Climate Story Project

Launching at Climate Week 2025, The Exchange is proud to present the Climate Story Project — a powerful new initiative supported by the Wellcome Trust to elevate, record, and share diverse narratives of climate change. 

We begin with a special series exploring the critical connection between human health and climate, bringing personal stories to the forefront to inspire awareness and action. 

For our first series, we will be highlighting stories from individuals working at community organizations in our partner network. These include stories of resilience, adaptation, and creativity in the face of the climate crisis from leaders representing organizations like WE ACT, the Harbor School, Solar One, and Billion Oyster Project.  

This is just the start. The Climate Story Project will evolve into a growing digital archive of voices, complemented by live events, virtual workshops, and ongoing storytelling efforts rooted in community, science, and creativity. 

Meet our Ambassadors

  • Isabel Avina

    They/Them

    Youth Leadership Development Program Manager, Solar One

    Read their bio

  • Elizabeth Blaney

    She/Her

    Member, Sourtheast Queens Residents Environmental Justice Coalition (SQREJC)

    Read her bio

  • Brigitte Charlton-Vicenty

    She/Her

    Founder, Inner City Green Team

    Read her bio

  • Helen Chirigos

    She/Her

    Seasonal Fabrication Technician, Billion Oyster Project

    Read her bio

  • Aracelia Cook

    She/Her

    President, 149th South Ozone Park Civic Association

    Read her bio

  • Daniel Cumming

    He/Him

    Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Melting Metropolis, Queens College, CUNY

    Read his bio

  • Devante Haynes

    He/Him

    Service Coordinator, Green City Force

    Read his bio

  • Ciara Lugo

    She/Her

    Climate Ambassador, Good Old Lower East Side

    Read her bio

  • Robert Markuske

    He/Him

    Sustainability Coordinator and Marine Affairs Insturctor and FFA Advisor, New York Harbor School

    Read his bio

  • Mahiat Noor (May)

    She/They

    Youth Climate Journalist & Editorial Intern, Solar One

    Read their bio

  • Dillon Pierre

    He/Him

    Student, New York Harbor School

    Read his bio

  • Carlos Rigau

    He/Him

    Artist-in-Residence, LMCC

    Read his bio

  • Caleb Smith

    They/Them

    Resiliency Coordinator, We ACT for Environmental Justice

    Read their bio

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