Environmentalists of Color Collective
University of California - Los Angeles
About Environmentalists of Color Collective
Based at the University of California - Los Angeles, the Environmentalists of Color Collective is a healing space and community organization founded in 2017 by Valeree Catangay and Emma Finn. Born from a desire to engage the UCLA campus community in climate change issues while reaching beyond traditional sustainability circles, the Collective has grown into a vital platform for BIPOC environmentalists in Los Angeles, CA.
The organization was created specifically by and for environmentalists of color to challenge the white-dominated conventions of the contemporary environmental justice movement. At its heart, ECC operates as a family-centered community where members prioritize accessibility, collective healing, and mutual support. The Collective recognizes that environmental justice is inseparable from broader social equity issues, working intentionally to connect intersections of race, class, gender, ability, nationality, and other identities.
What distinguishes the Environmentalists of Color Collective is its commitment to amplifying marginalized voices within the environmental movement. Rather than simply discussing issues, the organization actively co-creates solutions—developing toolkits for other environmental groups, hosting speaking engagements with local advocates, and facilitating spaces where students of color can rethink approaches to environmental challenges. The organization's vision extends beyond UCLA to foster inclusion and equity throughout the environmental justice movement.
With current leadership from Environmental Science majors passionate about conservation, environmental policy, urban planning, and community organizing, the Collective continues its tradition of meaningful engagement. Through weekly meetings, the Climate Justice Forum, and ongoing community partnerships, the Environmentalists of Color Collective serves as a powerful example of how student organizations in Los Angeles can drive systemic change while building beloved community among those most committed to environmental justice.