Hope in Action: NAAEE Recognizes 30 Environmental Education Rising Stars

For immediate release

The North American Association for Environmental Education introduces its newest class of 30 visionary leaders under 30—rising changemakers from 20 countries who are transforming the future of environmental education.

[Washington, D.C., November 4, 2025] The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) is thrilled to unveil its tenth class of trailblazers under age 30 who are using environmental education to create lasting impact in communities worldwide. These young leaders aren’t waiting for change. They’re creating it, using environmental education (EE) to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, community health issues, and more.

The 30 awardees in this year’s EE 30 Under 30 Class of 2025 range in age from 16 to 30, hail from 21 countries, and work with a wide range of audiences to tackle complex environmental and social issues in their communities. They encompass a variety of topics and approaches to EE, from teacher training and outdoor education to new technologies that address fast fashion to community-centered programs for ocean conservation and ecosystem restoration. Their collective work is reaching more than 300,000 people each year.

The 2025 EE 30 Under 30 honorees are exceptional young leaders who are transforming their communities and inspiring others to take action for a more sustainable world. As part of a global community of changemakers, they’ll gain access to ongoing support—including networking, peer mentoring, global recognition, grant opportunities, and professional development.

Since 2016, NAAEE's EE 30 Under 30 program has recognized 301 individuals from 57 countries who are making a difference through environmental education. This program is made possible by NAAEE, the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP), and the Sam and Mary Lawrence Foundation. Additional support was provided by the Environmental Stewardship Fund, a fund of Tides Foundation.

The award has a tremendous impact on these young leaders. “Being recognized as EE 30 Under 30 is a dream come true for me. This award will enable me to take my passion for transforming environmental education through games, art, and theater to the next orbit. NAAEE’s endeavor to spotlight the next generation of environmental changemakers is truly remarkable, and I consider myself fortunate to be part of this cohort." —Megha Bhat, EE 30 Under 30 2025.

Executive Director of NAAEE Judy Braus says, “EE 30 Under 30 celebrates the creativity, courage, and commitment of young leaders who are shaping a more sustainable and just future. Around the world, they’re turning education into action—proving that environmental education is one of the most powerful tools we have to drive meaningful change. Join us in congratulating NAAEE’s EE 30 Under 30 Class of 2025!”

Learn more about this year’s winners, listed below, by reading their biographies on our website: naaee.org/programs/ee-30-under-30

Anjali Pujari, India, 26; Antonio Díaz Aranda, Mexico, 26; Arianna Lawrence, USA, 20; Aruna Bangura, Sierra Leone, 25; Carmen Valenzuela Chapetón, Guatemala, 29; Diego Enrique Vallejo Garcia, Paraguay, 28; Gianna Vitória Torres Santos, Brazil, 17; Howard Mwesigwa, Uganda, 27; Ines Said, Tunisia, 28; Jabel Gabriela Gómez Esquit, Guatemala, 23; Jibreel Cooper, USA, 28; Jumoke Omodeni Mujidat, Nigeria, 27; Joseph Boyle, United Kingdom, 29; Krishnadeva Pentayah, Mauritius, 26; Kungang Ambotaba Nora, Cameroon, 28; Lara Jean L. Salaysay, Philippines, 30; Manisha Meem Nipun, Bangladesh, 29; Mariana Zarahi; Rangel Oliva, Mexico, 30; Mark Liao Jun, Malaysia, 29; Megha Bhat, India, 16; Muhindo Esther, Uganda, 24; Nischal Shrestha, Nepal, 29; Nokwanda Gcaza, South Africa, 26; Paz Mattenet Riva, Argentina, 27; Sreyas Sajeevan, India, 28; Stefanie Mariella; Torres La Torre, Peru, 26; Suzie Hicks, USA, 29; Wudindolo Fantina, Cameroon, 28; Yani Zoilo, Philippines, 29; Yuli Efriani, Indonesia, 27

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About NAAEE

For more than five decades, the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) has served as the professional association, champion, and backbone organization for the field of environmental education (EE), working with EE professionals across United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as globally, to advance environmental literacy and civic engagement to create a more equitable and sustainable future. For more information on NAAEE, visit https://naaee.org.