Episode Summary: In this episode, Michelle Romero, Leekei, Jenn and Kristina delve into Dream.org's mission of building a brighter future, explore lessons from crises and struggles, highlight innovative climate solutions from diverse communities, and discuss strategies for fostering an inclusive green economy.

Topics discussed include:

• dream.org in a nutshell: uniting people from unlikely walks of life and building a world beyond poverty, prison, pollution and polarization.
• the Flint Michigan experience and Michelle’s awakening to the need to adapt climate action and conversations to serve poorer communities
• helping underserved and underinvested communities access funding
• recognizing the magnitude of the problem and acknowledging that there are no quick fixes
• seeing an opportunity to empathize and collaborate through the crisis
• learning environmentalism and climate solutions from different communities
• a success story: how Reginald Parker (CEO of Optimal Technology Corporation) designed the most efficient technological solution to capture energy from the sun
• the launchpad program for Black and LatinX entrepreneurs and innovators
• building an inclusive green economy to help people with a prison record
• what is the future “dream world” Michelle hopes to build for her 9-year-old
• Michelle’s advice for people who want to create change: you don’t necessarily need to quit your job, you can start by using your power and position as a platform to take action

About Michelle Romero:

Michelle Romero is the Chief Strategy Officer of Dream.Org. As a Latinx C-Suite leader, Michelle oversees programs which focus on ending mass incarceration, building an inclusive green economy, diversifying tech, and uniting unlikely allies to create a more equitable future. She’s raised tens of millions of dollars for social causes, billions of dollars in climate funding, advised local governments on effective practices for engaging communities of color in decision-making, and advises corporations on equity in sustainability. She graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz and currently lives in Sacramento, CA.

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Featuring Carbon Almanac Contributors Leekei Tang, Jenn Swanson and Kristina Horning.

Leekei is a fashion business founder, a business coach, an international development expert and podcaster from Paris, France.

From Langley in British Columbia, Canada, Jenn is a Minister, Coach, Writer and Community Connector, helping people help themselves.

Kristina has a background in architecture and engineering. Currently in Prague (that it is where she is originally from) and her base is US

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Since you’ve come this far, please show your Aloha.

Hawaii has suffered a great tragedy. The deadliest wildfires in the last century.

Maui-based Carbon Almanac Contributor Richie Biluan wrote “You are important. Your voice is important. Your aloha is significant. If you are on social media, send someone an encouraging comment who you see is going through this tragedy, or any for that matter. Share critical information with your network. Write. Read. And most importantly - love one another.”

Visit Richie IG to find out how you can help.

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The CarbonSessions Podcast is produced and edited by Leekei Tang, Steve Heatherington and Rob Slater.