Salem Afeworki (ELP 2014) | Energy and Sustainability Services Manager, County of Costa Mesa (California), Chile

After sixteen years in sustainability across four continents, I've learned that climate work exists in the tension between urgency and patience. This paradox has shaped my leadership approach from Costa Mesa's citywide streetlight retrofit project to overseeing international adaptation initiatives. What keeps me moving forward are specific sources of inspiration that transform challenges into opportunities.

Local Victories as Proof of Possibility

My enthusiasm renews through witnessing community transformation. Installing Costa Mesa's first public EV charging stations and developing AccelerateEV for disadvantaged Los Angeles communities created immediate, visible impact. These tangible successes prove that while global progress may seem slow, local action delivers real results today. My current role leading Costa Mesa's sustainability efforts reinforces daily that municipal climate action builds momentum for broader change.

The Power of Diverse Collaboration

Cross-sector partnerships and collaborating with the next generation of sustainability leaders consistently revitalize my purpose. Working with Costa Mesa, LA Metro, Port of Long Beach, and international organizations such as the United Nations, has demonstrated that diverse stakeholders generate superior solutions. During FairTrade USA's International Stakeholder Summit in Berkeley a few years back, I watched participants from twenty countries find common ground—confirming that sustainability doesn't just protect environments; it fundamentally builds more equitable systems across the world.

Bridging Science and Community

My approach integrates technical expertise from UC Berkeley and MIT with effective community skills. This combination translates complex climate science into accessible frameworks while ensuring diverse voices shape sustainability planning and project execution. The resulting solutions are both scientifically robust and culturally relevant—an essential combination for lasting change.

Embracing Optimism Through Systems Change

I remain optimistic because I've witnessed how systems change accelerates when we activate multiple pathways simultaneously. When policy development aligns with infrastructure improvements and community engagement—positive feedback loops emerge that build unstoppable momentum.

Conclusion

The future of climate action is bright because connection powers transformation. Through local and national fellowships and volunteering opportunities, I've joined an expanding community of global, multidisciplinary and multigenerational sustainability professionals creating planetary change. This network confirms we're part of an unstoppable movement reshaping humanity's relationship with Earth. Our collective work—from installing city EV chargers to facilitating international climate dialogues—isn't just addressing problems; it's building a more just and sustainable world that leaves no one behind.

Grateful to have the opportunity to dedicate my life to bring a positive change in the world!