Spring Cohort 2026
At Healthy Gulf, this fellowship program is more than a learning experience. It is a commitment to developing the next generation of leaders rooted in the Gulf South—leaders prepared to take on the environmental and climate challenges facing our communities.
This cohort brought together five talented women, each stepping into the work with their own strengths and perspectives. What made this experience meaningful wasn’t just their individual growth, but how they grew together—learning in real time, supporting one another, and contributing to active campaigns and initiatives.
At its core, this fellowship program reflects Healthy Gulf’s mission—to develop professionals committed to the Gulf South and to create opportunities for students, grassroots leaders, and diverse communities seeking to grow in this work.
Fertilized to Death
Maya Shields and Syna Pal
Maya and Syna’s worked with Healthy Gulf’s Science and Policy Team to create a report on the harms of industrial nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. Focusing specifically on fertilizer manufacturing, they evaluated proposed ammonia production facilities in Louisiana for this purpose, many of which are situated on the Mississippi River. They calculated the expected nitrogen emissions of these facilities into local waterbodies to demonstrate the harm that they will cause and how this pollution has compounding effects on environmental and human health. In addition to the report Syna and Maya worked with a colleague from CIEL to produce a ‘blue’ ammonia factsheet on behalf of Healthy Gulf that will be distributed and utilized for educational and awareness purposes.
Paint & Sip in the Sanctuary
Mahogany Sibley
For 2026, Southwest Louisiana did things differently in celebrating our community and our environment for Earth Month. Conceptualized by Mahogany Sibley, our SWLA Fellow, the idea was to engage and connect with community members through art and ecosystem.
Paint and Sip in the Sanctuary, hosted in The Sanctuary at ALEVAN, was a vibrant, community- centered experience that brought people together through creativity, connection, and purpose. Guests were able to connect and gather in a relaxed, lush and welcoming atmosphere, while enjoying conversation, music, light bites and refreshments.
Beyond painting, Paint and Sip in the Sanctuary fostered meaningful engagement— people connected with one another, supported our mission and work, and contributed to a larger cause through their participation. The energy was lively and positive, making this a successful community-building moment that blended creativity, joy, and impact.
Justice Activity Workbook
Kaya Jones
Kaya’s capstone project focused on developing a water justice activity workbook for elementary-aged students that introduces concepts such as stormwater management, flooding, rain gardens, and green infrastructure through interactive games, observations, and hands-on learning activities. Designed for 4th-grade learners, the workbook encourages youth to become community water stewards by exploring how water moves through their neighborhoods and how nature-based solutions can help create healthier, more resilient communities.
Community Voices Platform
Sanaa Antwine
Sanaa’s capstone project focused on strengthening community engagement and environmental awareness in Plaquemines Parish. Through outreach and education, the project highlighted local challenges such as coastal land loss, flooding, pollution, limited access to resources, and barriers facing youth. The initiative encouraged residents to share their voices, stay informed, and become active participants in creating a healthier, more resilient future for their community under the theme, “Our Community. Our Health. Our Future.”
Healthy Gulf couldn’t be prouder of the Spring 2026 Cohort of Fellows!