Laura Tellez | she/ella
Associate Florida Program Director, Solar United Neighbors

Laura is passionate about sustainability. She is excited to expand solar energy in Florida. Laura has worked with various non-profit organizations and government agencies. Her work has stretched from Panama to Alaska. Laura has a B.S. in Environmental Sciences, a M.S. in Ecological Leadership and Education, and an Occupational Endorsement in Sustainable Energy.

Kate Khatib
Co-Director, Seed Commons

Kate is an Arab-American organizer and movement strategist. Two decades ago, she co-founded Red Emma’s, a cooperatively-owned restaurant and bookstore in Baltimore that helped to catalyze a city-wide ecosystem of worker-owned businesses, and a national network of cooperatives in the food and beverage sector. In 2015, she helped to found the Seed Commons cooperative and its Baltimore peer, the Baltimore Roundtable for Economic Democracy, and in 2018, became co-director of the Seed Commons network alongside Brendan Martin.

Jeru Qadar
Next Gen Leader, Kheprw Institute

Jeru has been with the Kheprw Institute for 5 years. During that time he has lent his videography, graphic design, and facilitation skills to Kheprw’s marketing and communications department. Over the last year he has been developing ALKHEMY+ platform, an online learning and community building tool, which provides self-guided lessons for entrepreneurs, creatives, and organizers. In his free time, Jeru plays guitar with his bandmates, attends local venues and house shows, and works on his video game project.

Maria Claudia Schubert-Fontes | she/her (Moderator)
Climate Justice Program Manager, Catalyst Miami

Within her role at Catalyst Miami, Maria Claudia is able to connect with community members throughout Miami-Dade County, engaging them in equitable climate policy at the local, state, and federal levels. Maria Claudia began her career as a place-based climate educator designing experiential courses for high school students. She later worked with educators and youth supporting the implementation of climate education in classrooms throughout the East Coast of the United States. Outside of work, Maria Claudia engages in activities that foster joy and nurture community.