https://SFOS2024.eventbrite.com/?aff=Eblast Stand for Our Sound celebrates the full spectrum of environmental leadership shaping the South Sound’s future. This year’s honorees remind us that protecting our region’s health goes beyond clean air and water—it’s about building equitable, resilient communities where both people and nature can thrive. From improving access to fresh food and restoring shorelines to advancing sustainable transportation and technology that reduce emissions, their work shows how our air, land, and water are deeply connected. Together, these efforts form a stronger, more vibrant South Sound for all. Join us Thursday, November 6, at the University of Puget Sound from 6–9 PM for an evening of inspiration, connection, and celebration as we honor their remarkable contributions. Get your tickets now! (https://2025SFOS.eventbrite.com) ** DRUM ROLL PLEASE….. ------------------------------------------------------------ We are thrilled to announce the 2025 Stand for Our Sound awardees, nominated by their peers and selected by a committee of regional environmental advocates! ** RISING TIDE YOUTH AWARD: Mira Selkin ------------------------------------------------------------ Mira Selkin, a sophomore at Tacoma’s Science and Math Institute, is a dedicated young leader with a passion for sustainability and climate action. She founded her school’s Rotary Interact Club, serves as class president, and is working toward her Girl Scout Gold Award by developing a program to foster sustainability in Tacoma. Mira is also collaborating with peers, CHB, and WSU on a bioswale project to improve stormwater management in underserved neighborhoods, showing that leadership and impact start early. ** GREEN BUSINESS AWARD: Homeostasis ------------------------------------------------------------ Homeostasis, led by founder Makoto Eyre, is redefining what sustainable industry looks like. The company has pioneered clean, circular approaches to graphite production, advancing technology that reduces emissions, waste, and environmental impact while strengthening local economic opportunity. Homeostasis demonstrates how innovation and environmental responsibility can coexist and thrive in the South Sound’s growing green economy. ** CLEAN WATER HERO IN ELECTED OFFICE AWARD: Rep. Jake Fey ------------------------------------------------------------ Representative Jake Fey has spent his career championing transportation, energy, and environmental policies that strengthen communities across the South Sound. As Chair of the Washington State House Transportation Committee, he has led major investments in sustainable mobility, clean energy infrastructure, and stormwater improvements that reduce emissions and protect local waterways. From shaping climate-conscious legislation to supporting regional collaboration, Jake’s leadership continues to advance the clean water, equity, and environmental goals that define a healthy, thriving South Sound. ** ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE SERVICE AWARD: Stacey Crinnich ------------------------------------------------------------ Stacey Crinnich and her organization, Good Roots Northwest, are cultivating more than gardens—they are growing food security, community resilience, and environmental justice from the ground up. By transforming underused spaces into thriving green hubs, Stacey connects neighbors, builds equitable access to fresh food, and fosters collaboration across local schools, faith organizations, and environmental groups. Her work is a model for how environmental justice begins in our own backyards. ** HEALTHY SOUTH SOUND CHAMPION AWARD: Mary Krauszer ------------------------------------------------------------ Through her years with the Pierce Conservation District, Mary Krauszer built programs that empowered residents to restore habitat, steward shorelines, and take part in conservation efforts across Pierce County. Her collaborative approach and tireless leadership have strengthened partnerships between government, nonprofits, and the public, ensuring that our shared waterways and ecosystems remain healthy for generations to come. ** ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR AWARD: Kaela Hixson ------------------------------------------------------------ As a 4th/5th grade teacher at Tillicum Elementary, Kaela Hixson has inspired countless students to care deeply for their environment. Through hands-on programs like Salmon in the Classroom, community partnerships, and outdoor learning experiences, she connects science with stewardship, showing young people that their actions can make a real difference. Her dedication to environmental education ripples far beyond the classroom. ** KAY TREAKLE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Aurora Martin ------------------------------------------------------------ Aurora Martin, Executive Director of Front and Centered, has spent her career advancing equity, climate justice, and environmental justice across Washington. Under her leadership, the coalition helped shape the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act, landmark legislation embedding environmental justice into state law. A lawyer and lifelong advocate for social change, Aurora has redefined how government collaborates with frontline communities, championing inclusion, compassion, and the courage to fight for a fairer, healthier future for all. ** RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY! ------------------------------------------------------------ You will not want to miss this uplifting evening of community, connection, and celebration hosted by an exceptional lineup of speakers, including mayoral candidate Anders Ibsen, councilwoman Robyn Denson, EDB President & CEO Michael Catsi, and more. Their participation reflects the collaboration and shared vision that make the South Sound a leader in sustainability, innovation, and community-driven change. Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025 Location: University of Puget Sound, Wheelock Student Center (upstairs) Time: 6–9 PM (Doors open at 6 for networking and appetizers. Program begins at 7:30.) SECURE YOUR TICKETS NOW (https://2025SFOS.eventbrite.com) We look forward to seeing you and raising a glass to our community together! Warm regards, CHB Staff Copyright (C) 2024 Communities for a Healthy Bay. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in the Communities for a Healthy Bay mailing list. Communities for a Healthy Bay 535 Dock Street, Suite 213 update your preferences (https://healthybay.us6.list-manage.com/profile?u=3d9cdf2578d5256cea2179daf&id=d04c273c40&e=cd6b87b856&c=85ccc6d0d3) or unsubscribe (https://healthybay.us6.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=3d9cdf2578d5256cea2179daf&id=d04c273c40&t=b&e=cd6b87b856&c=85ccc6d0d3) logo View email in browser (https://mailchi.mp/healthybay/sound-status-update-june-edition-9beoszqsk8-1406563?e=cd6b87b856)