Our Team

Micah Parkin, Executive Director and Co-Founder

Micah has 25 years of experience as a climate and clean energy advocate, community organizer and nonprofit director. She serves on the national 350 Network Council and was a founding board member of 350 Colorado Action, Community Fruit Rescue, as well as Colorado Rising and Safe & Healthy Colorado, which organized ballot initiative efforts to protect communities from fracking in 2018 and 2020. She is a spokesperson for Colorado Coalition for a Livable Climate, with 34 member groups in CO. Micah was recognized as a 2017 “City of Boulder Hometown Hero” and received a 2014 “FearLess Women Leading GREEN” award and Sierra Club’s 2007 Delta Chapter Black Bear Award. She is the mother of two teenage daughters who fuel her passion to build a powerful climate and clean energy movement, create resilient communities and transition to a sustainable future. Micah(at)350colorado.org

Deborah McNamara, Communications & Development Director

Deb comes to 350 Colorado with over 15 years of non-profit experience with a focus on sustainability education and action, empowering grassroots leadership, climate change, and sustainable food. She studied Environmental Policy at Boston University and received a Master’s degree in Environmental Leadership from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. Deborah(at)350colorado.org

Chelsea Alexander, Movement Building & Volunteer Director

Chelsea began working in the volunteer management field nearly 10 years ago at an animal shelter in Bloomington, IN as an intern. Her work in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion led to her nomination for a ‘Be More’ Award from the city of Bloomington in 2014. After moving to Chicago she pursued a career in volunteer management and built volunteer programs, created partnerships, streamlined operations, and planned organizational-wide events. Chelsea enjoys playing piano and ukulele, traveling, spending as much time outside as possible, putting hot sauce on most things she eats, and spending time with her partner and her cat. Hablo Español Chelsea(at)350colorado.org

Giselle Herzfeld, Defunding Climate Disaster Coordinator

As a long-time youth advocate for progressive politics, Giselle became increasingly alarmed by the “business as usual” way of thinking and acting in the shadow of the climate crisis. Growing up in Boulder County, she witnessed vibrant communities and ecosystems being drained by the oil and gas industry, and decided she had to step up. Her passion for environmental activism inspired her to work with 350 Colorado to mobilize local activists, engage with Colorado legislators, and take an active role in promoting fossil fuel divestment. Knowing that our health is directly dependent on the health of the ecosystems we inhabit, she intends to continue to stand as a voice of hope for current and future generations in the fight for a just, equitable, and sustainable future. Hablo Español Giselle(at)350colorado.org

Kate Christensen, Oil and Gas Campaign Director

Kate dove headfirst into the fracking fight in 2017 when the land around her house, her kids’ school and nearby open space was optioned for drilling by Extraction. She worked every angle, including helping to found a neighborhood group (Together Against Neighborhood Drilling) which launched a crowd-funded anti-fracking campaign (Don’t Frack With Colorado). They submitted an amicus brief for the Martinez v COGCC case that focused on environmental justice. As a part of TAND, Kate supported 112 by collecting signatures, bannering, setting up yard sign distribution, training people in phone banking and text banking, and even doing Facebook live events. She went down to the state capitol to testify for bills (often with kids in tow) including SB 181. She has also testified at the COGCC and her local city council. She speaks Spanish and helped organize an oil and gas 101 for her kids’ school for Spanish and English-speaking families. Kate is very excited to be a part of the 350 Colorado team! Hablo Español Kate(at)350colorado.org

Heidi Leathwood, Climate Policy Analyst

In looking back, Heidi sees that for a long time she was the frog in the pot set on the stove to boil, slowly being warmed, oblivious to danger, but she fortunately woke up in 2016 and leapt out of the pot and into action. Her climate action began with volunteering on campaigns, gathering petition signatures for 112, marching in climate strikes, and participating in NVDA campaigns, but in an “aha!” Covid moment, Heidi realized she needed to change careers and move toward working full time for the climate. She is now nearing completion of both a paralegal certificate from ACC and a graduate certificate in Environmental Policy from University College at DU. Prior to joining staff, Heidi contributed to 350 Colorado’s participation in regulatory action and policy since April 2021. Heidi(at)350colorado.org

Lucy Molina, Frontline Community Organizer

Lucy is a community activist, a former candidate for Commerce City Council, and her favorite is being a Mother for her two children. With the heart of a Mother, she has been fighting for environmental justice in her community and throughout the State. Holding one of the biggest polluters in our state, Suncor, accountable for their many criminal activities. Lucy will not stop fighting against environmental racism, polluters and unjust policies and laws that are detrimental to our future. Hablo Español Lucy(at)350colorado.org

Razz Gormley, Nonviolent Direct Action Trainer & Coordinator

Razz’s education in Strategic Direct Action began in 2014, with the Agua Fria Action camp and led to 8 weeks of immersive, practical Non-Violent Direct Action trainings with the intention of learning to become an effective teacher and support frontline communities in the fight against the fossil fuel industry and an unjust systems. The trainings, led by various groups including: Greenpeace; Ruckus Society; Indigenous People’s Power Project and Rising Tide North America, were rooted in radical education, allyship and a strong justice focused culture. They also prepared him with a great understanding of NVDA theory and a wide range of foundation to advanced technical skills. This path has led toward opportunities to contribute in various roles to a number of impactful actions and campaigns from the local to national level. Since 2015, Razz has been honored and privileged to train alongside some of the world’s greatest and most experienced teachers and continue to evolve as a facilitator. Since 2014, he’s educated over 1,000 activists for a number of organizations and coalitions from 350, Extinction Rebellion, Break Free, Keep it in the Ground to many local groups in support of all manner of justice work. Razz continues to train & support frontline and marginalized communities across the state with a focus on: self-empowerment, non-violent community defense, and grassroots movement building. Razz(at)350colorado.org

Elysa Firestone, Promoting Climate Solutions Coordinator

Elysa grew up in Colorado and brings 10 years of experience in public health, health advocacy, and marketing to 350 Colorado. Working in school gardens and regenerative agriculture in Boulder County has instilled a commitment to fight for collaborative policy changes that prioritize conservation, environmental justice and renewable energy. Elysa holds an M.S in Organizational Leadership and Sustainable Business from CU Boulder as well as a certificate in Permaculture Design from the DPG. Elysa finds the great outdoors to be a place of universal healing, wisdom, and connection and hopes to be a part of preserving them for future generations. In her free time, she can be found creating upcycled craft projects, hiking, climbing and exploring the wild spaces she feels so lucky to call home. Hablo Español. Elysa(at)350colorado.org

Moriah Mozingo, Executive Assistant

Having volunteered for 350 Colorado since September 2011, Moriah brought all the passion and support with her to serve on staff as administrative point person/budgetary support in December 2019. Moriah brings to this position 10 years of financial advising, fiscal preparations and trades for foreign and domestic entities, portfolio and fund of funds management as well as small business start-up experience. She has worked in event planning/organizing and administrative roles throughout her career and is delighted to support as such in what she considers a far more noble and global cause in her position with 350 Colorado. Info(at)350colorado.org

Brent Goodlet, Climate Action Campaign Manager & Comms Coordinator

Having grown up in Colorado and graduated from the Colorado School of Mines with a degree in Engineering, Brent brings a hard work ethic and an engineering mindset to his climate advocacy and community organizing work. Valuing movement building and the intersectionality of our modern struggle for climate justice, Brent strives to uplift the voices and stories of Colorado’s disproportionately impacted communities and to center restorative justice on those communities most impacted by toxic air pollution, groundwater contamination, and a changing climate. Alongside his oil and gas communications work with 350 Colorado, he actively engages in advocacy before numerous rulemaking bodies, councils, and commissions across the state with aims of strengthening rules for greenhouse gas emissions and other co-pollutants. When he’s not working, advocating, protesting, or helping to organize community events, Brent loves to go walking, running, biking, and hiking across colorful Colorado. With immense appreciation for nature and the great outdoors, it’s a pretty good bet that you’ll find him “recharging his batteries” out in nature whenever a spare moment arises. Brent(at)350colorado.org

LOCAL TEAM COORDINATORS:

Charlea Howard, 350 Colorado Springs Team Coordinator

Charlea is an active member of environmental advocacy and preservation in Colorado Springs and surrounding communities. Born and raised in Colorado, Charles grew up hiking and camping in the shelter of beautiful pines and aspens and, of course, the magnificent Rocky Mountains. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainability from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. With an immense passion for both human and animal rights, she has attended many climate strikes hosted by 350CO and is a huge proponent of locally-sourced living. Charlea’s personal interests include volunteering at the Farmer’s market, crafting stained glass projects, or cooking and baking new vegan recipes. She spends weekends scouting out new hikes that she hasn’t done yet, something that never proves too difficult in her outstandingly beautiful home state. Charlea(at)350colorado.org

Victoria Sunkel, 350 Metro Denver Team Coordinator

Victoria comes to 350 Colorado with a B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Ecology from Tulane University and is currently pursuing an M.S. in Environmental Policy and Management from the University of Denver. Originally hailing from Chicago, Victoria grew up with a passion for wildlife which evolved into 10+ years of experience in wildlife medicine and rehabilitation in Louisiana, Florida, and Illinois. More recently, Victoria has transitioned to environmental advocacy work which led her to 350. Understanding the importance of policy work and environmental justice, Victoria strives to educate the public on the climate crisis, as well as highlight ways in which communities are disproportionately impacted by these issues. In her free time, Victoria can usually be found outside, either rollerblading, reading, hiking, bird watching, enjoying live music, or skiing. Hablo Español. Victoria(at)350colorado.org

Riley Ruff, 350 Northern Colorado Team Coordinator

Through growing up in Colorado and spending countless hours skiing, backpacking, hiking and climbing, Riley’s passion for the outdoors and conservation started at a young age. Now, as a college student at Colorado State University, Riley studies Ecosystem Science and Sustainability and has an extensive background in community organizing, engagement and education. From getting students involved in local conservation and clean-up efforts, to collaborating with senatorial candidates regarding climate policy, Riley brings a lot of great experience to the climate movement and looks forward to bringing their passion for intersectional environmentalism to the NoCo team. Riley has climbed 15 14,000 ft. peaks in Colorado and aspires to summit all 52, and enjoys reading, painting and taking care of their plants in their free time. Hablo Español. Rileyruff(at)350colorado.org

Katie Rodriguez, 350 Boulder County Team Coordinator

Growing up in Southern California, Katie fell in love with the outdoors and nature. Spending as much time as possible either at the beach or hiking in the mountains near her house, she realized that she was passionate about preserving the environment. She moved to Colorado to pursue a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from the University of Colorado, Boulder and plans to graduate in May. At CU, Katie was a part of the EcoBuff team that taught students and locals about implementing sustainable habits into their lifestyles. She also worked at the recycling center on campus helping to increase waste diversion rates. Katie believes that every person has the right to live in a clean and safe environment and is determined to make this a reality. In her free time, Katie loves being outdoors, hiking, biking, and exploring. She also loves to roller skate, paint and try new crafts. Katie(at)350colorado.org

350 Colorado Board of Directors

Barbara Donachy, Board of Directors, President, Denver, CO

email, 350 Colorado Board of Directors; Semi-Retired Studio Artist and Arts Activist; Climate Activist

Barbara has been a resident of Colorado for 44 years. She lives in Denver as do her three children and one grandchild. Like her, they all love our beautiful rivers, mountains, forests, plains, and climate. Barbara spent 25 years as a studio artist and arts activist, another seven as a nonprofit coordinator, and five as a residential counselor with the Coalition for the Homeless while studying for a master’s degree in public health. She is a Quaker and practicing Buddhist, and is semi-retired. About four years ago she was awakened to climate change as an extreme crisis after watching Chasing Ice. Since then she has devoted her time to trying to put the brakes on climate change through working on ballot initiatives, lobbying, doing research, distributing flyers, and showing up.

“I admire the on-the-ground methods and philosophy of 350 and feel nourished by working alongside committed and like-minded people to bring about change. That’s why I serve on the 350 Colorado board.” – Barbara Donachy

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Irina Sedova, Board of Directors, Vice-President, Longmont, CO

Irina serves as Director at Principium Investments, an asset management firm specializing in environmentally and socially responsible investing. Prior to moving to Colorado, Irina managed poverty alleviation, economic development, and human rights programs in Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe. In 2013, she experienced first-hand the devastating effects of intensifying storms as her residence, along with many others, was ravaged by floods in Lyons, CO. As a Colorado Master Gardener with a keen interest in permaculture, Irina is working with our Boulder chapter to promote local organic food and regenerative agriculture practices as climate change solutions.

“I am active in the 350 Colorado campaign to encourage individuals and institutions to divest from fossil fuels and reinvest in climate change solutions. I focus my efforts on climate change because it is one of the most pressing and cross-cutting issues of our time.” – Irina Sedova

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Amy Allen, Board of Directors, Secretary, Lakewood, Colorado

Amy works as an engineer in the energy efficiency field, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in architectural engineering. As part of 350 Colorado, Amy has focused her efforts on fighting fracking, and she is also interested in regulatory policy, and advancing renewable energy.

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Patricia Garcia-Nelson, Board of Directors, Treasurer, Greeley, CO

Patricia Garcia-Nelson was born and raised in Northern Colorado. Her family has lived in Greeley since her parents immigrated from Mexico in the late 1970s. Her son Diego is a student at Bella Romero Academy, where the construction of a 24 oil well pad site has been approved, less than 700 feet from the playground. She was the sole parent plaintiff in a case against the Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) and Extraction Oil & Gas, for the approval of the permits. For years, she has worked with 350 Colorado, Colorado Rising, Safe and Healthy Colorado, Weld Air and Water and other organizations to raise awareness about Bella Romero and residential drilling.

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Gina Hardin, Board of Directors, Denver, Colorado

Gina is a long-time activist; a non-practicing attorney; new grandmother of Ayla; and an Airbnb host. She loves alpine and nordic skiing, backpacking, biking, water, and mountains. She is inspired by her never-ending awe of nature. As a founder of and lawyer for Ratepayers United of Colorado, she represented Xcel ratepayers’ interest in clean renewable energy at the lowest possible long term cost. As Chair of Colorado Common Cause, she was a leader in the effort to limit big money in politics through the passage of Amendment 65 and for open and accountable government, so critical to her current effort to limit the severity of climate change.

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Jacob Foreman, Board of Directors, Colorado Springs, CO

Being a lifelong resident of Colorado Springs, a city with one of the largest urban-wildland interfaces in the nation, Jacob has had an immense love and appreciation for Colorado’s majestic, irreplaceable natural beauty for as long as he can remember, although 6th grade was when he initially became aware of and concerned about the issue of climate change. In the Summer of 2014, he worked as a petitioner for fracking setbacks and again in 2018. He serves on the fundraising, moving beyond coal and fracking on public lands committee and is a longtime member of the 350 Colorado Springs team.

At 24 years old, Jacob is more passionate about the issue of climate change than any other single issue as it is his generation and those that come after him who will live to face the worst aspects of the crisis unless drastic action is taken. He is extremely honored to be working with 350 Colorado in the fight to keep fossil fuels in the ground and for a swift, just transition to 100% renewables.