These sessions are designed to provide summit attendees with an in-depth overview of some of the work taking place across the WEL network and an opportunity to learn about the personal, educational, and professional pathways of women working in a variety of environmental spaces.

Francesca Edralin is an Associate Specialist at World Wildlife Fund (WWF), where she works with companies on consumer engagement campaigns focused on environmental education, fundraising, and behavior change. As an alumnus of WWF’s Building Relationships, Inclusivity, Diversity, Growth, and Excellence (BRIDGE) program, Francesca also leads initiatives that promote youth empowerment and DEIJ within the organization. Francesca obtained her B.A. in International Affairs (International Environmental Studies) from George Washington University. She has an extensive background in environmental communications, particularly with a focus on youth engagement and environmental justice. She represented her university at COP26 as a student reporter and has reported for environmental outlets such as Mongabay and Planet Forward. As a first-generation Filipino American, Francesca is also passionate about environmental justice topics in the Asia-Pacific region. At the State Department, Francesca conducted and advised on research projects focused on environmental defenders and human rights conflicts in the Southeast Asia region.

Amaris Norwood is an ecocentrist-in-training and an interdisciplinary climate professional.  She currently works as a Corporate Climate Engagement Program Officer at World Wildlife Fund US where she manages corporate climate relationships focused on greenhouse gas mitigation and co-leads event planning and coordination for her team. She also is an active participant of the Black employee resource group at WWF where she serves as secretary. This September, she celebrated her 6 th anniversary working at WWF- US and in May of this year, she completed a Master of Science in Sustainability Management at American University where she centered her research on environmental justice, Puerto Rican tourism, and plant-based markets. In her free time, she enjoys writing, reading, playing music, learning languages, kickboxing, and traveling when she can.

Jayla Sheffield (she/her) is currently a Junior Environmental Studies major with a minor in Community Development at Howard University. She is passionate about community engagement, sustainable agriculture, and environmental conservation. With aspirations to pursue a career as a permaculture farmer and studying environmental law, Jayla is deeply committed to fostering sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. This summer Jayla completed an internship at the World Wildlife Fund as a policy researcher for their Food Waste Warrior Team and served as Black Girl Environmentalist Hazel M. Johnson Inaugural Fellow. Beyond her academic and career pursuits, Jayla enjoys engaging in various hobbies that reflect her interests and values. She finds joy in running, gardening. and community organizing.