7 billion Conversations ​
at the ​
Museum of Photographic Arts “Preserving the Planet for Future Generations” ­ ​
Community Panel Discussion August 13 from 7:00PM to 8:00PM Panelist Bios: Diane Takvorian Executive Director, ​
Environmental Health Coalition Diane is one of the founders of EHC and has been its Executive Director since 1982. She holds a Masters degree in Social Work with an emphasis on public policy and community organizing. As a major force behind the environmental justice movement, Diane has served on international, national, state, and regional advisory boards. In 2009, President Obama appointed her to the Joint Public Advisory Committee for the NAFTA Commission for Environmental Cooperation. In July 2008 Diane received the James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award for her "creative and inspirational leadership benefiting the people of California." R. Bong Vergara Founder, ​
CYPHER​
(Conscious Youth Promoting Health & Environmental Readiness) R. Bong teaches foundation courses in biobehavioral theory, policy, and evaluation research at the University of Southern California’s School of Social Work, and his professional work is focused particularly on community wellness and climate resilience advocacy. Vergara's climate resilience advocacy through ​
CYPHER​
, a program he founded, promotes youth innovation and meaningful community engagement in small­scale, community­defined solutions to local manifestations of climate change. Vergara's research interest is in global health, particularly the biopsychosocial context of care, and the behavioral dimension of planetary health, and he has published papers on poverty, community health and community engagement. Andrea Cook Senior Manager in Education, ​
Center for Sustainable Energy Andrea Cook leads all aspects of CSE's unique Green Education Initiatives for youth. A climate change expert, Andrea taught at San Diego's High Tech High School for five years and won the "Teacher of Year" Pinnacle Award in 2005 from the Athena Foundation for her positive influence on young women interested in science, technology, engineering and math. She translates complicated science topics into lessons and activities that everyone can understand, and is CSE’s in­house authority on climate and energy literacy. Erica Johnson Community Relations and Development Director, ​
Sullivan Solar Power Erica is a graduate from San Diego State University, where she discovered a passion for environmental sustainability. Through her involvement as President of an on­campus student organization Enviro­Business Society (E3), as well as work with SDSU's student government Board of Directors, she was able to institutionalize sustainability at SDSU. In addition, during her time at SDSU Erica worked with faculty, staff and administration to develop the Sustainability and Environmental Studies major at San Diego State University. In 2011, Erica became Director of Community Relations and Development at Sullivan Solar Power and now oversees the public relations and marketing teams across three offices in Southern California. In 2012, Johnson worked with Senator Kehoe to introduce legislation supporting solar generating customers and net energy. In 2013, Johnson established a partnership with GRID Alternatives a nonprofit which provides on­the­job solar installation training to volunteers in underserved communities. With her passion for environmental and social issues, Erica Johnson looks forward to continuing to steer California toward achieving energy independence through education and outreach. Moderator Jessica Travis Director, Sustainability & Community Relations, Balboa Park Cultural Partnership Jessica works closely with Balboa Park cultural institutions, the City of San Diego, San Diego Gas & Electric and other Park stakeholders to advance solutions that will help protect Park resources and strengthen economic viability, while enhancing staff and visitor experience. Jessica graduated with a degree in Business Administration from the University of San Diego, holds a Sustainable Business Practices Certificate from the University of California, San Diego and holds the U.S. Green Building Council's Green Associate credential. Since joining the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership, she has been involved in facilitating over $3 million in energy efficiency upgrades to historic Balboa Park buildings and developing professional education opportunities for Park staff and the public. Outside of the Park, Jessica is an adjunct lecturer at San Diego State University for a course on sustainable development to through the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts.