Celebrating 10 Years of Environmental Stewardship: Highlights from the 2024 Community Sentinel Awards

About the Sentinel Awards

Established in 2015, the Community Sentinel Award for Environmental Stewardship honors individuals across the U.S. who demonstrate extraordinary courage and commitment to combating environmental injustice. 

Recognizing those on the frontlines of the environmental movement, the award celebrates efforts to mitigate the impacts of fossil fuels across their life cycle—from extraction to disposal. These Sentinels drive change through grassroots organizing, advocacy, independent research, public education, and creative expression. By highlighting their achievements, the award amplifies the powerful voices leading the fight for environmental justice and a more equitable future.

This year, for our 10th Annual Sentinel Awards, we celebrated a decade of community, courage, and resilience. Reflecting on the impact of these past ten years, Halt the Harm Network conducted interviews with previous award recipients, shared their inspiring stories, and highlighted their enduring contributions to the fight for environmental justice. These reflections are a testament to the courage of ordinary individuals who rise to meet extraordinary challenges, proving that each of us has the ability to drive substantial change through the power of collective action, no matter how small our efforts may seem.

Watch the 2024 Community Sentinel Awards held at the Westin in Pittsburgh on December 4, 2024. (Video Credit: Dan Finegold Productions, Halt the Harm Network, FracTracker Alliance)

Awardees and Their Contributions

The 2024 Community Sentinel Award winners pictured from left to right: NaTisha Washington, Quinn Eide, Andrea Pierce, and Roishetta Ozane. Not pictured: Pat Popple.

The 2024 Community Sentinel Award recipients were selected by a panel of external judges from over 30 nominations submitted from across the nation. Nominees came from diverse backgrounds, fighting for their communities through various but interconnected approaches—whether through direct action against pipeline construction, defending Indigenous lands, or educating others on the far-reaching impacts of oil and gas development. 

This year’s five honorees have embraced the significant challenge of addressing environmental injustices, motivated by a profound commitment to safeguarding their communities and the planet.

NaTisha Washington

Wilkinsburg, PA

NaTisha Washington, joined by her mother, grandmother, and brother [not pictured], brought together three generations of advocacy for the Wilkinburg community. This legacy of activism runs deep, with her mother serving on the school board for over 38 years and her grandmother instilling values of faith and resilience.

NaTisha expressed heartfelt gratitude to her friends and mentors, who helped her discover her voice, and to her family, the foundation of her life and work. Growing up, she witnessed stark disparities between her neighborhood and others. Determined to make a difference, she chose to invest in her community by empowering youth and fostering environmental stewardship.

Through farming and other community initiatives, NaTisha works to inspire young people to believe in themselves and stay hopeful for the future. She spoke passionately about the power of collective effort and the visible changes that result when people come together to improve their communities.

NaTisha left the audience with three life lessons: 

1. You don’t need to know everything; you just need to know where to find it. 
2. Do it scared, because if you won’t, who will?
3. Every day is a new day to be better.

Andrea Pierce

Ypsilanti, Michigan

Andrea Pierce 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.

Andrea began her speech by introducing herself in the Odawa language. She emphasized that this movement is not about her alone but about the collective strength of the group, highlighting how everyone shows up, always present at events and direct actions. Echoing the words of NaTisha, “do it scared,” Andrea recounted standing courageously, taking to the streets and standing firm against powerful forces. 

She brought attention to Michigan’s significance, with 20% of the world’s fresh water, underscoring that the impacts on certain communities ultimately affect all of us. Andrea spoke about working for the next seven generations, ensuring access to clean, safe drinking water for future generations.

She shared the discovery of a sacred site, dating back 10,000 years, as a symbol of the deep connection to the land and the importance of protecting it. Andrea also discussed the need to bring tribal leaders, environmental organizations, politicians, and more together to fight these battles. Closing with a heartfelt “Megwech” (thank you), she left the audience with a call to action, united in the shared responsibility to protect the earth and its resources.

Roishetta Sibley Ozane

Lake Charles, Louisiana

Roishetta Ozane is the executive director of The Vessel Project of Louisiana, a grassroots mutual aid, disaster relief, and environmental justice organization founded in Southwest Louisiana.

Roishetta traveled to the Sentinel Awards after receiving another honor — the inaugural Shirley Chisholm Black Femme Leader Wellness Sistership Award from The Chisholm Legacy Project. She delivered a powerful and inspiring speech, reminding us of the collective nature of the fight for justice and resilience.

Reflecting on her journey, Roishetta shared how she pushed through moments of darkness with determination and hope, encouraging others to recognize their own strength and the fight still within them. She used this moment to uplift her community and honor the many environmental justice advocates working alongside her, especially in the Gulf Coast and Southwest Louisiana. Emphasizing that real change comes through collective effort, she celebrated those who continue to protect their communities, foster unity, and push for environmental and social justice.

In her own words:

“This award is not for me. It is, of course, for my community back home in southwest Louisiana.”

Through her work with The Vessel Project of Louisiana, Roishetta embodies the spirit of community-driven leadership, ensuring that victories are shared and that new leaders are empowered to carry the torch forward.

Patricia Popple

Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin

Patricia Popple is a grassroots activist advocating for community health and conservation in the face of frac sand mining.

Patricia, a veteran in the movement, was chosen for the Community Choice category, which celebrates an individual who has been previously nominated and demonstrates enduring impact and commitment to the cause. Echoing the words of her introducer, Ted Auch, Patricia has been a fierce advocate for environmental justice, doing the work that is often hard to quantify—endless hours of research, developing educational materials, and educating the public. 

Pat has dedicated the past 16 years to opposing frac sand mining in her area. She reflected on the steep learning curve of understanding the industry’s impacts on fracking, global warming, and community health. Emphasizing the importance of educating and empowering others, she shared her work training community scientists, documenting violations, and advocating for protective measures. Pat left the audience with a powerful reminder of the need for persistence, collaboration, and critical thinking to confront the challenges posed by the fossil fuel industry and to strive for sustainable practices.

Quinn Eide

Oakland, California

Quinn Eide is a leader at Fossil Free California, a California non-profit organization that urges CalSTRS, CalPERS, other funds, and individuals to divest from fossil fuels.

Quinn, the recipient of the Emerging Leader Award, was celebrated for their transformative contributions to the climate justice movement. Introduced by Miguel Alatorre, a close collaborator who credited Quinn with helping them launch their own nonprofit, the Unidos Network Inc., the moment epitomized the power of intergenerational and youth-led collaboration.

Quinn’s work with Fossil Free California has been pivotal in building coalitions across over 200 organizations, demonstrating that “we are stronger together than we are apart.” Their leadership, rooted in union advocacy, bridges diverse communities while focusing on economic and environmental justice. Miguel underscored Quinn’s dedication to building a future powered by collective action and solidarity.

The event celebrated the values Quinn embodies: empowering others, fostering strength in community, and championing an intersectional approach to justice. Together, their efforts are a reminder that the path to meaningful change is paved by unity, resilience, and shared purpose.

Sentinel Awards designed by Pittsburgh artist Dan Buchanan. (Photo credit: Sarah Carballo, FracTracker Alliance, 2024)

This year’s award recipients moved the audience with powerful speeches that spoke to their resilience, passion, and unwavering commitment to change. Each honoree was recognized with a $1,000 honorarium and a handcrafted award created by Pittsburgh artist Daniel Buchanan.

Their words were a reminder of why we come together each year: to celebrate those who take courageous action, ignite collective purpose, and challenge the status quo in pursuit of a more just and sustainable future.

Event Highlights

Musicians and Pennsylvania organizers Andrew Woomers and David Pfister. (Photo credit: Sarah Carballo, FracTracker Alliance, 2024)

Two local musicians, Andrew Woomer, Project Manager and Advocacy Coordinator at Clean Air Council’s Southwestern Pennsylvania office, and David Pfister, Western Pennsylvania Organizer for Food & Water Watch and singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, serenaded the crowd with a stirring rendition of the labor song “Step by Step.”

They sang to the tune of the traditional Irish melody, “The Praties They Grow Small,” filling the room with lyrics born from the 1863 constitution of the American Mineworkers Association. The song’s refrain, “Many stones can form an arch, singly none,” powerfully underscored the strength of unity and solidarity, reminding the crowd that collective action is the foundation for achieving shared goals.

 Emcee and organizer Megan Nguyễn. (Photo credit: Sarah Carballo, FracTracker Alliance, 2024)

Throughout the evening, our emcee, Megan Nguyễn, brought an inspiring energy to the event. She beautifully explained the symbolism behind this year’s rebranding — our new logo inspired by the North Star, a timeless symbol of guidance, resilience, and hope. Recognized across cultures, the North Star represents the unwavering spirit of our Sentinels, who illuminate the path toward equitable and sustainable solutions. Just as the North Star has guided travelers for centuries, our Sentinels lead the way, embodying the values of vigilance and steadfastness in the face of environmental challenges. 

Megan also shared how, as we approached our landmark 10th anniversary, we reflected deeply on what colors could embody this moment. Inspiration came in an unexpected place: the iridescent shimmer of an oil spill on water. At first glance, it’s a haunting image — an emblem of devastation, a scar on the earth. But upon closer inspection, we begin to see the reclamation of what was once used to harm us. Those swirling hues of violet, green, and gold are nature itself, fighting back, bending light into beauty in the midst of destruction. Megan described how we’ve reclaimed those colors, transforming them from a symbol of harm into one of hope and renewal. Her inspiring words tied the evening together, reminding us of the resilience and beauty that emerge even from the most difficult circumstances.

Legacy of Heroes

At the 10th anniversary of the Community Sentinel Awards, we honored the legacy of 12 extraordinary advocates who recently passed, dedicating their lives to protecting the environment and their communities. During the Legacy of Heroes segment, Ron Gulla, a former oil and gas industry worker turned activist, spoke about the destructive impacts of fracking. He also paid tribute to his late spouse, Laurel Gulla, who was recognized posthumously as one of this year’s Legacy of Heroes.

Ron Gulla, a former oil and gas industry worker turned activist and previous recipient of the Sentinel Award, spoke about the destructive impacts of fracking and his late spouse, Laurel Gulla. (Photo credit: Sarah Carballo, FracTracker Alliance, 2024)

“I’ve been documenting all this for decades,” Gulla said, recounting his years of advocacy that began in 2005 after his farm in Pennsylvania was contaminated by the oil and gas industry. In this address, Gulla emphasized the importance of continuing to advocate for a healthier, more just world for future generations.

Throughout the evening, attendees had the opportunity to engage with their stories by viewing their photos and descriptions displayed around the room. We encouraged everyone to take a moment before the ceremony and later in the evening to write personal notes for the heroes’ families and friends. These notes, filled with memories, words of praise, and condolences, were shared as a heartfelt tribute to their impactful legacies.

Keynote Speakers

Keynote speaker Dr. Carolyn Finney, cultural geographer and author, inspired attendees with reflections on the intersection of identity, resilience, and environmental justice, while special guest Eddie Mitchell, an Irish activist and politician, recounted his successful fight to ban fracking in Ireland. “We need your voices again,” Mitchell urged, emphasizing the global connections between local environmental struggles.

Mitchell highlighted the direct link between U.S. LNG exports and Ireland’s plans for a new LNG import terminal, which could deepen dependence on fracked gas. U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, driven by expanded domestic fracking, supply international markets like Europe, spurring environmental and social concerns on both sides of the Atlantic.

Keynote Speaker Dr. Carolyn Finney, pictured during her virtual address via Zoom livestream, is a cultural geographer and author, inspired attendees with reflections on the intersection of identity, resilience, and environmental justice.

Special guest Eddie Mitchell, an Irish activist and politician, recounted his successful fight to ban fracking in Ireland. (Photo credit: Sarah Carballo, FracTracker Alliance, 2024)

Acknowledgments

This year’s Community Sentinel Awards program was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors, supporters, and allies. Their contributions not only brought us together to celebrate this special night but also ensured we could provide stipends and ongoing support for our Sentinels, whose work transforms communities and inspires hope.

We also want to recognize and deeply thank the planning team, whose dedication and effort made this evening possible. Their vision and hard work brought this celebration to life, honoring the relentless spirit of those on the frontlines of environmental justice.

2024 Sentinel Awards Planning Team. From left to right: Dom Washington, Shannon Smith, Ryan Clover, Megan Nguyễn, and Sarah Carballo. [Not pictured: Katie Jones, Dawn Hawkins, Marty Kearns, Tonyehn Verkitus, Elissa Yoder, and AC Stuable]

To the organizations and allies who stand with us, thank you for your shared commitment to environmental stewardship and community empowerment. Your partnership fuels this work, reminding us of what we can achieve together.

As we celebrate 10 years of the Community Sentinel Awards, we are reminded of the profound change that grassroots action can bring. Looking to the future, the Sentinel Awards will continue to honor and uplift environmental advocates, providing support to those who work tirelessly for a more sustainable and equitable world.

For more information about the Community Sentinel Awards, please visit fractracker.org/sentinels.

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

Thank You to Our Sponsors and Supporters