The Living Economy program works alongside movement partners to lay the groundwork for Green New Deal and trade policies that tackle climate change and toxic pollution, create good jobs, and fight racial, economic, and gender inequity.
Our Living Economy Team
Hebah KassemDirector
Hebah is experienced in community and grassroots organizing, policy, and political strategy, and is dedicated to empowering communities of color and immigrants to eliminate disparities in order to achieve health and racial equity. Prior to her role as the Director, she served as the Deputy Legislative Director for A Living Economy, where she led the campaign’s advocacy and legislative affairs work on infrastructure, industrial, and trade policies that create family-sustaining jobs and address environmental injustice while combating the climate crisis. Previously, she served as the Senior Legislative Manager at the Green New Deal Network and as the Organizing and Policy Associate at the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center. She holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Illinois-Chicago in Environmental and Occupational Health Policy and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan.
Senior Campaign Representative
Zack joined the team in 2019 as the campaign representative after spending the previous four years as an organizer in the Sierra Club's Maryland Chapter. In Maryland, Zack was responsible for a number of different campaigns and issue areas including banning fracking, opposing gas pipelines, stormwater management, and pesticide overuse. They also managed the Chapter's social media and other digital communications. Zack is based in Washington, D.C.
Yong Kwon
Senior Policy Advisor
Yong comes to the Sierra Club from the Korea Economic Institute, where he wrote and edited articles, newsletters, videos, podcast episodes, and other products examining the relationship between social inclusion and economic growth. Prior to this role, Yong was a consultant at The Asia Group and supported market expansion efforts of U.S. companies in Asia. In addition to providing clients with analysis on dynamics shaping trade negotiations between the United States and governments in the region, he designed and supported campaigns for regulatory redress.
Iliana Paul
Senior Policy Advisor
Prior to joining Sierra Club, Iliana was a senior policy analyst at the Institute for Policy Integrity at New York University School of Law, where she focused on federal and state application of the social cost of greenhouse gasses, tools for conducting distributional analysis, and more. Previously, Iliana was the Program Officer for the Global Gender and Climate Alliance, an external relations assistant for the United Nations World Food Programme, and a Sustainable Development Fellow at the Women’s Environment & Development Organization.
Carolyn MorrisroeCommunications Manager
Carolyn brings over 20 years of senior experience in strategic communications, nonprofit management, and journalism. They have overseen messaging and media campaigns for various organizations fighting for environmental, economic, and racial justice, and they have a deep background as an editor, writer, and designer for publications. Born and raised in California’s Sierra Nevada foothills, they now reside in Western North Carolina on the ancestral land of the Cherokee.
National Online Organizer
Justin creates digital campaigns to engage Sierra Club supporters in the efforts of the Living Economy and Gender Equity & Environment programs. With a background in political campaigns and LGBTQ advocacy, Justin is a Hoosier native who currently lives in Louisville, KY. He joined Sierra Club in 2011, supporting the Beyond Coal Campaign's state efforts in the Midwest before transitioning to his current role.
Senior Online Organizer
Martín brings a decade of digital strategy and campaign management working on national environmental and social justice issues. In addition to the Living Economy team, he currently works with Sierra Club's Democracy Program, federal organizing program, and various other national climate justice and public health priorities. He is passionate about creating meaningful actions, both online and in-person, that help us recognize each of our own power to impact our communities and create a more sustainable future.
Policy & Research Associate
Marie Therese has diverse experience at the nexus of grassroots organizing, climate justice, and economic policy. She has led organizing efforts for electoral and environmental campaigns, and is committed to building democratic and resilient organizations and communities. Prior to joining the Sierra Club, she was a Legislative Assistant with the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, where she handled climate and economic policy issues. Previously, she served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Panama.