2024 Cohort

Libré Booker is a passionate and committed activist focused on sustainability, environmental justice, and food sovereignty for social and climate change. Raised in Gary, IN and now living in Portage, IN, Libré is part of the community striving for change in the steel industry Libré currently works as a librarian and entrepreneur at Living Green Garden.

Libré has been involved in various advocacy and community service projects, including creating food forests, growing and donating vegetable plants and teaching people how to become self-sufficient and grow their own food. This work has helped to fight food insecurity.

Libré is fighting for a cleaner, more sustainable Earth aiming to expand a green economy through local farming and whole plant-based foods. She enjoys learning new things and is passionate about the Earth and making local change.

Monica Dumas is passionate about advocating for cleaner water and air for the residents of Northwest Indiana. As the daughter of two steel mill workers and a mother to a college freshman, she is committed to improving the physical environment for others. She has seen firsthand how the steel industry offers financial stability to many families, but often takes a toll on their health, with many not living long enough to fully enjoy the benefits of their hard work.

Born and raised in Gary, Monica now lives in Portage, Indiana, just 25 minutes away. Despite the proximity, the difference in air quality is stark.

Monica is a high school teacher, educating students in Introduction to Business and Personal Finance. Her goal is to prepare young people for their financial futures. Monica is also a motivational speaker and stand-up comedian, using her talents to uplift and inspire others.

New to organized advocacy for cleaner air and water, Monica has long held concerns about these issues but wasn’t sure where to begin. She is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with others in the sustainable steel movement, hoping to amplify her voice and the voices of others who have experienced both the benefits and hardships of the steel industry.

Outside of her work and advocacy, she enjoys attending her daughter's soccer games and cheering on her great-nephew at football games. Monica also helps care for her mother, who has dementia, finding joy in the moments when her mother remembers her. Family, laughter, and love are central to her life. Monica is driven to make a positive difference for those who endure difficult living conditions to support their families financially, hoping to improve both their health and quality of life.

Glenda George-Green is a determined community activist. Her work is inspired by her sons so that they can see how questions and concerns for the wellbeing of the community can develop into action.  As a NWI farmer, Glenda is passionate about the region developing a hyper local food system that has the ability of supporting everyone in the region.   

As a transplant to the region since the early 1990s, Glenda has spent the last 20 years living in Merrillville and spent much of that time in Gary with close friends and sorority sisters. Glenda is hoping to make a positive impact to advocate for a cleaner steel production. 

Glenda is a busy homeschool mom, farmer, entrepreneur. and activist. She attended Valparaiso University for undergrad and John Marshall Law School, Chicago.  Currently, she’s building a farm business with her sons.  They grow a variety of veggies outdoors and specialize in growing microgreens indoors.

As a member of the Gary Food Council, Glenda assisted in developing the Junior Master Garden Program to teach children about gardening.  She also participates in several events, conversations and meetings to bring awareness to climate change related topics and their impacts to the food systems. 

In her spare time she loves digging into learning more about soil health!

Allan Halline is a physician with deep concerns about climate change, our environment, worsening pollution in northwest Indiana, and the health consequences facing our communities that disproportionately affect communities of color.

Working as an academic gastroenterologist at The University of Illinois and Jesse Brown VA hospitals in Chicago, he is now retired and living in Ogden Dunes. He is part of the community striving for change in the steel industry to make it less polluting and more environmentally sustainable.

Allan has been a strong advocate for solar energy and has lobbied in the State legislature to bring about changes to existing laws to make solar installations more broadly available and affordable for individual homeowners.

Allan is fighting to push our polluting steelmakers to switch from coke blast furnaces to the proven technology and less polluting iron production utilizing green hydrogen and direct reduced iron. He supports a sustainable and competitive steel industry with strict adherence to environmental justice principles and the development of safe and clean hydrogen in the proposed BP Whiting MachH2 Hydrogen Hub.

He enjoys hiking in our dunes and nearby parks, photography, traveling, and woodworking.

Raised in Harvey, IL and now living in Gary, IN, Stephanie is part of the community striving for change in the steel industry.

Stephanie currently works as a Program Developer and Facilitator for undeserved communities, as well as a student at IUN, studying Labor Studies and Anthropology.

Stephanie has been involved in various advocacy and community service projects, including feeding the community, clothing drives, and advocacy walks.

Stephanie is fighting for better living conditions, sustainable industry practices, and viable work for economic growth, aiming to enrich the residents of the community she serves.

In her free time, she enjoys crafts and trying new restaurants, and is passionate about spreading uplifting information.

Ragen Hatcher is deeply committed to serving her community. Her impactful work on the Gary City Council and as a State Representative reflects her dedication to enacting meaningful change. Born and raised in the Midtown area of Gary, Indiana, she experienced firsthand the challenges faced by a city shaped by the steel industry.

As a current resident and sitting State Representative, Ragen champions legislation aimed at holding U.S. Steel accountable for its air and water pollution emissions, and addressing the unconscionable amount of property taxes it pays to the community. She has introduced bills to protect victims of domestic violence, ensure defendants receive adequate support in court, and reform laws that disproportionately affect communities of color.

Ragen’s passions extend to environmental stewardship, particularly along Gary’s lakeshore, as well as advancing defendants’ rights and fostering a fairer, more just society.

Beverly Lewis is a dedicated member of her community focused on environmental justice.

Raised in Northwest Indiana and now living in Gary, Indiana. Beverly is part of the community striving for change in the steel industry.

Beverly currently works as Associate Director for Northwest Indiana Area Health Education Center (NWI AHEC).

Beverly is fighting for better living conditions and a sustainable economy, aiming to provide a safe and secure environment for those who live and work in the region.

She enjoys visiting her daughters on the West Coast and is passionate about baking bread and writing, especially poetry. .

Marlon C. Mack, Sr. is a dutiful husband, father, and grandfather, a dedicated pastor, and a diligent community servant focused on sustainability.

As a lifelong resident of Gary, Marlon is part of the community striving for change in the steel industry.

Marlon currently serves as they Senior Pastor of the Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church. He has been involved in various advocacy and community service projects, such as The Fuller Center for Housing and Northwest Summer Learning Labs, working to provide adequate, affordable housing and enriching educational experiences for students.

Marlon is fighting for sustainable industry practices and accountability, aiming to ensure that the steel industry are good corporate neighbors.

In his free time, he enjoys reading, writing, and sports, and is passionate about sharing his faith!

Rachelle Morgan Ceaser, born and raised in Gary, Indiana, is a dedicated public servant with deep ties to her community. She is the Deputy Director of Strategic Projects and Internal Compliance at the Gary Sanitary District.

She is a student of and advocate for environmental justice issues and the resulting health challenges facing her community. Rachelle’s professional journey has been intricately linked with public organizations, reflecting her deep commitment to serving others.

Steel has profoundly shaped Rachelle's life and career. Her family's legacy in the steel industry is a testament to its role in building America's middle class, particularly for Black families. Her grandfather, father, and brothers all worked in steel, symbolizing the economic promise of this industrial titan. However, after a century of steelmaking, the health repercussions and economic decline resulting from deindustrialization have cast a long shadow over Gary.

Rachelle acknowledges steel's dual legacy as a force for good and bad.

Through her career and personal life, Rachelle continues to be a steadfast advocate for her community, championing both environmental sustainability and social equity. She worries about the impact of climate change, particularly on communities of color that experience entrenched disparities.

Rachelle finds joy in her vibrant family life. She has been married to her husband Michael for 30 years, and together, they have two children, Michael and Meghan, along with three beloved grandchildren—Myles, Maci, and Marli. Rachelle cherishes the time spent with her family, adding a rich, personal dimension to her life of service.

Michael Robinson is an Army veteran dedicated to improving the environmental health and safety of his community. A lifelong resident of Gary, Indiana, he graduated in 1989 and lived in other states during his military service.

He has witnessed firsthand how political and zoning practices from large corporations often lead to industrial pollution in areas that affect families, especially children, who will one day grow up to have their own voices.

Michael is actively involved in volunteer efforts, including Veterans Village clean-up projects, U.S. Armed Forces Standdowns, and events that provide food, clothing, and housing services to veterans. Committed to being an advocate, Michael Robinson remains a steadfast voice for environmental standards that address industrial pollution, honoring the hard work of those striving to make a difference.

Chu Straughter is a committed community member focused on environmental justice and sustainable industry practices. Raised in Gary, IN and now living in Gary IN, Chu is part of the community striving for change in the steel industry.

Chu graduated from Purdue University and is currently working as a solar energy consultant. Previously, Chu worked for the California Air Resources Board providing the public with air quality emission requirements for diesel vehicles operating within the state.

Chu believes that sustainable industry practices can aid in achieving cleaner air and water and healthier living conditions for Gary citizens. He enjoys singing and is passionate about providing small business owners with capital to fund small business ventures.

Victoria is a family-oriented community member focused on helping the next generation, and spreading knowledge and awareness to others. She was raised in Gary, Indiana across from U.S. Steel’s Gary Works mill. She is passionate about connecting others with events, programs, and resources that can improve their lives.

She volunteers by assisting church members and helping with daily tasks that community members find difficult, while also reaching out with her mother to prepare meals and support unhoused individuals in accessing additional resources. Victoria wants future generations to be involved in their community, even if it’s just small community meetings. She strives to build a world in which people care for each other. Outside of her volunteering, she is passionate about sports, especially when she gets to watch her nieces and nephews.

Wanda Royal Torres is an advocate for her community, fighting injustice for children, mothers, fathers, and families and pushing for mental health awareness. She was born in East Chicago and raised in Gary, Indiana.

She is a Substance Abuse Counselor and Case Worker, dedicated to helping those in need. Wanda has been a street advocate for over 30 years and a minister of the Gospel for 15 years. She strives to increase access to education for people in low-income communities and helps remove barriers that prevent people from thriving.

She earned a B.S. from Indiana University and has worked extensively to support those dealing with mental health issues, addiction, homelessness, and other challenges. She has connected many people to shelters and support groups for addiction and fights for health justice for marginalized communities. Wanda’s vision is to continue guiding people toward better lives.

She enjoys dancing, exercising, and caring for her grandchildren. She has seven adult children, 11 grandchildren, and a husband who speaks Spanish, which helps her extend support to even more individuals.

Bob Tribble is an activist in the steel industry committed to making the steel industry more committed to producing sustainable steel and reducing their carbon footprint while being competitive on the world market. 

Bob currently works in the steel industry as an electrical and mechanical planner and a Rapid Response Coordinator for Local 1014.  He also serves as a Democratic Precinct Chairman for St. John while serving on the Lake County Board of Elections as a Board Member. 

Bob Has worked on many elections in Northwest Indiana and throughout the country working to elect candidates who support workers' rights and climate justice.

Connie Wachala is a committed community activist focused on helping Calumet Region communities prepare to be resilient and sustainable as we experience more climate change-fueled extreme weather. Raised in East Chicago, Indiana, and now living in the neighboring community of Highland, Connie is part of the community striving for change in the steel industry.

Connie is a retired writer and writing teacher who also worked as a journalist. She has been involved in various advocacy and community service projects, including convincing 16 Northwest Indiana municipal and county governments to participate in IU’s Resilience Cohort Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory (the first regional inventory that IU’s Environmental Resilience Institute has conducted), and helping create resident-led sustainability groups in cities and towns across Northwest Indiana.

Connie is fighting for a cleaner, healthier, sustainable environment that benefits present and future generations. She loves to read fiction, dance, as well as cook and share delicious vegan meals.