By telling the story of Community First Fund’s innovative approach, we highlight the outcomes of their efforts and provide a replicable model and blueprint for others to follow—especially for those with the resources to do this work in the next four years. As the landscape of federal policy and investments continues to evolve, recent gains in support for environmental justice projects are already being threatened. The continued implementation of the federal Thriving Communities programs will undoubtedly face hurdles, necessitating further support and engagement with EJ groups and communities. 

We hope this research report reflects recent achievements and calls on all EJ advocates to keep the momentum going. In this challenging new era, we must ensure that our stories inform and transform the policies and practices that affect our lives and our planet.

At Miltecayotl, the essence of the milpa is more than just a name; it is a guiding principle. This January, we stood alongside farmworkers, the original macehualli of our sacred Mother Earth, to provide support through our Farmworkers’ Food Distribution program. On January 17, 2025, Miltecayotl distributed 191 boxes of food to 793 individuals across 17 different zip codes in Arizona. Each box, whether destined for a family of two or ten, was more than a collection of essentials—it was a testament to the resilience and dignity of the people we serve.

As we transition into a new season and year,  I want to share an important update about my professional journey with the broader Tishman Center community.

I am thrilled to start a new role as the Resource Mobilization Officer at the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), an organization I've known and admired for a long time. My work will focus on resourcing GAIA’s mission to catalyze a global shift toward environmental justice by strengthening grassroots social movements that advance waste and pollution solutions, working across the globe. In this role, I will continue my efforts to move philanthropic resources to be more justice-centered, equitable, and accessible to the broader climate and environmental justice movement. This career shift feels like a natural continuation of my work here, as GAIA’s values deeply align with those of the Tishman Center.