Leah Thomas, Founder of Intersectional Environmentalist & Author of The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle Systems of Oppression to Protect People + Planet

Leah Thomas is a celebrated environmentalist based in Santa Barbara, CA. Coining the term 'eco-communicator' to describe her style of environmental activism, Leah uses her passion for writing and creativity to explore and advocate for the critical yet often overlooked relationship between social justice and environmentalism. With this intersection in mind, Leah founded and launched Intersectional Environmentalist in 2020, a resource hub and platform that aims to advocate for environmental justice, provide educational resources surrounding intersectional environmentalism, and promote inclusivity and accessibility within environmental education and movements.

Leah, who is also the founder of eco-lifestyle blog @greengirlleah, uses her multiple years of eco-focused educational and work experience to inform her ever-expanding list of projects, as well as her audience of more than 400k followers across channels. A graduate of Chapman University with a B.S. in Environmental Science & Policy and a cluster in Comparative World Religions, Leah has interned twice with the National Park Service and has worked at leading green companies, including eco-friendly soap company Ecos and most recently, Patagonia. A fundamental optimist and opportunity-maker, Leah used her time after being furloughed during the pandemic to create Intersectional Environmentalist.

Leah is the author of The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle Systems of Oppression to Protect People + Planet, and her writing has also appeared in a variety of publications, including Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire and Highsnobiety. She has been featured in Harper's Bazaar, W Magazine, Domino, GOOP, and numerous podcasts.

In This Episode:

• Leah shares her origins story.
• How Leah found intersectional environmentalism through her connection to the land, farming, and her ancestral roots.
• She defines intersectional environmentalism and also speaks about lateral oppression.
• Leah shares how she's able to share about the intersections of environmentalism and meet people where they are.
• Leah shares her views on why Indigenous and POC are not included in environmental education and why Leah is excited about the future.
• The importance of local policy and climate reparations.
• The importance of finding joy when working in social justice.

Full Show Notes:

• Green Girl Leah Website
• Green Girl Leah's Instagram
• Twitter: @Leahtommi
• Leah's book The Intersectional Environmentalist
• Intersectional Environmentalist Website
• Laura Chung Instagram
• Brittany Simone Anderson's Instagram
• The Werk Podcast Instagram
• The Werk Podcast Website
• YouTube Channel

Connect with The Werk:

• If you enjoyed the podcast and you feel called, please share it, and tag us!
• Subscribe, rate, and review the show wherever you get your podcasts. Your rating and review help more people discover it!
• Follow on Instagram @thewerkpodcast
• Let us know your favorite guests, lessons, or any topic requests.