Supporting Minority Communities and Inspiring Women of Color in the Age of Climate Change with Allie Thompson

Summary:

This episode is part of our Celebrating Black History Month podcast series where students in the Sustainable Urban Planning program at George Washington University interview Black and African American planners and urbanists. In this episode, grad student Courtney Carothers interviews alumna Allie Thompson on environmental and climate justice and the impacts on communities of color. They discuss the struggles and triumphs of being a woman of color in the field of urban planning and strategies for self-care. Allie offers powerful advice for combatting imposter syndrome and prioritizing mental health as well as the importance of finding your passion, building your network, and connecting to a mentor.   

Highlights from the Conversation:

• Climanomics – The Economic Impacts of Climate Change
• Climate Risk
• Supporting Communities of Color
• Environmental Justice
• Transportation Planning and Gentrification
• Representation and STEM
• Inspiring and Supporting Black and Brown Girls in Science
• Meteorology and Climate Threats
• Equity versus Equality
• Addressing the Disconnect between Policy Makers and Community Needs

Guest Mini Bio:

• Allie Thompson is an alum of the GWU Sustainable Urban Planning program, and now works as a project lead at the tech start-up The Climate Service.
  • Follow her on Linkedin.
• Her recommendations to students and emerging planners include:
  • Find a mentor, build a support system and network.
  • Apply for jobs even when you do not meet all the requirements.
  • Build and earn trust, do overcommunicate, but do not overpromise what the city can provide.

Learn More!

• Check out The Climate Service.
  • Learn more about The Climate Service's Climanomics®
• Learn more about The American Planning Association (APA) and become a member!

Learn more about Equity scores from the Climate Equity Reference Project and The USC Center for Urban Education.

Credits:

A special thanks to Allie Thompson!

Interviewer: Courtney Carothers 

Organized and Co-Produced by: Alex Davis

Intro and Outro voice: Alex Davis

Produced by: Raven Nee