ABOUT THE EXPERT:

As the US Director of Environmental Justice and Equity for World Resources Institute, Carla is responsible for building out the US research and programmatic portfolio on environmental justice and equity. Her work includes leading the development and implementation of the equity framework for the Electric School Bus Initiative and building out a new portfolio of research and programs focused on the communities impacted disproportionately by the energy transition. Previously, Carla worked for NRDC as Cincinnati’s Climate Advisor for the American Cities Climate Challenge. She led the development of climate solutions for transportation and building sectors including launching an energy efficiency program for low-income renters, public education initiatives for EVs, and facilitated community workshops to engage residents in creating neighborhood-specific climate action plans. Prior to NRDC, Carla spearheaded large-scale civic engagement and public service initiatives at the local, state, national, and international levels for 20 years. She has held positions in three Mayor’s offices, at a state legislature, and has consulted or advised on more than 100 political or issue campaigns. For 11 of those years, she led her strategic planning and communications consultancy and oversaw a project portfolio that included leading equity and inclusion for Healing Our Waters Coalition, creating Cincinnati’s climate strategy, advocating for fair sewer rates, developing gender equity initiatives across sub-Saharan Africa for ONE.org Africa, and working with North Central Water Region Network to examine the intersection of green infrastructure, social equity, and workforce development. She holds a B.S. from the University of Cincinnati and master’s degree from the University of Florida and Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, she serves on the Board of Directors for Green Umbrella Regional Sustainability Alliance, Ohio Citizen Action, and the Lloyd Library.

CONTACT:

Contact Carla Walker at Experts@diversegreen.org.