People

The Okayama ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) Promotion Commission is the network of various stakeholders, including universities, civic organizations, businesses and local governments in Okayama area in Japan. Since its establishment in 2005, it has been collaborating to make ESD a community-driven initiative in the area with the aim of establishing a community in which people learn, think and act together toward the realization of a sustainable society.

Founded in 2011, Bow Seat is the world's largest environmental youth program for the creative arts. We provide an innovative space for youth to connect, create, and communicate for our blue planet. Working at the intersection of ocean science and arts education, our award-winning Ocean Awareness Contest emphasizes creative thinking and making in exploring the natural world. Through art exhibitions, publications, and scholarships, Bow Seat uplifts diverse youth voices to advance dialogue and participation in environmental conservation. We empower young thinkers and creators to be active and empathetic global citizens, starting in their local communities and watersheds.

Hi! My name is Will Vest, and I have been working in environmental education and interpretation for the last few years. I am passionate about alternative and sustainable life styles, and love learning in that field. I have experience working on local farms, national parks, adventure courses, as well as in primary education. I also am an avid bird watcher since intering at the Great Smoky Mountains in 2021!

Professor, Biology, Natural Sciences, and Psychology

Michèle Andrews is the Co-Founder and Executive Director at DoorNumberOne.org - a Canadian registered charity providing practical inspiration for the transition to a just, beautiful, and regenerated world. Now enrolling the fourth cohort, DoorNumberOne.org leads the Climate Action Accelerator Program with K-12 independent schools to help them create and implement bold, high-impact, hope-filled whole-school climate action plans. In this program students, operations leaders, faculty and administrators are working together on school teams and with their colleagues around the country to chart an accelerated climate-positive path for schools everywhere.

Dr. Shanti Srinivas, Associate Chair of the Arts & Sciences Department at Galen College of Nursing, is an Assistant Professor and a Human Ecology/Environmentalism educator. She is also the Chair of Galen's DEI Council and the Managing Editor of Galen DEI Digest monthly newsletter. She teaches Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) for the college. Additionally, she created and teaches the Human Ecology and Environmentalism geared for healthcare professionals. In her 18+ years of experience in higher education, she wore many hats, including that of an administrator, educator, mentor, course creator and developer, writer, and a leaders. Her true passion lies in her desire to raise awareness regarding climate justice and other environmental concerns integrating DEI aspects.

 I am currently a middle school science teacher at JEBMS Middle School in Allen County Kentucky. I have a degree in biology, a minor in environmental studies and sustainability, with a masters in the art of teaching. I have taught for five years both in high school and middle school teaching classes like biology, zoology, 7th & 8th grade science, marine biology, and AP environmental science. I am a coach / sponsor of multiple academic extracurriculars in my school / community including middle school academic team, science olympiad, Jr. Beta club, and environmental club. I do what I can to promote scientific engagement in my small community and I hope that I can extend that further if the opportunity is available.