Youth Advisory Council

The brainchild of our former intern and current Youth Advisory Council leader, Reine Gregory, the council was created to give Citizens’ Environmental Coalition input on how we can do a better job of connecting with young people by either creating new programs or making changes to existing ones. In addition to making recommendations to us, the Youth Advisory Council will also be doing its own project each semester. This first term (2025- 2026) our Youth Advisory Council members (3 college and 2 high school students) will be starting off by creating social media content aimed at educating young people about environmental issues relevant to youth in our area and developing a local audience for this education. They will have the opportunity to see how an environmental non-profit functions and make connections with others in the environmental community.

In keeping with our goal of bringing the voices of youth into our organization, we give you CEC's Youth Advisory Committee members in their own words:

Isabelle Arusiuka

My name is Isabelle Arusiuka. I am a student at Alief Early College High School. I joined the CEC Youth Advisory Council to contribute to environmental advocacy and sustainability efforts because I think it is crucial to preserve our planet for coming generations. I am also an active member of Earth Club at my high school, where I have learned how minor adjustments to local environments can have a big positive influence. As the Secretary for the African Student Association (ASA), I help coordinate events that promote cultural awareness and community engagement. In addition to my leadership roles, I volunteer with various local initiatives, striving to make a meaningful difference in my community and beyond.

Mar Brenner

Hi! I am Mar Brenner, and I am a high school junior here in Houston. I am interested in environmental, developmental, and sustainable topics and how they impact younger generations. I grew up traveling to countries around the world where my exposure to diverse cultures and traditions expanded my horizons. I developed an appreciation for nature during numerous family road trips to National Parks around the U.S. I want to continue to learn more about global and social topics that affect us on a day to day basis and become more involved in local projects.

Sammi Frey

Hello! I am Sammi Frey. I am a sophomore at Rice, where I am combining my love of the environment and of making political advancements toward social justice and sustainability by studying Social Policy Analysis and Ecology/Evolutionary Biology. I work the environment into everything I do- whether that is bringing sustainable changes to my college as an Eco Representative for Rice’s Office of Sustainability (such as eco-friendly dissolvable laundry sheets), biking to work at Air Alliance Houston as a legislative communications intern, or bringing on “in-house” plates instead of just disposable bags as the food manager of Rice’s student-run coffee shop. Originally from Washington, D.C., I have experience working with legislative officials on topics such as climate change, reproductive rights, and gun control. A firm believer that the role of our representatives is to serve the wishes of the people, I joined the Youth Advisory Committee for the CEC to make sure my generation’s voices are heard and their wishes are acted upon. We want justice for the environment, and we won’t stop fighting at a time when our earth needs help the most.

Reine Gregory

My name is Reine Gregory, and I am a senior at the University of Houston studying biotechnology. I chose biotechnology because I wanted a major that would empower me to make a positive impact on the environment using science. As I continued learning and researching various career paths, I realized that I wanted to explore environmental law or policy to create a more sustainable world. I took a political theory course and applied for the Civic Houston Internship Program (CHIP) at my school and landed an internship with the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition (CEC). During my internship with CEC, I learned so much about the ins and outs of managing an environmental non-profit. I also conducted research about engaging young people in environmentalism. I surveyed friends, classmates, coworkers and did private research to put together weekly reports on how young people feel about the environment and the best ways they can get involved. At the end of my internship, I decided that I wanted to create an official coalition of young people that would help advise the CEC on their ongoing projects and initiatives. I created a proposal and presented my case to the CEC board, and to my surprise, my idea got approved! Even though the Youth Advisory Council is in the early stages, I’m incredibly excited to see where it goes and to make an impact alongside other students who care deeply about environmental issues.

In his spare time he loves to spend time with his wife and three children enjoying the beauty of our world and work in his large vegetable garden.

Lauren Nosser

Hello! I am Lauren Nosser. I am a dedicated student at University of Houston, working for a B.S in Environmental Sciences with a focus in Atmospheric Science. As a member of the Youth Advisory Council, I am deeply passionate about advocating for a sustainable future. I was awarded a fellowship with a professor at UH, conducting research on oyster reefs in Galveston Bay–vital ecosystems that play an important role in marine conservation and the regional economy. I also served as president of Phi Sigma Rho, a sorority for STEM majors. This position helped me develop leadership skills I need to pursue my future professional endeavors. I am eager to further improve my environmental leadership skills through my work with the Youth Advisory Council and look forward to the opportunities this experience will bring!

One thing Susie has realized over the years on her journey to try to make a difference is that you have to bring others along with you, form coalitions, develop community. That is why she joined the board of CEC, to help it grow its mission of connecting environmental organizations, community leaders, and concerned citizens to work on protecting our shared environment.