At TCIONY’s ‘Weather or Not 2.0,’ Local Youth and Women in STEM Take Center Stage at Columbia
The youth-led climate justice event brought local students, scientists, and storytellers together at the Bollinger Forum.
On March 31, Columbia University welcomed students, educators, and community members to the Lee C. Bollinger Forum for “Weather or Not 2.0,” a youth-led climate justice event hosted by The Community Initiatives of New York (TCIONY).
Focused on centering women in STEM and building equitable climate solutions, the event created space for young people, especially from communities of color, to engage directly with science, storytelling, and environmental advocacy.
At the heart of the afternoon was a dynamic panel of broadcast journalists and meteorologists, including Brittany Bell of ABC 7, Audrey Puente of FOX 5, Hope Osemwenkhae of News 12, Stacy-Ann Gooden of PIX11, and Tashanea Whitlow of Good Day New York.
Guided by thought-provoking and insightful questions from our community's young scholars, these women spoke about their backgrounds, the challenges they’ve faced in their fields, and why they chose their career path.
You can watch the full event here:
The program also featured presentations and projects from young scholars, hands-on learning activities, STEM-based art installations, performances, and storytelling centered on environmental justice and lived experience, community resources, wellness spaces, and interactive exhibits.
Involved in the event were a wide range of community leaders, including Jackie Rowe-Adams of Harlem Mothers & Fathers S.A.V.E., Voza Rivers of the New Heritage Theatre Group, former FDNY Commissioner Jim Harding, NYPD Chief Aaron Edwards, and NYPD 32nd Precinct Deputy Inspector Peter Rose, reflecting the broad coalition supporting youth-driven climate action.
By joining together inspiring professionals and emerging voices, “Weather or Not 2.0” highlighted the power of community-centered learning and the critical role young people play in shaping a more just and sustainable future.
Columbia was proud to serve as host sponsor for an event that not only amplifies youth leadership but also reinforces the shared responsibility to address climate change in ways that are inclusive, innovative, and grounded in community.
Thank you to TCIONY and the incredible panelists for such an impactful event!
