Her efforts have not only provided immediate relief to those in need but have also laid the groundwork for long-term systemic change in the fight for environmental and social justice.
– 2024 Sentinel Award nomination submission
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Community Sentinel Award for Environmental Stewardship, a decade-long celebration of individuals dedicated to protecting the environment and advancing justice. Established by FracTracker Alliance and Halt the Harm Network in 2015, this award honors those who work tirelessly to mitigate the adverse effects of fossil fuels on their communities and the environment.
As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on a decade marked by extraordinary courage, resilience, and hope. This year’s awards pay tribute to the unwavering spirit of those who have worked tirelessly to fight against environmental injustice, even in the face of adversity. We honor the legacy of all who have been part of this movement since its inception, as well as those who continue to champion the fight for a future free from fossil fuel pollution.
A CALL FOR JUSTICE AND COLLECTIVE ACTION
“The impacts of the oil and gas industry are palpable across the United States: farms and forests are carved open by dangerous pipelines, communities are invaded with fracked wells, towns are choked by petrochemical emissions, streams are littered with throwaway plastics, and states in every region are plagued by extreme weather and a rapidly changing climate,” said Marty Kearns, executive director of Netcentric Campaigns and founder of Halt the Harm Network.
“Yet, in the face of all these environmental injustices, hope persists. It lives in the unwavering spirit of farmers defending their land, parents rallying against toxic fumes, students leading climate strikes, friends, scientists, and countless others working tirelessly to document, report, and confront fossil fuel harms and industries in their communities,” Kearns said. “Their resilience isn’t just inspiring—it’s the cornerstone of a growing movement for change.”
For many of our Sentinels, this work is deeply personal, driven by the urgent need to protect Indigenous lands, secure a livable future for generations to come, and preserve ways of life threatened by the relentless expansion of industry. They fight not only for their own communities, but for all those burdened by the destructive impacts of the oil and gas industry. Their actions speak to the heart of what it means to fight not just for today, but for a more just and sustainable tomorrow for all living things.
As we celebrate the tenth anniversary and reflect on all those we’ve honored, we’re proud to unveil a new logo for the 2024 Community Sentinel Award designed by FracTracker Alliance team members Dom Washington and Sarah Carballo. The new visual identity embodies the core values of the award—commitment, courage, and determination.
Much like the North Star, our Sentinels illuminate the path toward sustainable and equitable solutions, providing direction in the face of environmental injustice.
At the heart of the new design is an homage to the North Star—an enduring symbol of guidance and resilience, recognized across cultures and history. Just as the North Star has helped travelers navigate, our Sentinels point the way forward in our shared struggle for justice, serving as beacons of hope in their communities. Together, they embody the strength of collective action, lighting the path toward a future where justice prevails.
MEET OUR COMMUNITY SENTINELS
In an outpouring of support for grassroots leaders across the country, we received over 30 distinct nominations for the 2024 Community Sentinel Award this year. Though it was a challenging decision, a distinguished panel of judges have selected four award winners, as well as one award winner selected by members of the community, and we’re thrilled to introduce them to you.
NaTisha C Washington
2024 Community Sentinel
NaTisha Washington (she/her/hers) is the Communications Manager at the Breathe Project, where she works with over 60 partner organizations to inform residents about air quality and petrochemical issues. Previously, she was the Environmental Justice Organizer at 412 Justice, advocating for EJ communities, and the Green Initiative Coordinator at Operation Better Block, leading youth programs focused on urban farming and community engagement. NaTisha is the founder of Washington Green Solutions, co-owner of Just by Nature, and serves as a Council Member for Wilkinsburg Borough, advocating for equitable, safe, and healthy communities.
Andrea W Pierce
2024 Community Sentinel
Andrea Pierce (she/her/hers, we/us/our) is a citizen of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (LTBB), the Policy Director at Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition, and the lead organizer of Idle No More Michigan, where she focuses on Native rights and the campaign to shut down Line 5 and stop the Enbridge tunnel. She co-founded the Anishinaabek Caucus of the Michigan Democratic Party and has held leadership roles, including DNC Delegate and Chair of the LTBB Election Board. Andrea is committed to protecting tribal lands and treaty rights and serves on the Washtenaw County Environmental Council and the Great Lakes Water Protection Action Network. She is also a mother, grandmother, and activist.
Roishetta Sibley Ozane
2024 Community Sentinel
Roishetta Sibley Ozane (she/her/hers) is the founder, director, and CEO of The Vessel Project of Louisiana, providing mutual aid and environmental justice services to vulnerable communities. She co-directs the Gulf Fossil Finance Hub, working to defund fossil fuels and invest in communities. Roishetta is an internationally recognized environmental justice advocate, speaking on behalf of Black, Indigenous, and other communities for clean air, water, and sustainable living. She holds degrees from McNeese State University, is a PhD candidate at Walden University, and serves on various boards. Roishetta is a mother of six and grandmother of one.
Patricia J Popple
2024 Community Sentinel ⋅ Community Choice
Patricia Popple (she/her/hers) is driven by a deep desire to care for others, teach, learn, and use her problem-solving and leadership skills to improve conditions for all living things. After retiring from 37 years in education and caring for her mother for seven years, Patricia found her calling when she became involved in opposing a proposed frac sand processing plant in her neighborhood. Her efforts have since focused on addressing the fossil fuel industry’s impact on conservation, the environment, and public health. Sixteen years later, she continues to advocate for justice, both locally and globally.
Quinn Eide
2024 Community Sentinel ⋅ Emerging Leader
Quinn Eide (they/them/theirs) is the Executive Director of Fossil Free California, an organization focused on divesting California’s two largest pensions, CalPERS and CalSTRS, from fossil fuels. They work with union members, students, and Californians to achieve divestment through union pressure, state legislation, and direct board action. Quinn is also a 2024 Environmental Leadership Initiative Fellow. In their free time, they are involved with Rich City Rays, a Richmond-based “kayactivism” group working to shut down the Chevron refinery by combining direct action with community engagement through kayaking.
Each year, the Community Sentinel Awards honors extraordinary individuals who have shown exceptional dedication in the movement for environmental justice. This year, each award winner will receive a $1,000 honorarium and a commemorative award in recognition of their outstanding contributions. Recipients will also be connected to a network of peers, and provided with tools and resources to help amplify their work and expand their impact. Through these resources, the Community Sentinel Awards aims to support not only today’s achievements but also the long-term resilience and growth of these frontline activists in their continued fight for environmental justice.
The 2024 Community Sentinel Awards Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, December 4, at the Westin Hotel in Pittsburgh, PA, and will be livestreamed for virtual attendees. This year’s gathering will bring together our community with music and inspiring speakers. We are thrilled to welcome keynote speaker Dr. Carolyn Finney, a storyteller, author, and cultural geographer who explores themes of identity, difference, creativity, and resilience. Eddie Mitchell, a grassroots organizer and politician from Ireland, will also join us to share insights from his campaign to ban fracking and prevent the development of LNG terminals in Ireland.
We invite you to join us in celebrating these inspiring individuals on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, either in person or online. Let’s honor the movement and those who lead it forward at the 2024 Community Sentinel Awards!
Congratulations to all the 2024 Nominees
Alyssa Portaro
Andrea W Pierce
Bev Reed
Christina “Chris” “PK” DiGuilio
David Hess
Deirdre Lally
Frank Rocchio
Hilary Flint
Jami Wallace
Jess Conard
Jessica Sims
Junior Walk
Kevin Chan
Lucy Molina
Marsha Goldsmith Kamin
NaTisha C Washington
Patricia Garcia-Nelson
Patricia J Popple
Randi Pokladnik
Randy Willard
Roishetta Ozane
Russell Chisholm
Sandy Field
Stacey Magda
Yvonne Taylor
Emmy Scott
Erica Brown
Katelyn Johnston
Kayley Shoup
Keith Moore
Mariah Clay
Quinn Eide
Sam Shores
Shayla Roberts-Long
THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 JUDGES
Brett Nadrich, US and Canada Communications Officer, Break Free From Plastic
Chante’ Davis, Youth Organizer, Sunrise Movement and former Sentinel Awardee
Martha Dina Argüello, Executive Director, Physicians for Social Responsibility Los Angeles
Anne Rolfes, Director, Louisiana Bucket Brigade
What You Should Read Next
https://www.fractracker.org/a5ej20sjfwe/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Header-Backgrounds.jpg
844
1500
FracTracker Alliance
https://www.fractracker.org/a5ej20sjfwe/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-FracTracker-logo-horizontal.png
FracTracker Alliance2023-10-18 17:15:202023-11-08 23:18:04Announcing the 2023 Community Sentinel Awards for Environmental Justice
https://www.fractracker.org/a5ej20sjfwe/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/14552757886_bf82b79d2d_o.jpg
911
1500
FracTracker Alliance
https://www.fractracker.org/a5ej20sjfwe/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-FracTracker-logo-horizontal.png
FracTracker Alliance2022-01-05 11:18:332022-01-06 14:45:32A Community Sentinel’s leadership continues: Melissa Troutman since 2019
https://www.fractracker.org/a5ej20sjfwe/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Meet-the-2021-Community-Sentinels-2.jpg
566
1500
FracTracker Alliance
https://www.fractracker.org/a5ej20sjfwe/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-FracTracker-logo-horizontal.png
FracTracker Alliance2022-01-04 15:50:272022-01-24 18:37:20Congratulations to the 2021 Community Sentinels!
216 Franklin St, Suite 400, Johnstown, PA 15901
Phone: +1 (717) 303-0403 | info@fractracker.org
FracTracker Alliance is a 501(c)3 non-profit: Tax identification number: 80-0844297