Staff Bios

Deputy Western Regional Field Director, Robin Everett, began her work with Sierra Club as a volunteer in 2003, joining as staff in 2007. Robin’s accomplishments include stopping construction of a six-lane toll road through a California State Park, and helping close coal plants and stop coal export proposals in the Pacific Northwest. She currently works with tribal leaders to save local, endangered salmon and orca, and co-chairs the Washington Blue Green Alliance Executive Committee, working with labor to help to shape and execute BGA priorities in the Washington. When she’s not working with organizers on grassroots campaigns in the West, Robin spends her free time reading and watching horror films, and enjoying the great parks and beer/wine in the Puget Sound. 

Emilio Garza (he/him) joined the Washington State Chapter in September 2022, bringing seasoned expertise in campaign strategy, digital communications, and nonprofit leadership. Originally from Tacoma, WA, he comes to the Sierra Club as a former executive director, campaign manager, and as a board member at several local nonprofits - and has a passion for environmental justice with a focus on transportation and housing policies. Emilio spends his free time living in the City of Destiny (Tacoma, WA), being a Mariner's fan, and catching up on the latest Marvel movies and shows.

Since joining the Washington State Chapter in 2016, Sept Gernez’s (they/them) work has led to the halt of the largest oil terminal in North America and the world’s largest fracked gas to methanol refinery. As Chapter Director, Sept manages staff and supports our volunteer leadership in achieving our ambitious goals for the climate and the environment. In their free time, you can find them dancing the night away, hiking, kayaking, and enjoying a nerdy game night.

Since joining the Washington State Chapter in 2021, Mariska Kecskés (she/her) has coordinated organizing efforts on an array of conservation issues throughout the State. From Snake River salmon recovery to protecting our State Legacy forests, she works to develop and strengthen relationships with volunteers, public officials,Tribes, and organizing communities to protect Washington's public lands, preserve critical habitat, and advocate for more equitable decision making on our natural resources. She also supports the Chapter's Public Lands Team to develop new activists and improve access to the outdoors through monthly outings. Mariska brings to the role her prior experience as a habitat restoration project manager, working with government agencies and volunteers to restore local forests and shorelines. In her free time you can find Mariska throwing punches in her Kung Fu class, baking far too many pastries, and searching for Orcas on the shores of West Seattle.

Grace has over 15 years of experience in public opinion research and communications. At the Sierra Club, Grace manages polling and public opinion research for national and state campaigns and specializes in using data to build and inform effective communications strategies. Prior to joining the Sierra Club, Grace was at the political and corporate research firm Penn Schoen Berland (PSB), working for clients including Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign, Microsoft, and Starbucks. Grace moved from Washington, DC to Vashon Island four years ago. She loves learning about our local ecosystems and wildlife - especially whales! - and hosts a local radio show on Vashon called "Inspired Island".

Ruth Sawyer (they/them) has been organizing in various capacities for many years – originally as a college student working to support campus workers and later on various campaigns for economic and climate justice. They started as a climate and clean energy organizer with the Sierra Club in early 2019. During their tenure, they have worked on several successful organizing campaigns; including passage of Washington state’s landmark clean energy law; Seattle Public Schools’ commitment to transition to 100% clean, renewable energy; passing the strongest clean electric building standards in the country; and protecting access to essential utilities during the height of the pandemic. In their spare time, Ruth can be found nerding out about plants, working on solidarity economy projects, practicing martial arts, and drinking tea.

Before joining the Sierra Club in October 2022, Wes Stewart (they/them) worked on policy with the Mockingbird Society addressing youth homelessness and reforming the foster care system in Washington state. Having grown up in both rural and suburban settings and later in large cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, they've developed a deep adoration for the ways different communities thrive. Their lived experience as a veteran of homelessness, their passion for cycling and a car-free lifestyle, and their enthusiasm for building collective power positions them well to lead the Transportation & Housing efforts of the Washington chapter. You will find them in the wild on long bikepacking trips, participating in community events, or delighting in the silly mundanity of urban life.