Community Council for Environmental Justice and Air Quality (CCEJAQ)

Teresa Brizuela - Thorton, CO

My name is Teresa Brizuela. I am from Venezuela and I have lived in Colorado since 2016. I graduated with a degree in Human Resources and completed a postgraduate degree in Labour Administration. I worked at Dana Incorporated for 15 years, which is an international organization with offices in Venezuela, where I received training as a Program Reviewer for The Dana Quality Leadership Award (similar to the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) • United States Department of Commerce). I also worked as an Environmental Auditor with an ISO 14000 certification, and have had my Buddist practice at SGI.org for over 37 years - where we propose that we are one with the environment and that this relationship is inseparable. More recently, I worked at the Growhaus.org in Colorado for three years, where I offered services to the neighborhoods of Globeville, Elyria and Swansea, in the 80216 zip code, which is considered to be a food desert and has documented levels of air, soil and water pollution. I have continued supporting these communities by participating in diverse events independently. The sum of all of these experiences, as well as my knowledge and life experiences, have made me responsive to supporting the preservation of our environment, dignity of life and respect for all living beings. I am very pleased to belong to this Council for Environmental Justice, where together with members with experience in climate change and environmental pollution education, we are being heard as part of the different communities of Colorado to which we belong. We are able to suggest changes related to environmental legal matters, such as with the voice of our communities, which is very important within the development of a country.

Harmony Cummings - Denver, CO

Harmony Cummings is a mother, environmentalist and organizer living life to the fullest in Colorado. She is the founder and director of the Green House Connection Center, a community space in Denver's Elyria neighborhood, that pairs the arts with environmental justice, community advocacy and healing. She is the Co-chair for the Denver Mayor’s Sustainability Advisory Council environmental justice committee.  She is passionate about protecting the future for her children and all of the children of Colorado.  She has eight years of experience working in the oil and gas industry and uses that experience, insight and connections to inform her work.  She was the bill champion for HB23-1242, Water Conservation in Oil and Gas Operations which established the nation’s first State level Produced Water Consortium to make significant advances in water reuse in the industry. Her most important role is being a mother and she spends her time with her two boys, in her garden, dancing, going to concerts and hanging out with the family's new kitten.

Carl Erickson - Greeley, CO

My name is Carl B. Erickson, I have lived in Weld County since I was three. I attended UNC in Greeley, worked as an interpreter for the deaf and a preschool teacher and finally went into the private sector as a supervisor and a technical trainer. I am the son of teachers, and my father was a park ranger in the summer. Although I have been an environmentalist my entire life, I wasn't as active in the "human right to a safe and clean environment" until 2009. I have since been very active in attempting to 'level the playing field' to ensure coming generations have a livable planet. As we strive to make the future livable it is important to ensure that benefits are felt equally and uniformly, this is the reason groups like this one exist.

Rachael Lehman - Denver, CO

Rachael Lehman (she, her, ella) is a mom, sociologist, education disruptor and community champion. Center the margins! Rachael earned degrees in Political Science, Women’s Studies and Sociology and is currently employed at the Community College of Denver as Associate Professor of Sociology and Women’s Studies. Rachael serves community in the following capacities; State Discipline Chair of Women’s Studies and Sociology for the Colorado Community College System, Community Council for Environmental Justice and Air Quality, Healthy Community Chair I-70/Vasquez Blvd Environmental Protection Agency Superfund Site, Curls on the Block board member, and Policy Director for Denver Public School Board Director Auon’tai Anderson. Rachael finds joy in dismantling white supremacy and hugging trees. #RachaeltheRealest

Kate Lockwood - Meeker, CO

My name is Katie Lockwood, and I serve as a western colorado representative for CCEJAQ though I currently reside in Colorado Springs for college. Growing up as the daughter of a U.S. Forest Service employee mom in rural Colorado, I’ve always felt close to nature and compelled to share the treasure that it is with everyone; this board is an opportunity to do just that.

Chyrese Exline - Colorado Springs, CO

Chyrese Exline is a Colorado native deeply committed to environmental justice and community service. An avid volunteer, she has dedicated her time to causes like the NAACP and the District Accountability Committee for School District 11. As a Toastmaster and presentation trainer, she has honed her skills in communication and advocacy, making her an effective voice for community engagement.

Passionate about preserving Colorado’s natural beauty, Chyrese has explored nearly all of the state's local and state parks, further solidifying her dedication to environmental stewardship. She is honored to lend her voice to the Community Council for Environmental Justice and Air Quality, where she works alongside fellow council members to elevate underrepresented voices in addressing the state's air quality and pollution challenges.

Alondra Solis - Pueblo

My name is Alondra Daniela Solis Ayala. I live in Pueblo, Colorado, and I am a student at Colorado State University Pueblo. I am in my 4th Year in the Social Work Department. In addition, I am a certified interpreter for the Community Language Cooperative. The reason why I joined the Community Council for Environmental Justice and Air Quality is because I am passionate about advocating for environmental justice and air quality in my community. I'm happy to be part of this Environmental Justice Council, where we work with people who know a lot about climate change and pollution. Where we can listen to our Colorado communities and can create change and impact to environmental laws.

Rick Hanger - Pueblo

My name is Rick Hanger. I moved to Colorado in 1982 after college to pursue a career in the solar energy industry and embrace living in our amazing State. Over the years I enjoyed a career in a variety of community development programs statewide such as affordable housing development, energy-efficiency, and healthy housing programs through work at for-profit, non-profit and government entities. I have a long-term passion for protecting our State and citizens from environmental and social justice concerns such as the Rocky Flats closure and the Pueblo Chemical Weapons destruction program. I am married, retired, and living in Pueblo, Colorado and enjoy my time as Colorado Master Gardener, a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Tax Preparer and as an avid recumbent bicycle rider.