Hope Into Action: Young voices for environmental justice, health & community resilience

Hear from young leaders who are advocating for healthier communities and a healthier environment while empowering others to take action. In this inspiring conversation with Jazmyn Vent, Paniinuar Aishah Yamani, Charitie Ropati and Jayden Alampe, learn how they are creating meaningful change, overcoming challenges, and inspiring the next generation of environmental and community leaders.

Featured Speakers

"Waqaa, yagheli, cama-i! Wiinga Paniinguar. Naluagmiutun atiga Aishah Yamani. Kuigilnguq & Tochak-miugurut. Dgheyay Kaq'-miugurunga. My name is Aishah Yamani. I am an Afro-Yup'ik, Dichinanek' Hwa'tana Korean from Anchorage, Alaska. My amaus are Emma Isaac from Kwigillingok and Jack Stewart Sr from McGrath. I'm a student at UAA and an intern at Kawerak's marine program this summer. In my spare time, I enjoy listening to Arabic pop and Balkan music. I'm passionate about international and intersectional Arctic advocacy and traditional cultural dances."

Charitie Ropati (Yup'ik & Samoan) is an Indigenous climate justice advocate, and Water Engineer. She has worked on building pipe infrastructure and water infrastructure for rural Alaska Native communities. She is originally from the Native Village of Kongiganak Alaska, a small coastal community in the Southwest region of Alaska and Anchorage, Alaska. Charitie is a recent graduate from the School of Engineering at Columbia University and holds a bachelors of science in Civil Engineering on the Water Resources track, and concentrations in Earth and Environmental Engineering & Anthropology. She was awarded Champion for Change by the Center for Native American Youth for her work in education & climate, has been recognized by the World Wildlife Fund as a Conservation Leadership Awardee, and received a Humanitarian Award from the Muhammad Ali Center. She continues to fight for Indigenous human rights, advocating for the protection of land, water, and sovereignty. She is the North America Regional Facilitator for the Youth Climate Justice Fund, and is part of the United Nations Women's Leader Initiative.