We envision a world where storytelling unites communities to foster climate action and collective resilience.

Intersectional Environmentalist is a 501c3 nonprofit eco-media organization on a mission to deepen environmental awareness and inspire climate action through the power of art, education, and storytelling.

We produce resources, programs, and creative opportunities that connect all people to the climate justice movement and support grassroots environmental solutions. Through dynamic educational resources and an inclusive, engaged online community, we aim to create a space where everyone’s experiences and contributions to climate solutions are valued and celebrated.

We believe the future is intersectional.

Silhouette icons of a person's head, a sunburst shape, a rainbow, a butterfly, and a raised fist.
  • IE focuses on amplifying diverse perspectives and showcasing underrepresented stories in the environmental movement. We believe in the transformative potential of stories to broaden perspectives, inspire action, and serve as a unifying force.

    Our work is rooted in intersectional environmentalism, an inclusive approach to environmentalism that advocates for the protection of both people and the planet. Through this framework, we believe social and environmental justice are intertwined and environmental advocacy that disregards this connection is harmful to communities and unjustly incomplete.

    Intersectional environmentalism incorporates intersectional theory, created by Kimberlé Crenshaw, and is inspired by The 17 principles of environmental justice.

    The term ‘Intersectional environmentalism’ was coined by our founder Leah Thomas in 2020 with the intersectional environmentalist pledge that reached over 1 million people. This pledge led to the creation of Intersectional Environmentalist as an organization.

  • We partner with a diverse community of brands, educators, students, artists, grassroots organizations, individuals, and businesses to foster a collective commitment to advancing environmental justice through awareness, creativity, and action.

    We engage in mission-aligned collaborations with:

    • Brands to align their values with intersectional environmentalism and co-create authentic community stories.

    • Learning institutions to support the integration of environmental justice into curricula.

    • Artists who blend art with activism to amplify creative expression and impact.

    • Frontline communities leading climate solutions through grassroots collaboration.

    • Everyday environmentalists to highlight and celebrate their connection and contributions.

    • Businesses by equipping teams with tools for ongoing intersectional environmental learning.

    For partnership inquiries, reach out to air@isxenvironmentalist.com.

  • From day one, Intersectional Environmentalist has been fueled by community. Whether launching viral campaigns or shifting environmental narratives through storytelling, our deepest impact has always come from people like you showing up to keep the work alive.

    When you become part of the IE Impact Collective on Substack, you're not just supporting a platform — you're helping bring the next community-rooted story to life. Your membership funds BIPOC creators, sustains fair pay for contributors, and keeps our eco-media free and accessible to all.

    As a member, you’ll receive exclusive sneak peeks, discounts, surprise merch, and more — all while playing a meaningful role in building a just and joyful future for people and planet.

    Become a Member Today

  • For press + general inquiries: hello@isxenvironmentalist.com
    For partnerships + grants: air@isxenvironmentalist.com

  • Through imagination, deeper understanding, and inspiring solutions, we help people explore how art, education, and storytelling can shape just and joyful futures for all. From classrooms to conferences, our talks and workshops are crafted to meet people where they are and spark meaningful change.

    Explore Speaking Engagements →

Our Values

Our work, actions and commitment to intersectionality are guided by the following values rooted in the cultural and historical wisdom of our ancestors.

  • Joy is resistance and hope is never lost when we replace cynicism with radical optimism and creativity. We believe in the power of storytelling, possibility and imagination to change our world for the better, shift social systems and actualize a more diverse and equitable future for environmentalism and the world.

  • We are relentless in our pursuit of a better and safer future for all people and amplifying the voices of the historically marginalized — especially those most impacted by the climate crisis. We understand the transformational effort required to enact long-lasting change and do not back down from our mission, purpose and integrity when we encounter adversity or challenges.

  • Knowledge is critical when we all have a responsibility to understand our role in the protection of people and planet. We provide information that is culturally competent and that highlights voices that have been historically excluded and suppressed from traditional education. We see community as a way to engage in learning, preserving and uplifting the intersecting realities that exist in environmentalism.

  • Every human is valuable and has the right to live healthy and full lives that are free from harm or limitation. We are committed to the communal work of creating and maintaining a fair and equal world and ensuring vulnerable groups are prioritized and protected in the process of world-building.

  • We believe in the power of the arts to move people, systems and perspectives in a way that brings about real social change. We lean on the cultural wisdom of our ancestors to apply an imaginative lens to change with the goal of sparking learning experiences and connections that are emotionally resonant, grounded in creative expression and focused on generating measurable shifts in power.

Meet The Team

  • Airrion Copeland

    Airrion Copeland

    Executive Director

    Bio
  • A woman with long dark hair taking a selfie outdoors in a lush, green, hilly landscape.

    Diandra Marizet

    Co-Founder + Director of Impact

    Bio
  • A young woman with wavy brown hair, wearing black glasses and gold jewelry, sitting in front of a beige wall and window, looking to the side with a relaxed expression.

    Sabs Katz

    Co-Founder + Program Manager

    Bio
  • A woman with glasses and braids leaning on a white railing outdoors, surrounded by green foliage and sunlight.

    Arielle King

    Podcast Host

    Bio
  • A man with curly, voluminous hair and a beard sitting in an office chair, wearing a white shirt, looking at the camera.

    Kayin Malcolm

    Podcast Audio Engineer

    Bio
  • Young man with shoulder-length wavy hair smiling, wearing a navy blue jacket with a patch and a light blue button-up shirt, standing against a plain light background.

    Lorenzo Jimenez

    Graphic Designer

    Bio
  • Young woman with long braided hair sitting outdoors in a grassy area, wearing a light-colored dress.

    Leah Thomas

    Founder + Board Member

    Bio
  • Smiling woman with a blue headwrap, wearing earrings and a patterned top, resting her forehead on her hand.

    Sharmon Lebby

    Board President

    Bio
  • A young woman with dark hair styled back, wearing an off-the-shoulder dress with a multicolored geometric pattern, standing outdoors with green foliage and trees in the background.

    Kiana Kazemi

    Co-Founder + Board Member

    Bio
  • A young woman with dark hair and hoop earrings, wearing a patterned top, stands outdoors with blurred natural background.

    Charitie Ropati

    Board Member

    Bio
  • A woman with long dark hair wearing a navy blue top, smiling slightly, against a plain white background.

    Julie Mai

    Board Member

    Bio
  • A young woman with dark, curly hair smiling outdoors. She has a nose piercing, wearing hoop earrings, a necklace, and a black top or blazer.

    Zoë Temple

    Board Member

    Bio
  • Headshot of a young man with short curly black hair, smiling, wearing a white collared shirt and a dark brown sweater, against a plain gray background.

    Zanagee Artis

    Board Member

    Bio
  • A young woman with long dark hair, smiling with arms crossed, wearing a black top against a gray background.

    Maya Siegel

    Board Member

    Bio
  • A smiling woman with glasses and wavy hair, wearing a red top with lace and a gold necklace against a neutral background.

    Ming Liu

    Board Member

    Bio