Meet the Team

Executive Director

Jack Hanson is the cofounder and executive director of Run On Climate. He has been working to advance climate justice since his senior year of high school. In 2019, Jack was elected to the Burlington, Vermont City Council at the age of 24, breaking voter turnout records in the process. While on Council, he championed numerous policies to reduce emissions and lower the cost of living in Burlington, including requirements for landlords to weatherize rental units, renewable heating requirements for new buildlings, a citywide electric bikeshare system, a commitment and roadmap to get Burlington off of fossil fuels by 2030, and more. He started Run On Climate in 2021 to support other local-level leaders and climate activists working to advance climate action in their own communities.

Operations Director

Jonathan “Thor” Raines is a native of South Carolina’s upstate region, graduating from Anderson University with two degrees in Theology and Theatre. His professional career includes several higher education and non-profit positions, thus developing his interest and passion for community investment and advocacy. Thor’s high regard for the planet and local government led him to Run On Climate, where he combines his operational and administrative expertise with a passion for climate justice.

In his free time, Thor enjoys running, going to the movies, and performing on the stage and screen. He has choreographed and directed many regional productions, and has been featured in several films available on streaming. 

Policy Director

Quinton is an entrepreneur, climate activist and former three-term City Councillor in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He currently lives in Princeton, New Jersey. Quinton came to the United States as an immigrant from Suriname, in South America, when he was 15 years old. After completing his bachelors at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, he moved to Cambridge to study at MIT. As an activist, Quinton got the city to adopt a net zero action plan to eliminate building emissions, and brought attention to the city’s declining tree canopy. On the council, Quinton prioritized affordable housing, tenant protections, racial equity, stronger tree protections, protected bike lanes and strong action on climate change.

Policy Associate

Peter has been active in climate advocacy and politics his whole life. He has worked on climate and clean energy policy in Interior Secretary Deb Haaland’s office, at the think tank ORF America, and in the German parliament. He has worked on campaigns, including Senator Tina Smith’s 2020 reelection, and for elected officials, including in Governor Tim Walz and Lt Governor Peggy Flanagan’s office. Peter was also a longtime volunteer with Citizens’ Climate Lobby, leading the Saint Paul, Minnesota chapter and serving as liaison to Senator Klobuchar. He holds a Master's from Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies with a focus in climate and energy policy and a Bachelor's in political science and international studies from Macalester College. Outside his work, Peter enjoys running, biking, fishing, hiking, cooking, books, and podcasts.

Policy Fellow

Kiana Panah is a fourth-year student at the University of Denver, originally from Dallas, Texas. Majoring in Environmental Science with minors in Gender, Women's and Sexualities Studies, and in Philosophy, she has taken a route of study that ensures viewing climate justice from a multitude of perspectives, enriching her experiences in fighting climate change. Even before her studies, however, Kiana has always been passionate about saving our planet. From her “Don’t Litter” club in elementary school to her 10 page long reports on environmental ethics, the climate issue is one she feels incredibly strongly about working towards justice for. Kiana believes that little steps make a big difference, and she hopes to be able to spread that message and make a change through RunOn Climate.

Policy Fellow

Jonah Sayler is a junior at Middlebury College, majoring in Political Science and English. Originally from Vermont, he enjoys hiking, cross-country skiing, and cooking. Growing up experiencing the natural beauty of Vermont has instilled in Jonah a heartfelt appreciation of the natural world and a passionate commitment to environmental protection.

Driven by a strong interest in public policy, environmental advocacy, and local politics, Jonah was drawn to intern with Run On Climate due to the organization’s commitment to climate advocacy at the local level in communities across the country. As a member of the policy team, Jonah is excited to contribute to meaningful change by working with local government officials and stakeholders to advance climate policy.

Policy Fellow

Hannah Merickel is a senior at Middlebury College majoring in Environmental Policy and Justice, with a minor in Spanish. Growing up in San Francisco, she developed a strong passion for environmental activism through firsthand exposure to climate impacts and community-led responses including during the Northern California wildfires in 2020. Her academic work has deepened her interest in the intersections of climate policy, equity, and local governance.

Hannah’s experience includes community organizing and education, energy poverty policy research, and supporting a local environmental justice organization. She strongly believes in the power of local-level climate initiatives and hopes to build on her past experience to help bridge the gap between policy research, community engagement, and electoral action at Run On Climate. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, cooking with friends, surfing, and spending time outside.

Policy Fellow

Sage is a freshman at Middlebury College, where she is exploring interests in environmental policy, history, and political science. Growing up in Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i, she witnessed firsthand how climate change impacts island communities, fueling her commitment to community-centered climate action.

In Hawai'i, Sage interned with state and federal offices, where she conducted legislative research, tracked bills, and surveyed students across Kaua'i to understand youth priorities. She founded a climate education program for elementary students in her community and participated in a conservation internship centered on traditional Hawaiian knowledge and natural resource management. These experiences taught her the importance of centering local voices in policy work.

At Middlebury, Sage continues this commitment as a student writer for The Middlebury Campus and through volunteering at Eastview senior living facility. She is interested in how local policy can build meaningful connections between communities and the systems that shape their lives. Through her internship with Run On Climate, she hopes to deepen her understanding of local climate action and contribute to policy work that honors community knowledge. In her free time, Sage enjoys writing to her pen pals, playing rugby, and spending time outside.

Policy Intern

Anabelle is a senior at the University of Illinois Chicago studying Psychology and Criminology, Law, and Justice. Originally from San Clemente, California, she has always loved the outdoors and developed a strong passion for protecting the oceans and the environment. She has a strong interest in understanding the different ways climate change impacts individuals’ physical and mental well-being. In her free time, Anabelle enjoys thrifting, reading, camping, and exploring the city of Chicago. She is excited to work with the Run On Climate team and contribute to meaningful environmental change.

Policy Intern

Kannan Chockalingam is a sophomore at Cornell University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Environmental Sciences. Originally from Sudbury, MA, Kannan brings a blend of analytical rigor and environmental passion to his work. His professional experience spans supply chain and demand planning at Demand Planning LLC, farm business operations at Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and urban agriculture work with The Food Project in Boston, where he supported food access initiatives serving over 200 families. Beyond his academic and professional pursuits, Kannan is an active leader on campus, serving as Acting Music Director for Cornell Tarana A Cappella and contributing as a consultant with Social Business Consulting Cornell. Outside of work, Kannan can be found playing Ultimate Frisbee, collecting vinyl records, watching A24 films, or listening to Chance the Rapper. He is excited to bring his skills in data analysis, operations, and community engagement to his new role.

Policy Intern

Talia grew up in the Philadelphia area and is a rising senior at the University of Vermont studying sustainability, ecology, and policy with a concentration in environmental policy, planning, and law, with minors in writing and public policy analysis. She resonates with ROC’s mission of accelerating local-level climate policy because that is where meaningful gaps are evident, and opportunities for change are most impactful. She loves reading and traveling – a sentiment reinforced by her experience living abroad in Italy for the past four months. She also enjoys spending time in nature and feels passionately about environmental justice and ensuring fairness in policymaking. Her commitment stems from the desire to help bridge the gap between science and real-world policy, where tangible change is made.

Policy Intern

Sadie is a third-year student at the University of Chicago, majoring in Comparative Literature and Mathematics. As a kid, she fell in love with the natural world while helping her grandma with her garden. Once she learned about the existential threats to our collective home, she began working within her community to make a difference. Today, she leads her university’s student-run community garden and a research group that investigates Chicago’s environmental policy. In her free time, she loves to run, cook, and explore. She firmly believes that social change starts within local communities and is excited to continue that work at ROC.

Policy Intern

Maggie is a second-year student at Macalester College in St Paul, Minnesota, double-majoring in Environmental Studies and Media and Cultural Studies. They were born and raised in Washington State, where they spent much of their childhood surrounded by old punks, falling off of trees, and jumping in the ocean, which they credit with helping them to develop a deep passion for environmental justice. Now, they spend their free time reading, beginning miscellaneous arts and craft projects, playing drums, and writing for their college’s student newspaper. Their career in environmentalism began in earnest in their freshman year of high school, when they joined their local chapter of the sunrise movement. They now help lead their college’s own hub of sunrise and participate in urban agriculture and mutual aid initiatives across the Twin Cities. Throughout their development as an environmentalist and climate activist, they have come to view local, grassroots change as a vital source of hope and momentum for the environmental movement. They look forward to working with Run On Climate to win meaningful material victories for communities in the US and move towards a brighter future for the planet.

Policy Intern

Eisha Qureshi is a sophomore at UVM majoring in Sustainability, Ecology, and Policy, with a concentration in Policy and a minor in Environmental Studies. She immigrated from Pakistan at the age of six and lived in Norwalk, Connecticut, until moving to Vermont for college in 2024. Her passion for environmental justice began at a young age after visiting places around the world affected by environmental degradation and pollution. Since high school, Eisha has been involved in many nonprofit organizations and clubs focused on environmental advocacy and restoration efforts. Her favorite memory is volunteering on farms in Connecticut and seeing the vegetables she harvested grow.

In her free time, Eisha enjoys reading, hiking, volunteering, and staying active. She also has a talent for henna, which she has practiced since childhood!

Policy Intern

Emily is a rising third year at the University of Chicago studying Economics and minoring in East Asian Languages and Civilizations. Born and raised in a small town in Maryland, she developed both a love for the outdoors and a deep respect for local politics from a young age. Throughout her college career, she has striven to combine her academic passions with political advocacy, particularly concerning environmental issues, founding multiple organizations on campus and earning a $20k grant to conduct research on clean energy supply chains. She is excited to work with the Policy team at Run On Climate this summer to get on-the-ground experience organizing and legislating on these issues.

Policy Intern

Michelle is a rising senior at Boston University pursuing a B.A. in Political Science with double minors in International Relations and Public Relations. Born and raised in the Chicago area with an intersectional identity, she has been conscious of sociopolitical issues from a young age. She is driven by the belief that public policy is most powerful when it uplifts the lived experiences of the communities it impacts.

Michelle is particularly passionate about sustainability and makes conscious efforts to incorporate ethical practices into her daily life. She enjoys fashion as her primary hobby and upcycles thrifted clothing in her free time. At BU, she has served as Editor-in-Chief of Fabrio, a sustainable student-led fashion magazine, producing an issue made entirely from secondhand garments and materials. Additionally, she has participated in various park clean-ups in the Greater Boston area and finds fulfillment in the community that comes with it. As a policy intern with Run On Climate, Michelle looks forward to supporting initiatives that aim to create better conditions for future generations.

Policy Intern

Abby is a sophomore at Boston University, where she is double majoring in Marine Science and Environmental Analysis and Policy. Originally from Connecticut, she has long been committed to environmental stewardship. Her experience spans both wildlife care and public education. Most recently, she worked at Boston University’s marine laboratory, where she cared for a diverse range of marine organisms, further strengthening her scientific background. She previously worked as a zoo curator at an AZA-accredited facility, caring for endangered species such as lemurs and red pandas. Abby has also worked at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Connecticut, where she engaged visitors and promoted awareness of marine conservation in the Long Island Sound. While her passion began with marine life, she has since developed a broader interest in environmental and climate policy. In her spare time, she enjoys running and practicing yoga.

Policy Intern

Avery is a rising junior at Providence College, majoring in sociology with a minor in women’s and gender studies. Originally from Buffalo, New York, she is also a dual citizen of Ireland and the United States. Avery is excited to join the Run On Climate team and is particularly interested in how local environmental policy shapes social institutions and everyday life, such as inequality, community structures, and social change. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in law, building on her passion for advocacy and social justice. In her free time, she enjoys reading romcoms, listening to Taylor Swift, and cheering on the Buffalo Bills.

Policy Intern

Bridget is a graduate student at Columbia University, getting a master's in Climate and Society. She got her Bachelor's in Marine Biology from UC San Diego, where she found her passion for public education, policy, and climate activism. During her gap year, she worked at the Environmental Center of San Diego as a coordinator and an educator at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. These positions strengthened her knowledge in education and local policy. Originally from Sacramento, she grew up travelling California and found inspiration to protect the oceans, the outdoors, and convince others to do the same. She has worked with over 6 non-profits and is excited to be continuing her work with Run On Climate.

Policy Intern

Roc is a sophomore at Cornell University studying math and computer science in the college of arts and sciences. Originally from Evanston, Illinois, Roc developed an interest in using analytical methods to aid policy decisions through work in local nonprofits and environmental math modeling competitions. Roc is curious about the strengths and limitations of formal models towards public policy. He is excited to work on the policy team!

Policy Intern

Delaney Casavant is a junior at Boston University double-majoring in Political Science and Economics with a minor in Urban Studies. In her home city of Pittsburgh, she developed a passion for sustainability at the community level through food rescue programs and promoting local agriculture and is particularly interested in how climate policy interacts with public health. In her free time, Delaney volunteers with Guiding Eyes for the Blind raising future seeing-eye dogs, enjoys spending time with friends and family, and loves cooking. She is excited to work with the Run On Climate team and contribute to a more climate-conscious world!

Policy Intern

Jake is a junior at Middlebury College studying Environmental Economics. He grew up in Vermont, where he was heavily exposed to the outdoors, which contributed to his appreciation for the natural environment. His academic interests focus on understanding how economic systems can support sustainable environmental solutions, particularly in the context of climate policy and renewable energy. Jake enjoys spending his free time skiing, hiking, biking, and playing golf, along with just about any opportunity to be outside. He is excited to contribute to meaningful environmental work and is passionate about community-focused approaches to sustainability.

Policy Intern

JJ is a senior at the University of Vermont pursuing a double major in Sociology and Statistics. Originally from Long Island, New York, he has always enjoyed spending time outdoors and by the water, and much of his original motivation to help in resolving the climate crisis was due to wanting to ensure others can continue to have these experiences. Taking a multifaceted approach to dealing with the environment through using data to find trends within the environment and policy, alongside keeping in mind key factors regarding environmental equity and structural hurdles, will help him to further his understanding of the current political climate and find equitable policy solutions. JJ is looking forward to working alongside the policy team with ROC and to help pave a path for a better future.

Policy Intern

Claire Shank is a sophomore at the University of California, Los Angeles, studying Public Affairs, Environmental Systems & Society, and Global Studies. She is from Chicago, Illinois, where she developed a passion for Environmental Justice and working to rectify the disproportionate environmental and public health burdens on her community. She hopes to pursue a career in environmental policy/law, and is excited to get involved in grassroots organizing and policy research.

At UCLA, Claire is involved in research on the environmental justice impacts of AI data centers in Los Angeles, plays on the club softball team, and is a member of the state policy team for the Office of the External Vice President.

Policy Intern

Reese is a rising senior at East Tennessee State University, pursuing a degree in Political Science with a minor in Environmental Studies. Originally from Nashville, she is an avid explorer of local and national parks and spends her time hiking, kayaking, and camping. These passions inspired her work with Outdoor Adventure, where she leads peers on expeditions throughout the Appalachian region.

Reese’s commitment to environmental advocacy extends beyond the trail; she is dedicated to the Run On Climate mission of empowering local leaders to take bold action. She believes the most effective climate solutions are rooted in local government, and she is eager to bridge the gap between policy and sustainable community change to help cities translate ambitious goals into concrete results.

Policy Intern

Elliot Modzelewski is a Senior Political Science and Creative Writing Student at Macalester College in St. Paul, MN. He studies modern policy issues and comparative politics, with a focus on Latin American Politics and how they reflect global issues. He is seeking a career in public policy and has worked with a Minnesota State Legislator as well as on several electoral advocacy projects. He is a senior leader of Macalester's produce accessibility and sustainability club, MacShare, and the Co-President of the Tabletop Role-Playing club as well. He recently conducted electoral research on Andean indigenous groups while studying abroad in Cusco, Peru, and is looking to publish his work in an undergraduate periodical. Outside of his academic and professional life, he enjoys cooking, writing, biking, playing Dungeons and Dragons, and spending time with his girlfriend. 

Policy Intern

Sireesha is a sophomore at San Jose State University majoring in Political Science. Being raised in Santa Clara, California, she learned the importance of environmental preservation under the lens of the negative impact of the ever-expanding tech industry. With the growth of environmentally-damaging architecture within Silicon Valley, fighting against such regression through political advocacy is something she wants to learn and carry throughout her policy journey. She is excited to further her passion for community organizing and policy formulation by gaining new perspectives on what activism requires from Run On Climate. Her interests include baking, theatre, and embroidery.

Communications & Development Director

For more than two decades, Leslie Burk has supported local groups, nonprofits, and partners to protect the environment and build more resilient communities. Most recently at Freshwater Future, she championed clean drinking water policies, advocated for sustainable infrastructure improvements, and supported communities affected by local flooding. Leslie has consulted with hundreds of grassroots organizations to equip leaders and stakeholders with communication and fundraising strategies necessary to drive real change at the local level. Her career is a direct reflection of her personal connection to the Great Lakes and the forests of Northern Michigan, where she resides. Now, as part of the Run On Climate team, she aims to elevate local efforts, deepen connections with partners and supporters, and advance the urgent message that the time for local climate action is now. Outside of her professional life, Leslie enjoys exploring woods and waterways, gardening, foraging for wild berries, cooking, and creating fiber art projects.

Social Media Manager

Mason grew up in South Burlington, Vermont and currently resides in Montréal, Québec. He graduated from Concordia University in 2023 with a B.A. in Urban Studies. During his studies, Mason developed a passion for sustainable urban development, sustainable urban transportation, and inclusive urban planning. He began his journey with Run On Climate in the summer of 2023 as a Social Media Intern. Before returning to Run On Climate as the Social Media Manager, Mason completed a second internship where he worked on the Communication and Awareness Unit at the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, an organization that operates directly under the United Nations Environment Programme. In his free time, Mason enjoys snowboarding, rock climbing, kayaking, cycling, fishing, and playing chess.

Journalism Fellow

Marin Warshay is a recent graduate from Brown University where she received a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Urban Studies. In college, through environmental writing, Marin merged her lifelong love for words and the natural world. After graduation, Marin applied these passions to a journalism fellowship in Toledo, OH, during which she covered climate change and environmental justice issues in the Midwest. Now, Marin is excited to be a part of Run On Climate and continue using her writing as a platform for creating positive climate action, a form of environmental education, and a means to make the fight against climate change more inclusive. In her free time, you can find her making jewelry, rock climbing, seeing live music, and cooking!

Journalism Intern

Hazal is a recent graduate of the University of Chicago where he majored in mathematics. He is originally from Istanbul, Turkey and to a lesser extent the suburbs of Indianapolis. His interests include creating photographs, going on long walks, and hanging out with his cat.

Journalism Intern

Avery is a junior at the University of Colorado Boulder studying journalism with a focus on political and environmental reporting. Growing up in Colorado, she developed an interest in environmental issues and how they impact local communities. She’s especially interested in climate policy and telling stories that make complex topics easier to understand. At Run On Climate, she’s excited to learn more about local climate action and share stories that highlight real change happening at the community level. In her free time, Avery enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new places, and writing.

Journalism Intern

Sarah Brown is a journalism intern with a passion for telling stories that connect people to the places they care about most. Originally from San Diego, she grew up surrounded by the Pacific, which sparked her early curiosity about ocean health and environmental stewardship. She now studies at Northwestern University, where she is a member of the sailing team and brings her love of the water into her daily life on Lake Michigan. On campus, Sarah works as a copy editor for In Our Nature, the university’s primary environmental publication, and contributes film photography that highlights details of the natural world. She is especially interested in how journalism, visual storytelling, and environmental advocacy intersect to make climate issues feel personal and urgent. Outside of writing and editing, you can usually find Sarah on the water, behind a camera, or exploring new ways to document the environments she cares about.

Journalism Intern

Emma is a rising junior at Boston University studying journalism and history. She is from Clinton, New Jersey, and is hoping to pursue environmental or climate journalism. She has always been interested in understanding the world around her, with a strong passion for research, and maintains a genuine curiosity and love of learning. Emma has written for her school’s independent newspaper, The Daily Free Press, and for the Swellesley Report in Wellesley, MA., where she has covered a wide variety of beats. However, while in the field, she has found that she is most passionate about covering climate and the environment, and took an environmental policy course outside of her major which cemented that this is the route she wants to pursue.

Journalism Intern

Supriya grew up in Concord, North Carolina, and is now a sophomore at Northwestern University. She is double-majoring in Journalism and Data Science, and minoring in Environmental Culture and Policy. Throughout high school, she was actively engaged with local environmental nonprofits, and she continues to be passionate about grassroots efforts combating climate change. As a student journalist, she hopes to hone her ability to write about nature and environmental issues in a compelling and positive way. She is excited to give voice to smaller communities and raise awareness about how local climate policy may impact people's day-to-day lives. In her free time, she loves sewing, reading, and dancing!

Journalism Intern

Jasmine N. Wynn (she/they), born and raised in New York City, is a rising senior at Harvard College studying History with a minor in Energy and Environment. She is a Summer 2026 Climate Journalism Intern with Run On Climate. In her capacity as a journalist, Wynn has previously contributed to TIME Magazine, USA Today, Newsweek, The Boston Globe and more. Outside of RoC, Wynn is a competitive figure skater, plays four instruments, and loves Minecraft. You can contact them at jasminenwynn.com.

Social Media Fellow

Kat graduated from The University of Washington in 2023 with a degree in English and a minor in Environmental Studies. Having been raised in a small town in California, Kat’s love for the natural world came from a childhood of exploring tidepools and redwood forests in her home state. Combining her studies and her heart for the environment, Kat developed a passion for environmental communication and the work of making complex climate issues accessible to everyone. She has a background in journalism and social media work, and is excited to bring this experience and her passion for communication to the Run on Climate team. In her free time, Kat enjoys learning new crafting skills, rollerskating, and reading.

Social Media Fellow

Quinn Warmbrodt is a junior at Loyola University Chicago majoring in Biology with a minor in Spanish and is on the pre-health track. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, she has developed a strong interest in the intersection of science, public health, and environmental justice. She is particularly interested in how environmental and health challenges impact communities at the individual level. Outside of academics, Quinn enjoys spending time near Lake Michigan, exploring the city, going on long walks, and staying involved in her community.

Social Media Intern

Sofija Manojlovski is a rising junior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, majoring in Political Science with minors in Communications and Art & Design. Coming from a family of botanists and hikers, she developed an appreciation for nature and a passion for environmental justice and policy. Alongside her academic pursuits, Sofija is profoundly engaged in the arts, participating in many art shows within the Chicagoland area. Sofija aims to meaningfully connect her creative interests with her career, whether it be through graphic design, public affairs, or advocacy. Motivated to make a positive contribution to her community and the environment, she looked towards Run On Climate.

Social Media Intern

Mikaela Kuhne is a Junior at the University of California, Santa Barbara, studying environmental studies and economics. Her love for the environment developed while growing up on the beach, shaping her passion for coastal protection and restoration. Mikaela wants to work at the intersection of economics and climate policy, but is also passionate about sustainability communication and facilitating engagement with climate issues. She was drawn to Run On Climate because of its emphasis on local level policy to address climate justice through community action. Mikaela is very excited to make an impact and contribute to meaningful change! Mikaela Kuhne is a Junior at the University of California, Santa Barbara, studying environmental studies and economics. She is excited to leverage her background in environmental policy and communication to support Run on Climate’s digital campaigns and expand the organization's reach.

Social Media Intern

Reed Shumpert is from the Upstate of South Carolina. Her interest in the outdoors stems from her parents and the hikes she took growing up. She is currently studying Media Arts Production at Tri-County Technical College.

After seeing the trails she once loved get washed away by Hurricane Helene, she realized that she needed to get involved locally. In her free time she enjoys walking around the South Carolina Botanical Gardens, taking photos, and getting drenched in the rain.