Director of Global Schools recognized as EE 30 Under 30

[Washington, D.C., September 8, 2020] Director of Global Schools, Sam Loni, was selected by The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) for its fifth class of 30 leaders under the age of 30. He will join a growing class of young leaders using environmental education to build sustainable and equitable communities around the world.

Sam combines research and advocacy to support schools and educators in preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century and empowering them to shape sustainable communities. Through the Global Schools Program, he and his team are working with experts in education and sustainable development to curate and develop cutting-edge tools and resources to transform learning.

The Class of 2020 will join the global EE 30 Under 30 community of leaders, and will receive ongoing support to expand their impact through networking, peer mentoring, professional development, and grant opportunities. All recipients will receive a fully-funded scholarship to attend the NAAEE Annual Conference, taking place virtually this year from October 13–16.

Since 2016, NAAEE's EE 30 Under 30 program has recognized 150 individuals from 34 countries who are making a difference through environmental education. This program is made possible by Wells Fargo, the Global Environmental Education Partnership, and the U.S. Forest Service.

“Wells Fargo is proud to support these young leaders, who are thoughtfully and creatively promoting workable strategies for creating a healthier, brighter, and more sustainable future,” said Mary Wenzel, head of Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility at Wells Fargo. “We are inspired by their passion and pleased to help share their ideas on the global stage.”

Executive Director of NAAEE Judy Braus says, “We can’t address today's complex challenges in an equitable manner without the talent and innovation of diverse cultural backgrounds, perspectives, and disciplines. These leaders exemplify the incredible passion, creativity, and impact of young people who are taking action and inspiring others to build a more just and greener future. We are thrilled to welcome the Class of 2020 to the impressive EE 30 Under 30 community.”

Learn more about Sam Loni in this link: https://naaee.org/about-us/people/sam-loni

Learn more about all of this year’s winners, listed below, by reading their biographies on our website: naaee.org/ee30under30

About NAAEE

For almost five decades, the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) has served as the professional association, champion, and backbone organization for the field of environmental education (EE), working with EE professionals across United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as globally, to advance environmental literacy and civic engagement to create a more equitable and sustainable future. For more information on NAAEE, visit https://naaee.org.