Session Description
Please join our panelists to hear about what’s currently happening in our community around environmental sustainability and climate action efforts, where there are needs, and what nonprofit organizations can be doing to help keep our environment clean, safe, and here for the long-term!
Speakers
Jane Wilch, City of Iowa City; Sarah Gardner, Iowa City Climate Action; and Ezra Schley, Table to Table; Moderated by Nicki Ross, Table to Table
Speaker Bios
Jane Wilch, City of Iowa City
Jane Wilch is the Recycling Coordinator for the City of Iowa City, and she serves as the Vice President for the Iowa Recycling Association. Prior to her work in Iowa City, Jane coordinated municipal climate action outreach and engagement in Aspen, Colorado. Jane has degrees in Environmental Sciences and Environmental Policy and Planning from the University of Iowa.
Sarah Gardner, Iowa City Climate Action
Sarah is the Climate Action Coordinator for the City of Iowa City. A graduate of the University of Iowa with a master’s degree in urban and regional planning, Sarah has lead projects focused on electric vehicle readiness, alternative energy, transit and active transportation, recycling, and climate preparedness in Iowa and Illinois. Previously a journalist covering sustainability and climate change, Sarah has authored many articles on climate resilience and is a dedicated advocate for creating communities that are healthy, equitable, and engaging places to live.
Ezra Schley, Table to Table
Ezra started with Table to Table as a Program Assistant in 2021 and has since transitioned to the role of Program Coordinator, growing and expanding Table to Table’s programs. Ezra has a degree in Environmental Science and International Studies from Knox College and has served in various capacities with environmental and food insecurity-focused nonprofits.
Nicki Ross, Table to Table
Nicki is the Executive Director of Table to Table, food recovery and hunger relief nonprofit in Iowa City, Iowa. Advocacy for food access and food justice underlie her 15 years of experience as a nonprofit social service leader. Prior to her role at Table to Table, Nicki served as development and communications manager with the Catherine McAuley Center, program director of the Boys and Girls Club and Women’s Center director at University of Wisconsin satellite campus in Kenosha, Wisconsin. All of these roles have come together in her work at Table to Table, a food recovery network that serves more than 40 nonprofits in Johnson County, Iowa. These organizations provide valuable services to youth in challenging circumstances, those experiencing poverty and homelessness, or mental illness. As director at Table to Table, Nicki aims to contribute to the important work of the social service network in our community by reducing at least one barrier for our most vulnerable neighbors and improving access to plentiful, nutritious food.
Session Co-Host
