Did you know a single online petition about a proposed data center over a Missouri aquifer became so powerful that officials had to move the public meeting from a small room to an entire convention center just to fit the crowd? Imagine having a career where you organize communities, influence environmental policy, monitor air pollution in real time, and help people speak up about issues impacting their health, neighborhoods, and future. What if your future job combined leadership, activism, communication, science, and community action to create real environmental change?
In this presentation, Beth Gutzler, Environmental Justice Lead Organizer with United Congregations of Metro-East, shares how her career path blended psychology, business, leadership training, environmental justice, and community organizing into meaningful work focused on helping communities advocate for cleaner air, healthier neighborhoods, and environmental equity. Beth explains how she works with faith communities, scientists, local residents, nonprofits, and policymakers to organize campaigns around issues like air pollution, food scarcity, illegal dumping, and environmental racism. She also introduces tools community organizers use every day — including air quality monitors, petitions, public testimony, data analysis, phone banking, social media outreach, and community events that inspire people to take action.
Beth also gives a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how environmental justice work connects science with real people’s everyday lives. Using live air quality data and citizen science projects, she explains how communities can monitor pollution levels themselves and advocate for policy changes that improve public health. Along the way, she highlights how careers in environmental justice are incredibly diverse — from scientists and graphic designers to pastors, grant writers, policy advocates, data analysts, and community organizers all working together toward common goals. Whether you enjoy leadership, psychology, communication, organizing events, social justice, science, or helping people solve problems in their communities, this presentation shows how environmental careers can create lasting impact far beyond the classroom.