From the April - June 2022 Jersey Sierran
Chapter Director's Message
By Anjuli Ramos-Busot, anjuli.ramos@sierraclub.org
This is a moment of transformation and growth for the Chapter, and I am excited to be part of it.
I come to the Sierra Club with a background in climate change science and air quality. I earned my Bachelor of Science in chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico before getting my Master of Science in environmental chemistry and air pollution science and technology from Rutgers University. I previously volunteered with the NJ Chapter of the Sierra Club as the Air Quality Issues Coordinator—one of many reasons why I’m so excited to be back as the new Chapter Director!
I’ve always been passionate about protecting the environment, from doing highly technical scientific work to raising awareness about climate change and sustainability. I have dedicated my life to understanding the complex issues of environmental pollution and climate change so that I can carry over the message to those who may not be as aware.
I’m very proud to be leading the Chapter, because the work that the Sierra Club does in New Jersey is more important than ever. We’re a small state, but one with so much environmental beauty. We are also unique because we are densely populated, which makes us very susceptible to environmental toxins. Even “small pollution” is big pollution for New Jersey.
In my role as Chapter Director, I will harness the science and facts to inform our mission and focus on those environmental challenges where advocacy and awareness are most needed. My priorities include working to protect overburdened communities, reduce the “forever” pollution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) compounds, mitigate climate change, and develop a green economy. I will also advance equity, justice, and inclusion, which are important to me both personally and professionally. As a Latinx woman in science, I value diversity and inclusion in the workplace; academia; and the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
With Gov. Phil Murphy starting his second term, and the changes and transition happening within our Chapter, our volunteers are more important than ever. Over just the past few months, we have developed new relationships with organizations and expanded our work on everything from protecting forests to cleaning up PFAS, reducing plastic waste and promoting renewable energy. We can get even more done with your help! Please email me at anjuli.ramos@sierraclub.org to learn more about volunteering with us today. For our current volunteers, a huge thank you from myself and my staff! We wouldn’t be as effective as we are today without your help.