2026 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Working to deliver for all Delawareans

Congresswoman Sarah McBride proudly represents the greatest state in the nation, and our country’s First State, Delaware, as its sole member of Congress.

Sarah grew up in Wilmington and has been serving our state for decades as a public servant and advocate. From 2020-2025, Congresswoman McBride served

Working to deliver for all Delawareans

Congresswoman Sarah McBride proudly represents the greatest state in the nation, and our country’s First State, Delaware, as its sole member of Congress.

Sarah grew up in Wilmington and has been serving our state for decades as a public servant and advocate. From 2020-2025, Congresswoman McBride served as State Senator for the First State Senate District. She worked for former Governor Jack Markell and the late Attorney General Beau Biden, and served as the national spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBTQ equal rights organization.

As a state senator, McBride passed legislation expanding access to health care, requiring mental health and media literacy education in public schools, promoting green technologies, and protecting workers and families.

In her first term as state senator, McBride passed the landmark Healthy Delaware Families Act, providing paid family and medical leave to workers throughout the First State and marking the largest expansion of Delaware's social safety net in decades. In her final term, she passed the largest ongoing investment into Delaware’s Medicaid program since the Affordable Care Act. Passing the legislation with unanimous and bipartisan support, the Protect Medicaid Act of 2024 unlocks over $175 million annually in new discretionary Medicaid funding to protect, enhance, and expand health coverage for the roughly 200,000 Delawareans who receive care through the joint state- and federal-funded health insurance program.

Prior to her service in the State Senate, McBride led the successful effort to pass a landmark non-discrimination law in Delaware. For her work and advocacy, former Gov. Markell awarded McBride the Order of the First State, making her one of the youngest Delawareans granted the state’s highest civilian honor.

Sarah married her late husband Andrew Cray in 2014 and is the proud aunt of seven. She is a graduate of Cab Calloway School of the Arts and American University. McBride has taught public policy at the University of Delaware and is the author of the 2018 memoir, “Tomorrow Will Be Different,” which includes a foreword from President Joe Biden.

Alex Eaves, the Founder and Director of Escape the Waste, has been successfully helping people combat the worldwide waste problem for over two decades by connecting them with reuse solutions.
 

In 2003, Alex created the skateboard and apparel brand, STAY VOCAL, and reuse themed products were used as a promotional tool. In 2008, Alex won a 

Alex Eaves, the Founder and Director of Escape the Waste, has been successfully helping people combat the worldwide waste problem for over two decades by connecting them with reuse solutions.
 

In 2003, Alex created the skateboard and apparel brand, STAY VOCAL, and reuse themed products were used as a promotional tool. In 2008, Alex won a national "Best Small Business Idea" Award when he switched the brand to an entirely reuse apparel brand. That same year, Alex began leading a passionate reuse lifestyle. In 2014, Alex became a certified Master Reuser by the Reuse Institute. He's also the director of two award winning documentaries: REUSE! Because You Can't Recycle The Planet. (2015) and The Box Truck Film: Building A Reuseful Home (2022).
 

Alex' edutainment company, Escape the Waste, provides a fun and interactive way to educate people of all ages about the importance of reusing when it comes to helping our shared planet and preventing wasted personal resources, opportunities, time, and money. 

Secretary Patterson was appointed by Gov. Meyer in January 2025 to lead the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), which protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. He has served 

Secretary Patterson was appointed by Gov. Meyer in January 2025 to lead the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), which protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. He has served in Delaware state government for more than 25 years, including working for three governors.

From 2022 to 2025, he was the state’s coordinator of clean water, energy, resilience, electric vehicle, broadband, transportation and other projects under the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, while also working on permitting reform, federal affairs and the state’s new offshore wind procurement law for Gov. John Carney.

He managed the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control as chief of staff from 2020 to 2022, and was legislative liaison and deputy chief of staff for Gov. Jack Markell, where he helped pass Delaware’s universal recycling law.

He has also worked as chief of staff for Attorneys General Kathy Jennings and Matt Denn at the state Department of Justice, for Commissioner Denn at the state Department of Insurance and as communications director for Gov. Ruth Ann Minner.

Student at Odyssey Charter, leader and creator of youth food insecurity group.

Mohammad Alvi, a student at Odyssey Charter High School, has been fighting food insecurity one can at a time. He founded a school club dedicated to managing and restocking the school’s food pantry, ensuring that students and families in need have reliable access

Student at Odyssey Charter, leader and creator of youth food insecurity group.

Mohammad Alvi, a student at Odyssey Charter High School, has been fighting food insecurity one can at a time. He founded a school club dedicated to managing and restocking the school’s food pantry, ensuring that students and families in need have reliable access to food. Mohammad has also helped spread awareness about food insecurity through platforms such as the Delaware Charter Network, encouraging others to support food pantries and get involved in volunteer work. Through hands-on service and community outreach, he shows how local action can make a meaningful difference in addressing hunger.

Director of Education, Outreach, and Research Engagement, Center for Plastics Innovation (University of Delaware)

Dr. Katie Herbert is the Director of Education, Outreach, and Research Engagement for the Center for Plastics Innovation (CPI) at the University of Delaware. She earned her Ph.D. in Molecular Engineering from the University of 

Director of Education, Outreach, and Research Engagement, Center for Plastics Innovation (University of Delaware)

Dr. Katie Herbert is the Director of Education, Outreach, and Research Engagement for the Center for Plastics Innovation (CPI) at the University of Delaware. She earned her Ph.D. in Molecular Engineering from the University of Chicago and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Colorado Boulder, focusing on responsive polymer systems and liquid crystalline networks. At CPI, she leads education, outreach, and research engagement initiatives, including undergraduate research programs, professional development for graduate students and postdocs, and fostering collaborations in sustainability.

Senior Manager, Education & Community Conservation, National Wildlife Federation

Lindsey Walker is the Senior Manager of Education & Community Conservation for National Wildlife Federation’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Center. Along with her team, she partners with community groups to create native pollinator habitats and small-scale watershed r

Senior Manager, Education & Community Conservation, National Wildlife Federation

Lindsey Walker is the Senior Manager of Education & Community Conservation for National Wildlife Federation’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Center. Along with her team, she partners with community groups to create native pollinator habitats and small-scale watershed restoration projects at community-based sites, organize environmental education events, and implement NWF’s Garden for Wildlife and EcoSchools programs locally. Previously, Lindsey led volunteer and community engagement programs at Fairmount Park Conservancy in Philadelphia and holds a Master’s of Environmental Studies from the University of Pennsylvania.

Education & Outreach Coordinator, Plastic Free Delaware

Elisa is a lifelong Delawarean with a passion for environmental stewardship and food system resiliency. For the last decade, Elisa has worked with various Delaware based organizations and started her own consulting business promoting sustainable and urban agriculture initiatives. Thro

Education & Outreach Coordinator, Plastic Free Delaware

Elisa is a lifelong Delawarean with a passion for environmental stewardship and food system resiliency. For the last decade, Elisa has worked with various Delaware based organizations and started her own consulting business promoting sustainable and urban agriculture initiatives. Through this work, community engagement became a focus as the coordinator for small and large community events including establishing a farmer's market. Elisa is excited to help spread the word and increase engagement for Plastic Free Delaware to reach all Delawareans in particular those most impacted by waste and pollution. In her free time, you can find Elisa volunteering with the Delaware Urban Farm & Food Coalition and the Delaware Community Benefits Agreement Coalition as well as taking flamenco classes, walking at Bellevue State Park, and enjoying time with her family.

Climate Community Planning Specialist, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC)

Wylie Feaster currently serves as a Climate Community Planning Specialist with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). In this role, he helps plan and execute all stakeholder engagement efforts to

Climate Community Planning Specialist, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC)

Wylie Feaster currently serves as a Climate Community Planning Specialist with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). In this role, he helps plan and execute all stakeholder engagement efforts to support the development of the 2025 Delaware Climate Action Plan. Prior to his current position, he worked in DNREC's State Energy Office where he helped manage multiple energy efficiency and renewable energy rebate programs and contributed to the planning of federal grant initiatives under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Wylie graduated from the University of Delaware in 2023 with a B.A. in Environmental Studies.b

Climate and Transportation Policy Specialist, DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy - Clean Transportation

Sabrina Shultz is a Climate and Transportation Policy Specialist with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, leading programs and initiatives that promote alternative fuel vehicles and reduce g

Climate and Transportation Policy Specialist, DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy - Clean Transportation

Sabrina Shultz is a Climate and Transportation Policy Specialist with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, leading programs and initiatives that promote alternative fuel vehicles and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. Sabrina provides guidance and support to state agencies, local governments, community groups, and individuals to ensure that Delaware's infrastructure supports the mitigation of climate change and the movement of all people. 

Professor of Oceanography and Robotics, University of Delaware

Dr. Art Trembanis is a professor at the University of Delaware who studies coastal and marine environments using autonomous robots, sonar, and artificial intelligence. He leads field programs around the world that explore shipwrecks, map habitats, and investigate how coastlines

Professor of Oceanography and Robotics, University of Delaware

Dr. Art Trembanis is a professor at the University of Delaware who studies coastal and marine environments using autonomous robots, sonar, and artificial intelligence. He leads field programs around the world that explore shipwrecks, map habitats, and investigate how coastlines change. His work connects cutting-edge technology with real-world environmental challenges.

Educator, Mt. Cuba Center

Michael Blacketer, PhD is an educator at Mt. Cuba. His education includes a bachelor's degree in Community and Environmental Planning, a master's in Ecological Landscape Design, and a doctorate in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management. Also a Delaware Master Gardener, Michael’s interests are rooted in the expl

Educator, Mt. Cuba Center

Michael Blacketer, PhD is an educator at Mt. Cuba. His education includes a bachelor's degree in Community and Environmental Planning, a master's in Ecological Landscape Design, and a doctorate in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management. Also a Delaware Master Gardener, Michael’s interests are rooted in the exploration of human-environment interactions across spatial, temporal, biological, and social scales; he enjoys discussing these phenomena with others through mutual interests in organic gardening, restoration ecology, outdoor recreation, and scientific research.

Facilitator, POWER, People for Offshore Wind Energy Resources (Delaware)

Peggy's work with the League of Women Voters of Delaware led her to found POWER about 5 years ago. She chairs the League's Climate Change and Energy Portfolio and frequently lobbies on behalf of these issues--and wind power--in Dover. She has seen firsthand that legis

Facilitator, POWER, People for Offshore Wind Energy Resources (Delaware)

Peggy's work with the League of Women Voters of Delaware led her to found POWER about 5 years ago. She chairs the League's Climate Change and Energy Portfolio and frequently lobbies on behalf of these issues--and wind power--in Dover. She has seen firsthand that legislators are concerned with the voices of young people who speak on behalf of the environment.

President Elect, Delaware Council of Wildlife Rehabilitators and Educators

Tonyea is a seasoned educator with a rich history in Delaware’s public educational system and in non-formal education. She has served as the Education Associate for Science at the Delaware Department of Education, overseeing PK-12th grade science education. She has 

President Elect, Delaware Council of Wildlife Rehabilitators and Educators

Tonyea is a seasoned educator with a rich history in Delaware’s public educational system and in non-formal education. She has served as the Education Associate for Science at the Delaware Department of Education, overseeing PK-12th grade science education. She has been a wildlife rehabilitator for over 20 years and has been involved with bats since she was 8 years old. She is a member of the Delaware Council of Wildlife Rehabilitators and Educators, and currently is president elect. 

Program Coordinator - Delaware Nature Society, and Founder of Girls Like Us ( G.L.U) Empowerment Group 

 Thea is a Wilmington native, and extremely passionate about cultivating our community. Thea is a community organizer and advocate for education, youth development, and environmental justice. She is no stranger to grassroots organizing, 

Program Coordinator - Delaware Nature Society, and Founder of Girls Like Us ( G.L.U) Empowerment Group 

 Thea is a Wilmington native, and extremely passionate about cultivating our community. Thea is a community organizer and advocate for education, youth development, and environmental justice. She is no stranger to grassroots organizing, advocating for projects, policies, and practices that make our communities stronger. She has dedicated her life to carrying out her family’s strong legacy of service in the City of Wilmington. She is the Program Coordinator for Delaware Natures RENEW program - designed to engage BIPOC youth from Wilmington's marginalized communities to outdoor education opportunities and focusing on professional and life-skills training, take field trips, teach activities to younger youth, and complete community service projects. This program provides hands-on outdoor work experience, career exploration, leadership development, community outreach, and exposure to environmental advocacy. Thea is also a Founder of Girls Like Us ( G.L.U) Empowerment Group. Girls Like Us is an empowerment group for young women dedicated to the betterment, enrichment, and empowerment of Brown & Black Girls. This program is based out of West End Neighborhood House that teaches over 90 girls between the age of 8-15  through weekly sessions - everything from safety to interpersonal skills. While they’re all a little different, the common thread is that they all create a sense of community for the young women involved. It provides a safe space for the girls to communicate with each other to talk about their feelings, school, self-care, and more. The goal is to educate and empower girls who come from underserved communities while giving them the tools and confidence they need to advocate for themselves. 

Chief of Volunteer and Community Involvement, Delaware State Parks

AshLeigh is the Chief of Volunteer and Community Involvement for Delaware State Parks, where she oversees statewide programs that engage volunteers, build nonprofit partnerships, secure grant funding, and develop future workforce pipelines. AshLeigh’s work centers on cultiv

Chief of Volunteer and Community Involvement, Delaware State Parks

AshLeigh is the Chief of Volunteer and Community Involvement for Delaware State Parks, where she oversees statewide programs that engage volunteers, build nonprofit partnerships, secure grant funding, and develop future workforce pipelines. AshLeigh’s work centers on cultivating meaningful pathways for individuals and organizations to engage with Delaware’s parks—whether through service, seasonal employment, or long-term partnership. She champions efforts that increase access, foster belonging, and strengthen the capacity of both the agency and its community support networks.

Chief of Interpretation, Delaware State Parks

Angel L. Burns, Chief of Interpretation and Programming for Delaware State Parks, brings over 20 years of experience in environmental education, parks leadership, and interpretation. She has a background in wildlife conservation, ecology, and entomology from the University of Delaware. Angel is

Chief of Interpretation, Delaware State Parks

Angel L. Burns, Chief of Interpretation and Programming for Delaware State Parks, brings over 20 years of experience in environmental education, parks leadership, and interpretation. She has a background in wildlife conservation, ecology, and entomology from the University of Delaware. Angel is a certified interpretive planner through NAI and has served on the board of the Delaware Association for Environmental Education (DAEE) as Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary.

Curator of Conservation Science & Learning, Brandywine Zoo

 Lauren Barczak is the Curator of Conservation Science & Learning at the Brandywine Zoo, where she is responsible for overseeing the zoo’s educational programs and conservation initiatives. Lauren is a graduate of the University of Delaware where she received a bachelor of science 

Curator of Conservation Science & Learning, Brandywine Zoo

 Lauren Barczak is the Curator of Conservation Science & Learning at the Brandywine Zoo, where she is responsible for overseeing the zoo’s educational programs and conservation initiatives. Lauren is a graduate of the University of Delaware where she received a bachelor of science degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. Prior to her work at the Brandywine Zoo, she worked for Disney’s Animals, Science, and Environment team as well as Delaware State Parks.

Professor, Co-director, Climate Change Science and Policy Hub, Univeristy of Delaware

Dr. Dana Veron is a professor at the University of Delaware in the Geography and Spatial Sciences department. Dr. Veron is a co-director of the Gerard J. Mangone Climate Change Science and Policy Hub, which supports the facilitation of interdisciplinary a

Professor, Co-director, Climate Change Science and Policy Hub, Univeristy of Delaware

Dr. Dana Veron is a professor at the University of Delaware in the Geography and Spatial Sciences department. Dr. Veron is a co-director of the Gerard J. Mangone Climate Change Science and Policy Hub, which supports the facilitation of interdisciplinary academic and research groups, outreach and engagement with internal and external partners, and the development of leaders working on pressing climate change issues.

High School Science Teacher, Odyssey Charter School 

Kathleen Logullo is an experienced educator and program builder with a strong background in environmental and agricultural science education. She has spent over a decade designing student-centered, inquiry-based learning experiences that connect sustainability, science literacy, and real

High School Science Teacher, Odyssey Charter School 

Kathleen Logullo is an experienced educator and program builder with a strong background in environmental and agricultural science education. She has spent over a decade designing student-centered, inquiry-based learning experiences that connect sustainability, science literacy, and real-world problem solving. Her work emphasizes environmental responsibility, community engagement, and empowering young people to recognize the impact of individual choices. Today, she brings a practical, reflective approach that encourages participants to think critically about everyday habits and their role in creating meaningful change.

Environmental Justice Associate Organizer, Sierra Club Delaware Chapter

Marissa McClenton works with local community members, advocacy groups, volunteers, and elected officials to bring environmental justice and clean, affordable energy to Delaware. She believes in a future where everyone has the tools and support to build a world they can

Environmental Justice Associate Organizer, Sierra Club Delaware Chapter

Marissa McClenton works with local community members, advocacy groups, volunteers, and elected officials to bring environmental justice and clean, affordable energy to Delaware. She believes in a future where everyone has the tools and support to build a world they can thrive in.  She enjoys exploring the outdoors with the Chapter's Outings Program and loves turtles in all of their kinds. 

Director, Global Applied Segment Markets, Agilent

Tarun Anumol is currently managing a team of global subject matter experts that focus on developing strategy, driving testing needs and identifying emerging trends in the environmental, food, chemical, energy and advanced materials markets for Agilent Technologies. Dr. Anumol has a PhD in C

Director, Global Applied Segment Markets, Agilent

Tarun Anumol is currently managing a team of global subject matter experts that focus on developing strategy, driving testing needs and identifying emerging trends in the environmental, food, chemical, energy and advanced materials markets for Agilent Technologies. Dr. Anumol has a PhD in Chemical & Environmental Engineering from the University of Arizona and a Masters in Civil & Environmental Engineering from Carnegie Mellon. He continues to serve on several science advisory and consensus organizations to advance environmental testing & health in the US and internationally.  

Division of Air Quality Director, DNREC

Angela Marconi is the Air Quality Division Director for the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).  She have been at DNREC for more than 10 years. Prior to joining DNREC, she worked for 10 years at the Delaware Solid Waste Authority in landfill gas collection, renewable en

Division of Air Quality Director, DNREC

Angela Marconi is the Air Quality Division Director for the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).  She have been at DNREC for more than 10 years. Prior to joining DNREC, she worked for 10 years at the Delaware Solid Waste Authority in landfill gas collection, renewable energy, and regulatory advocacy.  Angela is a professional engineer, a Delaware native and a graduate of the University of Delaware. 

President, RJGE Education

On January 31, 2026, Randy retired as Executive Director of DFSME. For 12 years,  Randy has been a  leading  major force in science and math education in Delaware. As a hands-on STEM advocate, he connects Delaware to National leaders and programs which deliver impact. As an experienced research leader who retired 

President, RJGE Education

On January 31, 2026, Randy retired as Executive Director of DFSME. For 12 years,  Randy has been a  leading  major force in science and math education in Delaware. As a hands-on STEM advocate, he connects Delaware to National leaders and programs which deliver impact. As an experienced research leader who retired from DuPont in 2013 after 40 years, he experienced leadership in many business sectors and functions, and in the last 15 years specialized in successful collaborations between industry, university and government researchers and institutions.

Randy joined DuPont in 1973 as a research chemist in Pigments R&D at the Experimental Station in Wilmington, DE after receiving a BS in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1969 followed by a Ph.D in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Illinois in Urbana in 1973.

Senior Field Representative, Oceana

John has been working to protect the ocean environment for more than three decades, first as a volunteer with the Surfrider Foundation, and then as their first employee on the East Coast, a job he held for 18 years. 

As a result, John has extensive experience fighting plastic pollution and working to stop

Senior Field Representative, Oceana

John has been working to protect the ocean environment for more than three decades, first as a volunteer with the Surfrider Foundation, and then as their first employee on the East Coast, a job he held for 18 years. 

As a result, John has extensive experience fighting plastic pollution and working to stop offshore oil drilling. He has fought for beach access and against LNG facilities and other fossil fuel projects. John was instrumental in many plastic bag and ballon-release bans in NJ. He was appointed by NJ Governor Phil Murphy to sit on the NJ Plastics Advisory Council and serves on the council to this day.

John has also worked for the NJ Environmental Federation (NJ chapter of Clean Water Action) and for NJ Citizen Action.

Since 2023, John has continued his work fighting plastic pollution and the expansion of offshore oil drilling with Oceana. He has also added work on fisheries and protecting marine mammals as he expands Oceana’s footprint into New Jersey and continues their work in Delaware.

As a lifelong surfer, John has been playing in the ocean for as long as he can remember. He moved to the

beach full time in 1992 and lives in Bradley Beach, NJ today with his wife and two teenaged children. There, John has served on his town’s Planning Board, Environmental Commission, and he was an elected official in Bradley Beach from 2017 to 2026.

Director, Sierra Club Delaware Chapter

Dustyn Thompson, Chapter Director, joined the Delaware Chapter of the Sierra Club in July 2019. He has served on the Governor's Energy Advisory Council, the Renewable Energy Taskforce, the Senate Energy Stakeholders Group, and the Governor's Transition Report Committee. In addition to managing the Del

Director, Sierra Club Delaware Chapter

Dustyn Thompson, Chapter Director, joined the Delaware Chapter of the Sierra Club in July 2019. He has served on the Governor's Energy Advisory Council, the Renewable Energy Taskforce, the Senate Energy Stakeholders Group, and the Governor's Transition Report Committee. In addition to managing the Delaware Chapter, Dustyn regularly collaborates with local and state officials on policies regarding clean energy, data center development, energy efficiency, and climate policies.