Arielle is a youth climate activist, podcaster, and journalist. Her concern for the environment began when she was a toddler, building fairy houses in the woods and hiking one mile for every year of her age beside her wilderness-loving family. She has recieved training through numerous collegiate-level climate intensives, including the selective Columbia Climate School Pre-College program and the Tufts University Climate Resilience Institute program. She was selected as a fellow at the Student Climate & Conservation Congress, America’s most prestigious student leadership program for aspiring change-makers.

 Arielle produces and hosts the award winning Changing Planet Justice Podcast, which explores how climate change disproportionately impacts marginalized communities around the globe. Her podcast and journalism have been recognized in The New York Times, Capgemini Conversations for Tomorrow, Youth Journalism International, the Boston Globe, and more.

Arielle is the executive editor of the CPJ Journal, which provides a platform for youth around the globe to share how climate change impacts their communities.

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Learn more about Arielle's climate leadership experience here: Resume

Christopher Sharp brings a multifaceted expertise to our board, combining his professional experience in education with his passion for the environment. As a dedicated teacher of both math and history, Christopher excels in making complex concepts accessible and engaging for students. His dual interest in these subjects provides a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of our world, past and present.

 He is passionate about fostering a sense of responsibility and empowerment in young people, encouraging them to become proactive agents of change in the fight against climate change.

He is a lifelong percussionist and pianist who has taught drums and percussion to students across the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan area.

I am a retired special education teacher of 45 years.  I worked in many settings and regions, from the inner city of Baltimore to the rural communities of Washington County, Maryland.  I worked with students that were identified in all disabilities.  My goal was always to make sure students were accepted and included in all activities and had the tools to function in society when they had graduated.

My husband and I also owned and operated a guest ranch.  We provided our guests with a wilderness experience on horseback!  We tried to help guests explore and respect nature, the environment and the care of animals.  

I am very excited to be part of the Changing Planet Justice Foundation. I think CPJ’s goals are important to our survival, and this generation of youth will be the key to ensuring it.

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Jesi Hessong-Brown is a research scientist turned middle school educator. She began her career in the field working with amphibians, but shortly realized she wanted to make a bigger impact on the future generations. She is now the wackiest middle school science teacher at her school. In addition to her job as a teacher, she is a dedicated supporter of the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment which gave her the start to her career back in high school. She has since returned as a faculty member for over 5 different summers. Through this program she is able to mentor and support high school juniors and seniors who are on passionate about their role with the environment. When not at work Jesi is usually out rock climbing, hiking with her toddler daughter, looking for amphibians, playing with her pet lizards or walking her two dogs Hobbes and Holly.