Meet The Team: Sonja Neve, Events Associate
Our “Meet the Team” Q&A series continues with Sonja Neve, Events Associate at The New York Climate Exchange. With a background in international communications, environmental advocacy, and community organizing, Sonja brings a deep understanding of how meaningful change happens through connection and collaboration. At The Exchange, she helps bring climate conversations to life through dynamic events and convenings. Whether she’s planning Climate Week NYC programming, spotlighting grassroots sustainability efforts, or biking between Brooklyn’s community gardens, Sonja is deeply committed to building a more climate-resilient future.
What does your role as an Events Associate at The Exchange entail?
I help facilitate the planning and delivery of a wide range of events aimed at engaging the public and key decision-makers on climate-related issues. That includes coordinating Climate Week NYC programming with The Exchange and our partner network, and organizing convenings throughout the year on topics like renewable energy, waterfront sustainability, community health and resilience, and arts and culture. I also support our Communications Director in translating data and science into action.
What’s one thing you’re working on that you’re excited to share? Why is it important?
In partnership with NYCHA Sustainability and the Public Housing Community Fund, The Exchange is supporting this year’s Resident Climate Action Grants program. These grants provide NYCHA resident leaders with funding to implement sustainability projects in their communities. As someone working across events and communications, it’s been exciting to find ways to uplift these efforts. I hope that showcasing the winning projects can inspire more collaboration and action across all five boroughs—and beyond.
What gives you hope about the future of climate action?
Right now, I feel hopeful when I look at local, community-based climate solutions. In Brooklyn, where I live, there are community gardens in nearly every neighborhood. They allow neighbors to grow food together and compost food waste—cutting down on emissions and packaging involved in commercial food production.
Do you have a climate-related book or podcast recommendation?
Reading This Changes Everything by Naomi Klein is what inspired me to join the climate justice movement back in college. More recently, I’ve been reading a lot of speculative fiction that explores our relationship with nature and one another. I really enjoyed Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Dispossessed, which takes place across several planets grappling with environmental degradation and unequal access to natural resources.
What’s one thing you do in your own life to live more sustainably?
I walk, bike, or take mass transit whenever I can. I love the variety of transportation options in New York—with subways, buses, trains, and ferries, it really feels like the journey is the destination.
Of all The Exchange’s partners, which one are you especially excited to work with?
WE ACT’s commitment to environmental justice ensures that climate progress includes and uplifts underserved communities. It’s an honor to partner with an organization that has a long track record of working alongside the people most affected by climate change to build healthier, more resilient neighborhoods.
What’s your favorite thing about Governors Island?
Makina Café—the Eritrean-Ethiopian food truck near Liggett Hall—is one of my favorite spots on the island!
Tell us a fun fact about you!
My very first job was at a bakery, and baking is still a passion of mine. One of my signature recipes is miso chocolate chip cookies, and I’m especially looking forward to baking zucchini bread this summer once zucchini is in season.
