Lonna Dawson, Educator - New York

lonna.dawson@climateeducation.org

Lonna is a Bronx, New York native. After earning her B.S. in Communications Management and Design from Ithaca College in upstate New York, Lonna joined Teach for America in 2007. Lonna was compelled to be a part of eliminating the educational achievement gap in this country and ensuring that all children have access to quality teachers and an equitable education, just as she did. Lonna was placed in Houston, Texas where she taught first grade for 2 years in the city’s historic Fifth Ward. Lonna absolutely enjoys teaching and inspiring young people to take action in meaningful causes and  be a part of positive change in their communities and ultimately, the world. After her tenure with Teach For America, Lonna relocated to Atlanta where she joined the ACE team. Lonna loves reading spiritual metaphysics books and writing her children’s book. She looks forward to teaching internationally one day and starting a business out of one of her many colorful (read: crazy!) ideas!

Maayan Cohen, Educator - New York

maayan.cohen@climateeducation.org

Maayan’s passion for environmental issues sprouted out of her experiences exploring the outdoors and participating in her high school environmental club. After experiencing the success and positive impacts of the club’s composting and greenhouse project, she was inspired by the power young people have to be positive agents of change in their communities!

She studied Environmental Studies with a concentration in Global Environment and Social Change at Bates College in Maine. Maayan’s passion for environmental issues and her desire to do her part to resolve the climate crisis grew during her college years. She became a leader in campus environmental clubs, attended Power Shift 2007, helped organize the Maine State Climate Summit and spent a semester in Tanzania gaining new perspectives on environmental issues. While in college, Maayan was first introduced to ACE when she worked as the Maine state organizer for Focus the Nation and partnered with ACE to organize the Maine Clean Energy Forum.

Maayan has worked as a high mountain hut naturalist for the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) and as an intern at EarthWalk Vermont, a non-profit community and nature-based education organization. Before joining the ACE team, Maayan worked as an environmental/outdoor educator for Christodora, a NYC based environmental education and leadership development non-profit. Maayan loves all sorts of outdoor activities, live music, growing and cooking up delicious food and playing soccer. Maayan is excited to join the ACE team and grateful to have the opportunity to support and be inspired by the power, creativity, and energy youth bring to climate change solutions