Get to know CEC members Gloria Fisher & Miriam Bouallegue

Name	Gloria Fisher
What is your work and how did you end up focusing on the work you do?	I am the Executive Director for Westside Housing Organization/ WSH. We are the largest community Development Corporation in KC MO. We deliver a $1.5M minor home repair program each year. I ended up in the group as a housing leader in the community with an organizational commitment to housing, health, energy and equity.
What’s your biggest motivation to do climate work (or for engaging in climate action)?	WSH owns and operates 13 buildings in the Westside Neighborhood. Climate action effects the building WSH owns and operates. When we think about a temperature change of 10 degrees by 2030 I think about how the older buildings we own will operate. How a small leak becomes the need for a new roof when 5 day rain events happen or quick, heavy rain occurs.
If you could accomplish one big goal related to climate action, what would it be?	Check all 183 apt units for water leaks and stop the leaks
Who inspires you the most?	John McDonald, and Adam Jones
What’s one book that helped inform your perspective on climate action/the climate crisis?	Seminars/ Bob Berkebile
What words of wisdom or motivation can you share with those who want to engage in climate action?	No one is coming to save us! We have to save ourselves.
What’s one thing you do to recharge from your work?	Water aerobics

Name	Miriam Bouallegue
What is your work and how did you end up focusing on the work you do?	I work at a local nonprofit that provides outreach, education, technical assistance, and resources to stakeholders in Kansas and Missouri for sustainable transportation initiatives. I ended up focusing on this work by realizing in my former position working in environmental compliance that our current environmental regulations are not proactive enough.
What’s your biggest motivation to do climate work (or for engaging in climate action)?	Preserving a healthy natural world for my life and future generations.
If you could accomplish one big goal related to climate action, what would it be?	Restoring all native species and natural habitats.
What words of wisdom or motivation can you share with those who want to engage in climate action?	Find your niche and learn everything you can about it. There are so many areas of climate justice and they all matter. You don’t need to be an expert if you’re passionate and ready to learn.
What’s one thing you do to recharge from your work?	Hiking with my mutt!