Lois Gibbs

Lois Marie Gibbs is a retired environmental activist and founder of the Center for Health, Environment and Justice. In the late 1970s Gibbs, with no prior activism experience, fought for the evacuation and cleanup of her community after discovering that her Niagara Falls, NY neighborhood sat upon chemical waste—now known as the Love Canal.  Her work during the Love Canal crisis brought national attention to toxic waste issues, efforts that were pivotal in shaping environmental activism and policy.

After leading these extraordinary changes, Gibbs is now an accomplished speaker, published author, and winner of many awards including the 1990 Goldman Environmental Prize, the 5th annual Heinz Award in the Environment, the John Gardner Leadership Award from Independent Sector, 2007 Business Ethics Network Individual Achievement Award for Outstanding Contribution to Corporate Ethics, and the 2008 Green Corps Environmental Leadership Award.  She has received honorary doctorates from SUNY Cortland College and Haverford College.

Her talk will reflect on her grassroots activism, environmental policy, and the ongoing battle for a cleaner, safer environment.

Resources:
SUNY Fredonia Convocation
The Goldman Environmental Prize

The Urban Land Institute WNY Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) aims to promote and support women in real estate through leadership opportunities, visibility, and professional growth. For more details, visit their page here.