Ambassador Program
Ambassador Program Cohort 5: 2025-2026
Alexa DeMarse (She/Her)
Alexa is a recent UC San Diego graduate who studied Political Science and Business Economics.
“I am driven by a strong commitment to public service and a desire to inspire others to take action in their communities. Meaningful change begins with a belief that progress is possible, and I am extremely excited to be a part of this motivated group of individuals willing to take on the challenge. The belief and hope that we can build something better motivates me to be in this organizing space, and I look forward to being a positive force in the fight against climate change.”
Arpanjot Dosanjh (She/Her)
Arpanjot is an undergraduate college student based in Fresno who advocates for the issues she believes in and is a voice for underserved communities in the Central Valley.
“As a youth ambassador, I hope to learn more about environmental justice and help in the fight against climate change. I want to educate others about their environment and legislation that affects them. My goal is to be a leader in the community and create positive change. Ultimately, I hope to contribute to making the world a healthier and cleaner place for everyone.”
Daisy Santiago (She/Her)
Daisy is a UC San Diego graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a concentration in Social Inequality, dedicated to advancing environmental justice and policies.
“Growing up in Perris, CA, I witnessed how pollution and a lack of environmental protection impacted the health and daily lives of my community. Seeing these injustices firsthand inspired me to advocate for cleaner, healthier, and more equitable spaces for everyone. Through the California Environmental Voters’ Ambassador program, I aim to deepen my leadership skills so that in the future I can help create meaningful change for communities most impacted by environmental injustice.”
Derek Basil-Porter (He/Him)
Derek Basil-Porter, an African American Brazilian from Chicago, is committed to preserving the environment and uplifting communities through storytelling and place-rooted action.
“Derek Basil-Porter is an ambitious, mission-driven Youth Ambassador representing the Inland Empire Region. He brings research, public speaking, and project management skills from his experiences in grassroots action, philanthropy, and social impact internationally. His motivation to contribute to California Environmental Voters stems from his passion for using political will and advocacy to advance climate solutions that improve people’s lives. Derek is completing his Bachelor of Arts at Pomona College, majoring in Economics and Environmental Analysis. ”
Elizabeth Ramirez (She/Her)
Elizabeth is a student at Clovis Community College studying Environmental Science and president of the Conservation Club on her campus.
“With this program, I am hoping to grow my skills as a leader and further engage in environmental policies to facilitate meaningful change and advocate for conservation and environmental justice.”
Gurleen Toor (She/Her)
Gurleen Toor is currently finishing her undergraduate degree in Sociology at Fresno State University.
“Throughout the pursuit of my sociological education and career, my sole purpose is to help others and to make a difference in this world despite the cause and medium it is done through. Educating local communities about environmental issues and advocating for environmental justice through this organization would help me achieve this. I am excited to learn from my fellow ambassadors as we work together in order to do so.”
Katie Hawley (She/Her)
Katie is finishing her Master’s Degree in Political Science at Chico State University.
“Disaster resilience work in the non-profit and local government sectors has solidified my passion for applying place-based solutions to climate justice issues. Wildfire safety, groundwater issues, and international relations have continued to be at the forefront of my educational and career focus. I look forward to learning from other Ambassadors as we advocate for an equitable future in our respective regions.”
Tatum McLanahan (She/Her)
Tatum is a fourth year Environmental Science major at California State University Chico.
“My studies in ecology, hydrology, energy, and environmental regulations have fueled my passion for connecting science to advocacy. I am motivated to be in the organizing space because it allows people from diverse backgrounds to come together around shared goals. For me, that means helping to inform and inspire youth and communities about climate change and environmental justice and working alongside others who share the same passion to create lasting impact.”
Vanessa Villanueva (She/Her)
Graduated from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa with a BS in Natural Resource and Environmental Management with a specialization in Community and Cultural Resources.
“I grew up in the Inland Empire and center community resilience as the focal point of every project I undertake. I have over a decade of experience in grassroots activism that addresses climate, environmental, and social justice that uplifts communities in the Inland Empire.
As a part of the EnviroVoters Ambassador Program, I look forward to being a part of co-creating the local infrastructure we need for environmental justice organizing in the Inland Empire.”
Zaida Ruby Lagunas (She/Her)
Art Educator and Cultural Worker whose professional and creative practice lies in amplifying the lived experiences of overlooked and underrepresented narratives and using art as a tool for social change.
“I am an educator, photographer, and aspiring curator passionate about how the arts can be used to illuminate unheard voices and narratives through forms of community-based art education and social engagement. I have my B.A in the History of Art and Architecture with a minor in Social Justice studies from UC, Santa Barbara, and completed a year of the Nordic Master in Visual Studies and Art Education (NoVA) program at Aalto University in Helsinki, Finland. My professional interests are centered on three interconnected areas: preserving the narratives of underrepresented voices, applying decolonial frameworks in collaborative research, and developing community-based art programs that empower young people in disadvantaged communities to become agents of change.”
You can make a difference by joining the movement.
Attend an EnviroVoters Ed Fund event to learn more about how you can help.
