Jeff Tittel, the former executive director of the New Jersey Chapter of the Sierra Club, cut right to the point — as he always does.
While accepting the Environmental Trailblazer Award at the Lesniak Institute for American Leadership‘s annual gala at Kean University last week, Tittel gave the crowd a big-picture view on advocacy.
“Part of our job and our future is not only to protect the environment, but to also deal with environmental racism, sexism and classism,” he said. “People, no matter where you live in the state, have a right to fresh air, clean water, a healthy environment and open space.”
Tittel was one of three honorees, joining:
- Kean University faculty member and lecturer Allison Edgley (Green Visionary Award);
- Kean student Derek Gali-Martinez (Youth Advocate of the Year Award).
Felipe Peralta, the executive director of the Lesniak Institute, said the institute is proud to recognize these three individuals for their unwavering commitment and outstanding contributions to protecting the environment.
In all of the speeches, the awardees emphasized the importance of unity and support for environmental initiatives and the intersectionality of environmental, social justice and animal welfare issues.
Each awardee also urged everyone present to play a collective role in preserving and protecting our planet, as well as continuing work with grassroots organizations and advocating for a better future.
The gala was a night of recognition and appreciation and a testament to the impactful work the Lesniak Institute has accomplished throughout the last year. It served as a platform to reaffirm the Lesniak Institute’s commitment to training and developing the next generation of leaders through their continued programs and partnerships with grassroots organizations.
Former state Sen. Ray Lesniak was thrilled by the event.
“We are incredibly thankful for the time and effort everyone has devoted to making this event a resounding success,” he said. “The support shown by our community, friends and partners is a testament to the collective dedication towards social justice, animal welfare, environmental protection and criminal justice.”
