Briannah J. McCall, Environmental Health Specialist | St. Joseph County Health Department
Brianna is an IUSB graduate. McCall says, “We're currently providing free radon tests to all SJC residents and have received about 135 results. We are finding that roughly 1 in 4 homes test high, which could lead to lung cancer or gestational diabetes. The national average is 1 in 15, and we really want to bring awareness on how to prevent or mitigate radon exposure as it's a naturally occurring gas in our area.”

Sara Stewart, Executive Director, Board President | Unity Gardens
In 2008, Sara saw the need for fresh, barrier-free food in our community and decided to grow a garden. This spout of an idea has grown and spread throughout our region providing opportunities, resources, and life-long relationships. Her passion for connecting people to healthy food and each other keeps her striving to make this "outrageous" idea the standard everywhere. 

Clara Ross, 2024 Climate Action Ambassador | Home for Tracy
Clara graduated with Sara Stewart from Riley High School (class of 1979). Ms. Ross continued her education at Indiana State University, Davenport Business College and Ivy Tech Community College. A former teacher, Ms. Ross taught Interpersonal Skills for 3 years at Mishawaka High School. Ms. Ross works with the homeless population, primarily women and children, with her own 501c(3): Home for Tracy. She says, “It goes with our sayings the importance of environmental changes that have an impact on the most vulnerable population who are unsheltered. Attention + Direction + Planning = Solution in all areas from homelessness to being a Climate Action Ambassador. I feel honored to be able to make a difference.”

Colletta Rhoads, 2024 Climate Action Ambassador | Panel Facilitator
Colletta is currently an English Language Immersion teacher at Wilson Elementary School. She is passionate about positively impacting the communities she lives in and is a part of. She has done this in multiple capacities both stateside and overseas by serving in higher education as a diversity specialist, in ministry through racial reconciliation and community engagement, and in politics, sitting on the tribal council of the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians — Acjachemen. Her interest in climate change began when she was a liaison with the Cleveland National Forest protecting plant life species threatened by development. Colletta is most passionate about helping communities communicate about climate change, its impact on different communities, and fostering mindsets around our care for the earth that consider how our actions today impact 7 generations from now.