Mahogany. Maya. Kaya. Syna. Sanaa.
What started as a simple cohort of fellows quickly became something more—built on connection, growth, and shared purpose. It wasn’t planned, but their names seemed to align in a way that reflected what this fellowship was creating from the very beginning.
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.
From early on, fellows were engaged directly in the work. Syna and Maya worked closely with our Senior Policy Advisor and our Science team, helping to bridge organizing, policy, and research. By attending meetings, offering input, and developing reports, they gained firsthand experience in how science and policy intersect with community-driven work. Their Capstone project culminated in the Fertilized the Death Report on industrial pollution in the Mississippi River.
Kaya has been working alongside me on the climate justice campaign, stepping into the work early with intention. One of those moments included attending the Blacks in Marine Science event aboard the Creole Queen Paddlewheeler, where she was able to engage, connect, and experience the work in action. She also supported the Youth Envision Project as a point person, helping bring environmental and green infrastructure education to fifth through eighth grade students in New Orleans East. As part of her Capstone, Kaya is developing a toolkit to deliver climate and environmental education in ways students can truly understand and connect with.
Mahogany has been working with our Southwest Organizer, Breon, in Lake Charles, building a strong working relationship and bringing bright energy into the organization. She has been shining through her creative communication skills, actively engaging with issues in Lake Charles and grounding her work in her lived experience—bringing authenticity and depth to the work. Mahogany was intrumental in conceptualizing and implementing the Lake Charles Earth Day event.
Sanaa has been working with Gregory on a Southeast Louisiana campaign, consistently showing up by attending meetings, supporting events, and contributing to organizing efforts. Her Capstone project focuses on addressing the impacts of the petrochemical industry and advancing community-centered solutions.
The fellows also played an important role in supporting Earth Day events across the region. Over the past few weeks, they showed up to assist with outreach, coordination, and community engagement—helping ensure these events were successful and impactful. Their presence and contributions during Earth Day reflected their growth in the program and their commitment to the work.
Beyond the work, some of the most meaningful moments came from simply being together. During a recent staff meeting in New Orleans at the NOPSI Hotel, we had the opportunity to connect in person—building relationships beyond virtual meetings. We shared conversations, laughter, and reflection.
And somewhere in the middle of it all, they fell in love with the Rice’s Whale
So much so—well, that’s a story I’ll leave for them to tell.
Moments like these remind us that leadership isn’t just built through assignments—it’s built through connection, trust, and shared experience.
This cohort has moved quickly, and as it comes to a close at the end of May, we are already stepping into the next chapter with our summer fellowship. We are thinking intentionally about the next group of bright minds we will bring into this work, continuing to create opportunities for leadership, growth, and impact.
We are also expanding our partnerships, including working with Black Girl Environmentalists through the Hazel M. Johnson Foundation Fellowship, where we will welcome an additional fellow into the program. We are excited to be part of this process and to continue building pathways for emerging leaders.
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.
Because this isn’t just about one cohort.
It’s about building future leaders protecting the people and the land of the Gulf Coast.