Gender Equity & Climate Justice Activism Panel
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Climate change impacts everyone and the impact intensifies each year. The UN reports that 80% of people displaced by climate change are women. This means women and girls are experiencing a disproportionate amount of the consequences of climate change already through natural disasters, food shortages, and scarce resources. Focusing on the intersectionalities between climate justice, gender equity, and other social justice issues, this panel features community and student activists who are involved in fighting climate change and uplifting gender equity. Eboni Cochran, Co-Director of Rubbertown Emergency Action (REACT) will present "Danger: A Virtual Tour of Sites of Concern & How Climate Change Exacerbates Impacts" followed with a panel featuring student activists on the frontline. They will share how climate change has affected them and what they’re doing to fight it by sharing their experiences and encouraging others to take action. As Greta Thunberg, founder of the global student strike for climate movement, says, “We can’t save the world by playing by the rules, because the rules have to be changed. Everything needs to change, and it has to start today.” |
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Eboni Cochran is a wife and homeschool mom of an 11-year old son who lives in the Chickasaw Neighborhood of Louisville, KY. She has 3 young adult bonus children and 4 grandchildren. She is Co-Director of REACT (Rubbertown Emergency ACTion), a grassroots organization of residents living near or at the fence lines of a cluster of 11 chemical plants commonly referred to as Rubbertown, the largest source of industrial emissions in the city. REACT works for strong laws to stop toxic air pollution from chemical plants; the protection of residents in the event of a leak, fire or explosion in a chemical plant or railcar; and full disclosure and easy access to information concerning the impact of Rubbertown facilities on residents living nearby. A trusted voice in environmental justice efforts for several decades, Eboni regularly leads Environmental Injustice tours around west Louisville, and is also founder of West Louisville Math and Science Project, a community initiative to build math, science and literacy skills among children of African descent and their families. Eboni Cochran is the recipient of the 2023 UofL Outstanding Community Engagement Award for a Community Partner. 
REACT is fighting for:
1. Strong laws to stop toxic air pollution from chemical plants
2. The protection of residents in the event of a leak, fire or explosion in a chemical plant or railcar; and
3. Full disclosure and easy access to information concerning the impact of Rubbertown on residents living nearby
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Savannah Dowell is a sophomore at the University of Louisville pursuing an interdisciplinary path combining studies in History, Gender Studies, and Humanities. Beyond academics, Savannah also has a deep passion for sustainability and is currently a Garden Intern at UofL where they manage the campus gardens, lead volunteers for weekly workdays, and coordinate monthly workshops on topics in urban agriculture. Savannah's sustainability work extends beyond the gardens, and as the Service Chair of the UofL Student Sustainability Coalition, she connects fellow students with opportunities throughout Louisville, fostering a spirit of community engagement around sustainability! |
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Elizabeth is a Women's studies and History undergraduate student with a background in reproductive healthcare and disability justice organizing. In fall 2023, they co-founded Disabled Cards United and joined the Women 4 Women e-board to help rebuild the women's center's oldest RSO. After graduation, Elizabeth will be going to the University of Cincinnati to pursue a MA in Women's Studies.
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Taylor is passionate about creating positive change in Kentucky and beyond through research, advocacy, and education. She is pursuing a Master of Arts in Political Science and Government, focusing on racial justice, immigration equity, and youth advocacy. She is an Associate Fellow for the Commonwealth Policy Institute, developing innovative, practical, non-partisan solutions for Kentucky. Taylor also organizes events, campaigns, and outreach activities that empower and educate voters, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented groups, with the help of local and national organizations, such as Kentuckians for the Commonwealth and the Transformative Justice Coalition. She has helped increase voter registration and turnout, raise awareness on critical issues, and mobilize action for change.
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