Stronger Together: Grassroots and Government Partnerships Advancing Community and Environmental Health in Toledo, OH

Alexis Smith, a Toledo Junction community native, serves as the Junction Coalition’s Environmental Field Manager working to ensure the residents of the neighborhood are safe from harmful environmental hazards as a result of polluted air, water, and soil. She graduated from the University of Toledo with a B.S. in Bioengineering and worked 5 years as Freshwater Future’s program co-director focusing on Lake Erie advocacy, community engagement, coaching and consulting prior to her time with Junction. Alexis continues to leverage her background in science, engineering, community organizing, and advocacy to ensure that the process of building a healthy ecosystem in the Junction neighborhood is centered around community.

Donald Wiggins is currently working as a project manager with a passion for constitutional law, human rights, and the power of storytelling. With a background in law and a commitment to search for eternal truths and justice, he seeks to bridge strategy, advocacy, and narrative to drive meaningful change. He is currently writing his memoir, “Coming Undone: In Search of My Personal Legend”, exploring identity, purpose, and transformation. 

Edith Kippenhan is the Stormwater Coordinator with the Division of Environmental Services for the City of Toledo where she supervises a team of nine to ensure compliance with the City’s NPDES permit. She coordinates the handling and resolution of environmental complaints as well as special projects that include municipal code updates, community partnership activities, stormwater retrofit projects and grant writing. Prior to her current position with the City of Toledo, she was a Senior Lecturer and the General Chemistry Lab Coordinator in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at The University of Toledo (UT). In her spare time Edith actively works in converting her urban space to a peaceful paradise with lots of native plants and raised beds, at times with help from a wonderful daughter and six grandchildren.

Sarah Williams is a Senior Environmental Specialist with the City of Toledo, specializing in Public Outreach and Education. She has over 20 years of experience in the conservation, environmental protection, and educational fields, as well as a strong background in community collaboration. She is involved with the Toledo Farmers' Market, the Great Lakes Herb Faire, and various eco-friendly local businesses and organizations. While governmental processes are useful tools, she believes that the power to better our City lies in shared values and cooperation between individuals.

Zurijanne Carter is the Chief Natural Resources Officer for Metroparks Toledo, where she leads the natural resources division in guiding strategic planning, conservation initiatives, and land acquisition efforts across Lucas County. With a strong focus on ecological restoration and sustainability, she pursues grant opportunities to support large-scale habitat management and restoration projects, ensuring the protection and enhancement of vital natural areas. Zuri holds a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology from Clemson University and a Master’s in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from Michigan State University where she focused on the human dimensions of wildlife management. Her career has been dedicated to the stewardship of natural resources, balancing conservation with community engagement and sustainable land management practices.