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Tianna Shaw-Wakeman
Environmental Justice Program Lead
Professional Background
Tianna Shaw-Wakeman is an accomplished professional known for her dynamic contributions to environmental justice and social entrepreneurship. With significant experience in advocacy, program management, and educational initiatives, Tianna has showcased her commitment to sustainability and community empowerment through various impactful roles. Currently serving as the Environmental Justice Program Lead at Black Women For Wellness, she plays a crucial role in promoting health equity and supportive environments for Black women in Los Angeles. In this capacity, her work focuses on the intersection of environmental issues and social justice, aiming to create healthier communities.
Prior to this prominent role, Tianna was the Environmental Justice Program Coordinator at Black Women For Wellness, where she honed her skills in program development and community engagement. She effectively coordinated initiatives aimed at addressing climate change, promoting sustainability, and educating underserved populations about environmental health. Her work has contributed to raising awareness and mobilizing communities towards active participation in environmental justice efforts.
Additionally, Tianna served as a Climate Emergency Mobilization Commissioner for the City of Los Angeles. In this role, she was a vital member of the commission that advocated for immediate actions and policies addressing the climate crisis in the city. Her dedication to making substantial changes at the municipal level highlighted her ability to translate passion into policy and influence climate action in a powerful way.
Previously, Tianna showcased her versatility by working as a Business Generalist at unboXt, Inc. This position allowed her to blend her business acumen with innovative strategies to address climate issues, reflecting her multifaceted skill set.
Throughout her career, Tianna has been active in youth engagement initiatives. She was part of the Mayor's Youth Council for Climate Action in Los Angeles, providing a platform for young voices advocating for climate change solutions. Her engagement with youth reflects her belief in the power of education and leadership development for future generations.
Tianna's experience spans academia as well, where she co-founded and co-chaired the DivestSC Committee at the University of Southern California. This role involved leading efforts to divest university funds from fossil fuels, demonstrating her commitment to sustainable investing and ethical practices in higher education.
Furthermore, her involvement in the Presidential Working Group on Sustainable Education, Research, and Operations at USC underscores her expertise in integrating sustainability into educational frameworks, promoting a culture of environmental responsibility among students and faculty.
Her early career experiences also include teaching as an English Teacher at Wise Readers to Leaders, where she combined her love for education with mentoring youth, sparking their interest in literacy and leadership.
These various roles have equipped Tianna with a vast array of skills including program development, community outreach, advocacy, and education—all centered around the themes of sustainability and social responsibility.
Education and Achievements
Tianna's educational foundation is firmly rooted in her academic achievements at the University of Southern California, where she earned both her Master of Science in Social Entrepreneurship and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. These degrees provide her with a unique perspective that merges the goals of social impact with an understanding of human behavior—an essential combination for her work in environmental justice and community advocacy.
Her academic journey began at McGavock High School, where she earned her High School Diploma with a focus on Broadcast Journalism. This background not only reflects her early interest in communication but also serves as a foundation for her advocacy work, where effective communication is key to raising awareness and rallying support for environmental initiatives.
Throughout her education, her continuous involvement in extracurricular activities related to environmental education and social cause initiatives enhanced her practical knowledge and skills, enabling her to emerge as a leader in her fields of interest.
Achievements
Tianna Shaw-Wakeman’s career is marked by numerous achievements that illustrate her dedication and effectiveness in her roles. She has successfully led multiple initiatives which have had tangible impacts on the community, especially within the realms of environmental justice and climate advocacy.
One notable achievement was her active role in the City of Los Angeles’ Climate Emergency Mobilization, where her contributions helped shape local climate policy and advocate for immediate action addressing the climate crisis. This effort was essential in mobilizing resources and community participation, pointing toward a future where environment-centric policies are prioritized.
As Co-Director of the USC Environmental Core, Tianna played a key role in initiatives aimed at increasing sustainability practices within the university, bolstering campus-wide awareness on environmental issues and pushing for institutional change in operations related to sustainability.
Additionally, as Co-Chair of the DivestSC Committee, she successfully led campaigns that promoted responsible divestment strategies and encouraged ethical investment practices at the institutional level, affecting how university funds are managed in relation to climate change.
Overall, Tianna's dedication to fostering a sustainable future and advocating for social justice through education and community outreach serves as an inspiration for many within the fields of environmental justice and social entrepreneurship. Her impressive background and vast array of experiences underscore her commitment to making a positive impact, paving the way for upcoming generations to continue the vital work of environmental stewardship.
