On Thursday, October 23rd, Climate HQ hosted our first annual Celebration of Student Climate Leadership, highlighting the incredible efforts and accomplishments of our students, alumni, and community partners who are shaping the future of climate justice.
Held at the Cesar Chavez, University Club, the evening was filled with energy and inspiration — a full house of students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community leaders coming together to celebrate collective impact and a shared commitment to a just and sustainable world.
The event was emceed by SFSU alum Carolyn McArdle, co-host of The Morning Breeze on 98.1 and announcer for the San Francisco Giants. Carolyn brought humor, authenticity, and a deep connection to SF State’s spirit of leadership and service.
Guests enjoyed a delicious, locally sourced menu from Plant-Based MoJo, a Filipina-owned catering company led by Monica Justine De Vera and her team. Their commitment to sustainable, plant-based food complemented the event’s values of climate action and community care.
Climate HQ Co-Directors Kai Burrus, Aritree Samanta, and Autumn Thoyre reflected on the year’s achievements, the growth of Climate HQ’s programs, and their shared vision for transforming climate education across disciplines.
They spoke about the urgency that inspired Climate HQ’s creation — how students from the communities most impacted by climate change wanted to be part of the solution but didn’t know where to begin. Climate HQ was built in direct response to those voices. It provides students with the tools, community, and paid pathways to become the climate leaders California needs.
The Co-Directors described how Climate HQ has redefined what climate education looks like at a public university:
- SF State is now the first major public university in the nation to require climate justice coursework for all students.
- The Certificate in Climate Change gives students from every major the expertise to apply climate solutions in any career field.
- The Climate Action Fellowship and Internship Program create paid opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience with research, communication, and community organizing.
- And the PK–12 Climate Justice Education Graduate Certificate prepares current teachers to bring climate justice into classrooms across California — ensuring the next generation learns about climate change through the lens of equity and hope.
Learn more about the PK–12 Climate Justice Education Graduate Certificate
They reminded the audience that Climate HQ’s mission goes beyond climate science — it’s about equity, community, and systemic change. Every student, regardless of major, has a role to play in solving the climate crisis.
Our first alumni speaker, Nopal Reyes, embodied what we mean when we say Climate HQ students are the frontline communities.
Nopal graduated from SF State with a B.S. in Environmental Studies and the Climate Change Certificate, gaining expertise in equitable climate solutions. They came to Climate HQ with lived experience from a community most impacted by climate change — and Climate HQ gave them the tools and platform to transform that experience into expertise.
Today, Nopal serves as Program Manager for Climate Change Community Engagement at the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, bringing climate solutions directly to the communities that need them most. This is the ripple effect in action — a perfect example of why investing in Climate HQ students produces better climate solutions.
We enjoyed a musical performance from graduate student and Climate Action Fellow Michael Morales. Michael crafts upcycled instruments from discarded materials, transforming waste into tools for both music and meaning. Through his art, he’s building community, sparking conversation, and making climate change feel urgent and personal in ways that data alone never could.
Michael’s work exemplifies Climate HQ’s interdisciplinary approach — proving that climate action requires all hands on deck, from the arts and humanities to the sciences and business.
The program also featured a highlight reel from SF State’s PK–12 Climate Justice Education Graduate Certificate — the first of its kind at a major public university.
Unlike traditional climate education programs, this certificate centers climate justice. Teachers from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade work collaboratively to transform how California’s next generation learns about the climate crisis, using what they call a “pedagogy of hope” — grounding climate education in students’ and teachers’ own communities.
This graduate certificate empowers teachers to become leaders in their schools and districts, creating a multiplier effect as each teacher reaches hundreds of students throughout their career.
We were thrilled to welcome Hannah Lee (B.A. Broadcast & Electronic Communication Arts, ’20), Emmy® Award-winning co-director, co-writer, and producer of NorCal Public Media’s Climate California as our Keynote Speaker
Hannah’s journey from SF State student to climate storyteller shows how education and mentorship transform lives. During her time at SF State, Hannah found guidance from Professor Erica Pulley, who saw her potential and connected her to opportunities that launched her career and is a core Climate HQ leader.
Today, Hannah collaborates with Climate HQ on events that engage hundreds of students in climate education and storytelling, proving that “all jobs are climate jobs.” Her work exemplifies how SF State alumni are shaping climate narratives and solutions across California and beyond.
We proudly recognized four outstanding people whose leadership and vision exemplify Climate HQ’s mission to advance climate justice.
Graduate Student Award: Jessica Agnos
Jessica received her master’s degree in Astrophysics and helped launch the very first Earth Week at SF State, now Climate HQ’s flagship campaign for connecting students to the world of climate justice.
Jessica used her background in astronomy to bring science into the climate justice movement, organizing outreach events with students from Starr King Elementary, where she now serves as a Community Schools Coordinator. Her vision, energy, and dedication to equity helped shape the direction of Climate HQ.
“Jessica reminds us that science and justice are not separate — they are both essential to understanding and protecting our world.”
Undergraduate Student Award: Angela Tafur
Angela, an undergraduate Geography major, served as Climate HQ’s Earth Week 2025 Events Coordinator. In this role, she helped create new environmental and climate justice–themed events for the campus community, expanding student participation and visibility.
Angela is also the President of the Sierra Nevada Alliance of Gators (SNAG), a student club at SF State that builds community around sustainability and environmental leadership.
Her work has been instrumental in connecting more students to Climate HQ’s initiatives and opportunities.
“Angela shows us what student-powered leadership looks like — creative, collaborative, and full of heart.”
Community Partnership Award: Adriana Gallardo
Adriana serves as SFSU’s Associated Students Senior Director of Education & Equity, overseeing the Environmental Resource Center (ERC) — a student-run program and long-time partner of Climate HQ.
For the past three years, Adriana has played a pivotal role in co-producing climate justice–themed events with ERC student leaders each semester. Her mentorship, institutional knowledge, and collaborative spirit have been vital to Climate HQ’s success.
“Adriana has been a connector, mentor, and true partner — helping Climate HQ grow into a thriving campus community.”
Founder’s Award: Neda Nobari
The evening concluded with an award for and heartfelt remarks from Neda Nobari, Climate HQ’s founding donor. Neda is an SF State alumna, entrepreneur, and philanthropist whose vision made Climate HQ possible.
She charged the team with three guiding principles: make it transformative, make it interdisciplinary, and ground it in social justice. And then — she trusted the process. That trust changed everything.
Neda’s founding gift built the foundation for Climate HQ’s success and inspired a growing community of donors and supporters who continue to invest in our students and mission.
“Neda’s vision turned an idea into a movement — one that empowers students to lead with purpose, equity, and hope.”
It was an amazing and impactful night filled with joy, gratitude, and hope. Climate HQ is proud to be cultivating a new generation of educators, advocates, and leaders committed to climate justice in every field.
Donate to Climate HQ and support the work we’re doing to shape the next generation of climate justice leaders.
Special thanks to our partners and supporters:
The Rotary Club, SF Environment, Associated Students, Plant-Based MoJo, The Terraces Winery (Rutherford, CA), SF State University Alumni Relations, and our friends and family.
