WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — The Friends of the Mariana Trench and EarthEcho International are thrilled to announce that Saipan activist Emma Chong, an incoming freshman at Northern Marianas College, will interview White House Council on Environmental Council Chair Brenda Mallory at the upcoming Upwell ocean justice conference in Washington, D.C. on June 4, 2024 at 11:45 a.m.
Emma will engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Mallory about the intersection of environmental justice and ocean policy, as well as her experiences as the first African American to lead the Council on Environmental Quality.
About Emma Chong
Emma Chong has always possessed an affinity towards environmentalism and ocean conservation. Growing up in the Northern Marianas Islands and being of indigenous descent has instilled a deep sense of giving back not only to her community but her surrounding natural environments. This fall Emma will pursue a degree in natural resource management at Northern Marianas College and has plans to pursue higher education in marine science. Emma is currently serving as an EarthEcho International Ocean Protection Ambassador, collaborating with the Friends of the Mariana Trench to lead a community-based campaign to build support for ocean protection efforts.
About Brenda Mallory
Brenda Mallory, an American lawyer specializing in environmental law, currently serves as the 12th chair of the Council on Environmental Quality. She is the first African American to hold this position and advises the U.S. president on environmental and natural resources policies. Mallory’s extensive career includes roles at the Southern Environmental Law Center, the White House Council on Environmental Quality, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Online registration for Upwell can be found here: https://www.americanprogress.org/events/upwell-a-wave-of-ocean-justice-online/
The conference will also stream live on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFFpY7-ZEX4
