Mount Vernon, NY – September 23, 2025
The Mount Vernon City Council has officially recognized Environmental Leaders of Color (ELOC) with a city proclamation, celebrating the organization’s five years of transformative work in climate education, technology, and youth leadership.
The proclamation, presented during a ceremony at Mount Vernon City Hall, was read by City Councilman Edward Poteat and awarded to Dr. Diana K. Williams, founder and executive director of ELOC, and Marvin V. Church, co-founder and longtime champion of the organization’s mission.
Building Youth Leadership in Climate and Technology
Since its founding in 2020, ELOC has empowered more than 600 students in grades 9–12 through programs designed to connect environmental awareness with technology and career readiness. Its signature initiatives include:
- Don’t Strain Your Drain – A community campaign collecting used cooking oil while raising awareness about water pollution.
- Summer Energy & Environmental Program for Teens – A summer intensive on climate literacy, renewable energy, and environmental careers.
- Advanced Computer Science Program – A forward-looking initiative preparing students for college and careers in AI, coding, and STEM fields tied to climate resilience.
Inspiring Voices and Mentorship
Over the past five years, ELOC’s summer program has featured high-profile guest speakers who brought real-world expertise to students. Highlights include:
- Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd, professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Georgia and host of Weather Geeks on The Weather Channel.
- Bruce Jackson, retired Associate General Counsel at Microsoft and nationally recognized author on equity and opportunity in tech.
- Anton Vincent, President of Mars Wrigley North America, who shared his journey as a Black executive shaping sustainability in the global food industry.
- Heather Corbett, former ABC Nightline correspondent, who discussed the power of environmental storytelling and journalism.
New AI Safeguards Course This Fall
Looking ahead, ELOC is launching a new AI Safeguards course this fall at the Westchester Community College Annex in Mount Vernon. The free Saturday morning program will explore the ethical implications and practical applications of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and language models, giving students early exposure to technologies that are reshaping the future. Spaces remain open for enrollment.
A Mission of Equity and Innovation
Dr. Williams emphasized that ELOC’s mission is rooted in equity, empowerment, and innovation—creating pathways for youth of color to become leaders in science, sustainability, and civic change.
“ELOC is proof that when we invest in our young people, especially in communities of color, we build a future that is not only environmentally resilient but also socially just,” said Williams.
For more information about ELOC’s programs or to support its mission, visit www.eloc.earth.
