UCS at the SACNAS National Diversity in STEM conference

Building Your Voice: An Introduction to Science & Advocacy at the Local Level

Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, 1:45-3:00pm PT
Oregon Convention Center, B 113-114

• Sasha Gilmore, PhD student in Earth and Environment at Boston University
• Nafisa Fai, Washington County, OR Commissioner
• Maria Valadez Ingersoll, PhD student in Cell & Molecular Biology at Boston University
• Aimée Okotie-Oyekan, Placemaker, Storyteller, and Environmental Justice Advocate
• Moderator: Melissa Varga, Science Network Senior Manager at the Union of Concerned Scientists

Putting Science to Work for Justice

Thursday, October 26, 2023, 3:30-4:45pm PT
Oregon Convention Center, Portland Ballroom 256

We will feature different examples of how scientists have shown up to put technical expertise and advocacy in service of community-based organizations, leading environmental and energy justice work. Our panelists will explore:

• Tools used
• Partnership models
• What good partnerships could look like
• Learning and growth from the collaboration
• Impacts of this work

The panel will include a variety of perspectives representing different areas of work, expertise, and geographies of interest.

• Darya Minovi, MPH, Senior Analyst, Center for Science and Democracy, Union of Concerned Scientists
• Camilo Esquivia-Zapata, MA, Senior Bilingual Campaign Organizer, Climate & Energy, Union of Concerned Scientists
• Beto Lugo Martinez, BS, Co-founder, SciCAN
• Paula García, MA, Moderator, Senior Energy Analyst and Energy Justice Lead, Climate and Energy, Union of Concerned Scientists.

Using Science as an Effective Tool to Advance Social Justice

Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, 11:45am-1:00pm PT
Oregon Convention Center, Portland Ballroom 257

• Nicole Williams, Fellowship Director at Black Girl Environmentalist & 500 Women Scientists Volunteer
• Ingrid Paredes, Director of Satellite Engagement at March for Science and co-chair of March for Science NYC
• Cynthia Prieto-Diaz, MPH, Leadership Team Member at 500 Women Scientists
• Melissa Varga, Science Network Senior Manager at the Union of Concerned Scientists

Visit the UCS Booth in the Exhibit Hall October 26-28!

Stop by Booth 1431 and meet UCS staff, learn more about how we’re using science to advance equitable science-based policy change, and take action with us!