Co-Founder & Executive Director, New England Environmental Justice Hub

Rele Abiade has spent over 25 years working across government, philanthropy, and community — including 15 years in the U.S. Senate, where she worked on policy issues and secured federal funding for critical projects. Over the course of her career she has worked closely with community organizations, advocates, industry, philanthropy, and all levels of government to design and manage innovative projects that benefit communities. She founded One Rhode Consulting to continue that work alongside organizations and coalitions ready to build community-driven solutions. She co-founded and leads the New England Environmental Justice Hub, a project of the Grassroots Fund.

EJ Hub Fellow, New England Environmental Justice Hub

Zaniya Trotman works alongside Rele and Aukema to amplify resources and support EJ organizations across the region to advance their projects. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Global Sustainability and Environments at the University of Virginia, with specific interests in environmental justice, Black archivism, and liberation. In her spare time, Zaniya enjoys making music, thrifting, and squirrel-watching.

Hazel M.Johnson Fellow, New England Environmental Justice Hub (Outreach)

Aukema Fuller works alongside Rele and Zaniya to help address community needs and provide resources to organizations across the New England area. As a recent graduate from Spelman College, receiving her B.A. in Comparative Women's Studies with a minor in Food Studies, Aukema is passionate about environmental justice, women’s rights, food justice, travel, the arts, and Avatar the Last Airbender.

Executive Director of the Conservation Capacity Project

Andrea founded and leads the Conservation Capacity Project, which provides free, wraparound support for conservation and environmental justice leaders in this uncertain time. She is also a philanthropic consultant. Previously, she served an eight-year term as a Program Officer at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. There she developed and led the Foundation’s $40-million annual Western Conservation grantmaking strategy, advancing community-driven conservation in the U.S. West with Tribes and nonprofit partners. Before joining Hewlett, Andrea served as national director of strategy at the Western Conservation Foundation, led the media relations team at the National Parks Conservation Association, and worked in consumer marketing and public relations. Today she serves on the boards of several conservation organizations.

Managing Director of Network and Partnership Strategy for the Conservation Capacity Project

Jasmine works alongside Andrea to provide free, wraparound support to conservation and environmental justice leaders through strong networks and values-driven partnerships. Her background spans philanthropy, media, nonprofit leadership, and organizational development, including leadership roles at Love Now Media and the Curve Foundation and a fellowship with the Effective Philanthropy Group at the Hewlett Foundation. Jasmine lives in Newport, RI with her bestie/fiancé, and loves storytelling, summer plans and Cleo Sol. 

Trainer & Senior Facilitator - Habitus

Narissa brings a background in climate policy advocacy and strategic facilitation, with deep expertise in coalition-building, equitable decision-making, and conflict resolution. Prior to Habitus, she worked on renewable energy and climate justice policy at the local and state levels. She holds a B.S. in Natural Resources from the University of Georgia and an M.A. in Climate and Society from Columbia University.

Strategic Planner & Community Engagement Specialist - Habitus

Ayanna is an experienced planner and analytical thinker with expertise in equitable community engagement, facilitation, research, and strategic planning. They hold a B.A. from Howard University and an M.A. in Social Justice Literature from Lehigh University, and are bilingual in English and Spanish.

Senior Equity Expert, Facilitator, Trainer & Coach — Habitus

Diana specializes in equitable community engagement, safe-space facilitation, and creating diverse, inclusive initiatives that amplify the voices of marginalized communities. A Philadelphia native, she studied Communications at LaSalle University and holds certifications in Health and Wellness Coaching and Embodied Social Justice. She is a fluent Spanish speaker with over seven years of nonprofit and direct service experience.

Facilitator & Collaborator — Habitus

Judy has over seven years of experience working for mission-driven organizations in the environmental and economic mobility fields. She designs and delivers workshops and trainings to build cultures of care and belonging, with expertise in conflict resolution, facilitation, and cross-team engagement.