Latino leaders played a key role at the VoLo Foundation’s 2025 Climate Correction Conference, where they showcased climate solutions, addressed challenges specific to Latino communities, and highlighted their organizations’ efforts in environmental advocacy.
Among them was Poder LatinX, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Latinos as decision makers through policy organizing and community action.
Carolina Wassmer, Florida state program director, and Alejandro Florez, Florida program coordinator, led a workshop titled Power Up for Environmental Justice: Advocating for Energy Equity & Community Resilience. Their session focused on how minority communities in Orlando disproportionately face energy burdens and how advocacy can drive policy changes.
The speakers emphasized the importance of environmental justice, defining it as ensuring equal access to clean water, air, and energy regardless of socioeconomic status.
“Energy equity is a key pillar of environmental justice because a lot of people right now are not getting access to clean energy and good energy prices,” Florez said.
He also addressed misinformation and polarization in climate advocacy. “In reality, sustainability and resiliency shouldn’t be a polarizing subject,” he said.
VoLo Foundation co-founder and CEO Thais López Vogel, who is Venezuelan, underscored the vital role Latinos play in climate action.
“[Latinos] know how important the environment is in our lives. We are one with our lives,” she said.
PHOTO by Claire Macchiarola
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