On October 24, the South Coast AQMD hosted the 10th Annual Environmental Justice Conference, themed “A Decade of Collaboration for Clean Air,” at the University of Southern California’s Town and Gown. This milestone event attracted over 250 guests, including community members, high school and community college students, environmental and health organizations, elected officials, and representatives from government and industry, all united by a common goal: to promote environmental justice. 

The conference featured two plenary sessions: “From Grants to Impact: Community-Led Initiatives in Environmental Justice,” and “Leveraging Resources for Environmental Justice.” These discussions highlighted the significant advancements made over the past decade and current available resources, while showcasing successful community-driven projects aimed at improving air quality and environmental health. 

Irma R. Muñoz, the Founder and Executive Director of Mujeres de la Tierra, served as the event’s emcee, encouraging participants through a day of networking and collaboration. The keynote address was delivered by Jacqueline Patterson, Founder and Executive Director of the Chisholm Legacy Project, who inspired attendees to continue their efforts for equity and environmental justice. The event also recognized the notable contributions by awarding the prestigious Environmental Justice for All Award to Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, for his unwavering commitment to uplift communities most impacted by air pollution and social inequity. 

For ten years, South Coast AQMD’s Environmental Justice Conference has brought together community leaders, policymakers, and advocates dedicated to equitably improving air quality in our region. This successful conference commemorates a decade of progress and energizes the ongoing commitment to supporting clean air and environmental equity for all.