Question 1

I believe deeply that Sierra Club’s greatest strength—and its path to winning in this moment—lies in empowered, respected, and inclusive grassroots leadership. That belief was shaped over more than two decades as a Sierra Club volunteer leader and reinforced during my first term on the Board and while helping lead the campaign to protect the Great Lakes from the Line 5 oil pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac, one of the largest environmental campaigns in modern Michigan history

During my term, I focused on strengthening volunteer governance and rebuilding trust between the board, staff, and grassroots leaders. As chair of the Volunteer Leadership & Activism Committee, I worked with fellow directors and other volunteers to embed the authority of chapters and grassroots leaders in Sierra Club’s bylaws because I believe Sierra Club’s power flows upward from the base of our movement. 

This term also coincided with a management crisis that tested the organization. The board emerged more unified, more disciplined, and energized to govern. That experience underscored the importance of steady, experienced leadership, especially as environmental protections face renewed political threats from the Trump administration. 

I am seeking to continue serving because Sierra Club needs consistent leadership that understands movement-building and governance, and because I remain committed to strengthening the volunteer-powered democracy that makes our victories possible.

We have a nation and planet in crisis. I am one of only two directors on the Board with over six years experience – I have fifteen. My colleagues have elected me VP for Conservation, President, Treasurer, and I now serve as Secretary. I have the institutional knowledge, skills and experience to help the Board navigate these unprecedented challenges, and I want to do that.  I also bring valuable knowledge from my work as a civil rights lawyer and a poverty lawyer before that.

My love for the Sierra Club began 13 years ago, when I lobbied in the state capital. As a new member I was struck by the respect elected officials showed the Club and its 130-year legacy. Our recent public challenges have revealed areas where we can improve. I believe now is the time to launch a bold campaign about what the Sierra Club stands for, and I want to help lead that effort.

Sierra Club as an organization is near and dear to my heart! I have long been inspired by the impressive work of our organization at both the national and chapter levels across the country. Our organization faces challenging times – whether that is addressing our internal struggles or  our issues of public perception. In my time at Sierra Club, I have noticed that there is a clear need for restoring trust and transparency in our relationships with one another. My background as an advocate, policy expert, and government official make me uniquely poised to support these needs. I hope to bring a perspective that leads with empathy and warmth, while focusing on how we establish processes for including each other along the way.

I am deeply committed to the mission of Sierra Club and the unique way that the Sierra Club does our work across the country. With the encouragement of other leaders and based on my diverse, decades-long background with the organization, I believe I can bring skills, knowledge and insights to the board that will be an asset to the whole of Sierra Club. The Sierra Club is at a critical time right now because of external political forces that threaten the planet and our future, and internal challenges that have distracted us from the work we have to do. The Sierra Club Board of Directors must be accountable to our members while setting a bold agenda in these challenging times. The Board must also be accountable to our staff and volunteers to ensure that Sierra Club functions well and that voices of the people across this extraordinary organization are heard and listened to. There are encouraging signs that our volunteer and staff leadership are rising to take on the fights ahead, but there is a lot yet to be done. I am eager and willing to be part of developing and implementing the solutions we need. 

I am seeking a position on the Board of Directors because I am a Leader. I provide great perspective and insight towards concerns of the organization based on my experience in the organization since 2018 coupled with my experience serving on Boards across the country. These experiences have prepared me to be a board member who listens, research, ask questions and considers all members of the organization. I have experience in the legal and political worlds and currently, there is no one on the board with a legal background. I think it is important to have that perspective when making decisions for the well-being of the organization. I also bring diversity to board.

I believe in Sierra Club’s strength as the oldest, most enduring and influential grassroots organization, and our peoplepower. I believe that my lived and professional experiences give me a unique perspective to shape our work at a moment that demands urgent action. The understanding of the challenges and opportunities I have gained during the first term on the Board, strengthens my commitment. 

Growing up in New Delhi, India’s major city with the worst air pollution, I saw my mother suffering from bronchitis and asthma from polluted air. As a family with modest income and limited resources, health care wasn’t always accessible. My family experienced the injustices of environmental degradation----- people who do the least to cause pollution are often the ones who suffer from it the most. As a mother, I want my children to inherit a liveable planet.

As a volunteer, I have advocated for a just and equitable transition to 100% clean-renewable energy, protecting public lands, wilderness, biodiversity, food and ag, clean air, water quality, outdoor access for all, and smart-growth issues.

Our organization's work is critical now more than ever -- given the threats to the climate, environment and democracy. I am committed to our mission and vision, building a strong grassroots movement, rooted in equity and justice, that uplifts the power of our grassroots volunteers.

My 30 years of leadership experience based on values of active listening, collaboration, and inclusive partnerships, across various sectors, nonprofit, community and corporate organizations, gives me a breadth of experience and skills.