Nyalat Biliew – Sierra Club Maine's Grassroots Climate Action Organizer, a member of the Portland Board of Public Education and a Deering High School alum – was nominated in September for the Congressional Black Caucus’ Young, Gifted & Green 40 Under 40 Award. This honor recognizes environmental justice leaders under 40 from across the U.S. – including Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and other non-white individuals. These leaders come from various fields such as education, arts, policy, healthcare, social justice, storytelling, and clean energy, and they are all contributing to solutions for the climate crisis and dismantling environmental inequities.

Nyalat said, "As someone who hasn't had many opportunities to reflect on or see my work recognized, especially on a national level, this nomination was deeply meaningful. My work has largely focused on local organizing in Maine, addressing the specific environmental justice challenges faced by immigrant communities who often face barriers in advocating for their own needs.

Receiving this award gave me the chance to represent my community and the work I've been doing with the Sierra Club. I had the honor of traveling to Washington, D.C. to accept the award and meet other environmental activists, which helped connect my local work to the broader national movement. Many people don't realize the unique challenges faced by Black and Brown communities in Maine, so it was a powerful moment to share our struggles and successes.

In addition to the awards ceremony [in September], I attended the Environmental Justice Symposium at the University of Maryland, hosted by the Center for Community Engagement, Environmental Justice, and Health. The three-day event provided valuable insights into national issues like air pollution, lead contamination, and how marginalized communities are disproportionately affected. The discussions reinforced the importance of connecting our local efforts to the national fight for environmental justice. This experience also underscored the need for organizations like the Sierra Club to amplify the work of local organizers and offer them national recognition. It was a rewarding experience that helped me grow as an activist and community leader, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent Maine's unique environmental justice challenges on a larger stage."

Congratulations Nyalat! The Portland Public Schools is very proud of you!