Sameeha Khan

Communications Intern- New Yorkers for Clean Power

Sameeha is a college freshman majoring in Environmental Policy & Law. She grew up in Richmond Hill, Queens- a community on the frontline of electric infrastructure inequity. She began her path on environmentalism as Youth Sustainability Lead in a local mutual aid organization. This firsthand experience showed her the impact of pollution, food insecurity, and insufficient resources in a community. This sparked a passion for intersectional environmentalism, which continued to play a role throughout her life.

Her first formal experience in environmental advocacy was at the Central Park Zoo, where she served as a Discovery Guide. She spoke to visitors about habitat conservation projects, as well as advocating for the creation of a marine sanctuary in the Hudson Canyon- a project which is now in the beginning stages of development. Later, she served on the Youth E-Board of the Climate and Resilience Education Task Force (CRETF), where she worked with government officials and teachers to improve legislation on climate education.

As she explores environmental justice as a human rights issue, Sameeha is now partaking in a mentorship program with Amnesty International USA. She is also an intern for New Yorkers for Clean Power, using social media as a tool to communicate information on the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. At her college, she is engaged in research focused on the environmental impact of landfills and leachate.

This summer, Sameeha is adding to her intersectional path by serving as a mentor for the Bronx is Blooming. She is teaching high schoolers environmental stewardship skills through the restoration of NYC parks. In the future, Sameeha hopes to apply her passion for environmental advocacy to the betterment of her community. With each city, state and country that prioritizes climate action, she hopes to see a global transition to sustainability.