Albuquerque Speaker Bios

Kelsey Erickson, Carlisle, Massachusetts – Kelsey spent most of her childhood exploring the woods.  She first became involved with environmental activism in high school and became even more active in college.  It was through activism that she met her best friend, Chris Dennis, whose passion lay in the usage of film-making as a tool for change.  Chris tragically died five days before their graduation.  Thus, Kelsey is dedicating her march to Chris and is planning to produce a documentary of the march in his memory.

Debaura James, Silver City, New Mexico – Debaura is New Mexico resident and a twenty-eight year veteran of the teaching profession.  She has taught at all levels from pre-K through high school and was 2011 Environmental Educator of the Year.  She has been the founder and administrator of two non-public schools and authored all of the social studies curricula for Aldo Leopold High School in Silver City, New Mexico, including a cutting-edge curriculum for teaching sustainability across social studies, environmental science, and language arts curricula.  Besides being a passionate teacher, Debaura has been organizing large-group extended field trips focusing on environmental topics and wilderness experiences for the past five years and intermittently for the past fifteen years.

Benjamin Bushwick, Potomac, Maryland – Benjamin is a 21 year old born-again human.  He wishes to use his passion for human psychology and privilege as a white American youth to create a sustainably & environmentally just, resilient future for the next generations.  He is marching full-time with the Great March for Climate Action as a sabbatical trek as he transitions from college into “The Real World”.

Miriam Kashia, Iowa City, Iowa – Miriam is a mother and grandmother.  She is a retired psychotherapist who served in the PeaceCorps in Africa from 2005-2008 where she worked with orphans and vulnerable children. She is an avid volunteer who also belongs to several environmental groups including the Citizens Climate Lobby and 100 Grannies for a Livable Future, and a member of the Green Sanctuary at the UU Congregation of Iowa City, IA.