nature. Aby is also a professor in Parks and Conservation Area Management.

Damie Sesay is an experienced attorney dedicated to serving her community. She serves as Assistant General Counsel at the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. Her vast legal experience has led to several speaking engagements and publications. Damie is passionate about Dogwood’s mission. She has a BA in Psychology from the University of Oklahoma. Her law degree is from American University Washington College of Law. Damie received the Pro Bono Honors Pledge Award for her community service. She is proudest of this honor.

Erica D. Smith is a mechanical engineer. She has extensive leadership experience in academics and public service. She represented North Carolina’s Senate District 3 from 2014-2020. District 3 is comprised of 8 rural counties in Eastern NC. Now Erica serves humanity as a public school educator. There, she’s inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders. Erica is an unwavering champion for the environment. She advocates for taking bold climate action.

Amanda is and experienced campaigner. She’s worked in network building and organizational change. She was the program director for Greenpeace in South America. She also led the global finance team at Rainforest Action Network. She’s pressured the largest US and European banks to address their role in the climate crisis. She challenged them to reduce their financing of destructive fossil fuel extraction. Now she works with the Sunrise Project. She holds a MA in Environmental Policy. Amanda has lectured at Yale, Berkeley, and Leeds Universities.

Reverend Leo has been community organizing since he was 14. He’s the Executive Director of New Alpha Community Development Corporation. Leo supports research on clean energy projects in South Carolina. He created programs for the International Climate Action Network. He worked on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Leo has organized a training for Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project. He’s a co-founder of The Southeast Environmental Justice Network.