1SW Welcomes New Leadership
Announcing One Square World’s New Co-Executive Directors: A Transformative Leadership Shift for Environmental Justice
One Square World proudly announces the appointment of Vatic Tayari Astalili Kuumba and Shey Rivera Ríos as Co-Executive Directors, succeeding the organization’s founder, Andrea Atkinson, after her 10 years of leadership and commitment to environmental justice.
This pivotal leadership transition marks not only a new chapter in the history of One Square World, but also a powerful affirmation of the organization's core values: community power, justice, and sustainability. Both Vatic and Shey bring to this leadership role their lived experiences, deep-rooted connections to communities most impacted by environmental injustice, and an unwavering commitment to advancing the mission of the organization.
In their new roles, Vatic and Shey will lead the organization’s bold work to address the urgent environmental challenges faced by communities of color and low-income neighborhoods—especially those that bear the brunt of climate change, pollution, and systemic inequality. Together, they represent an extraordinary combination of passion, expertise, and cultural grounding that will continue to elevate the organization’s impact and vision.
This leadership transition is a momentous occasion, both for the organization and for the broader environmental justice movement. With climate change and environmental degradation disproportionately affecting marginalized communities, the need for leadership that is rooted in lived experience and social justice is more urgent than ever.
A Return to a Co-Executive Director Model
At this critical juncture, One Square World is returning to a Co-Executive Director model—an intentional and powerful choice that honors collaboration, shared power, and collaborative leadership. The Co-Director model is both a response to the dynamic challenges of today’s socio-political landscape and a reaffirmation of the organization’s commitment to shared responsibility, resilience, and intercultural organizing. This model will allow Vatic and Shey to leverage their complementary skills and leadership styles, ensuring a balanced approach to decision-making and organizational growth at a key moment in the environmental justice sector, both regionally and nationally. The Co-Director model will also ensure that the leadership of One Square World remains accountable to the communities it serves and responsive to the liberation struggles of our time.
The Vision of Leadership
In their leadership roles, Vatic and Shey are committed to continuing the organization’s legacy of cultural organizing and policy change. They will work alongside staff, partners, and community members to accelerate the organization’s efforts in mitigating the impacts of climate change, advocating for sustainable practices, and creating policy solutions that center the needs of those most affected by environmental injustice.
“Climate justice isn’t just about the environment; it’s about people. It’s about recognizing the interconnectedness of our communities, our health, and our planet,” said [Name]. “I am excited to help lead this incredible team toward solutions that are not only innovative but are deeply rooted in the lived experiences of the people who have been the most impacted by environmental harm.”
“Our work must be intersectional,” said [Name]. “It’s not enough to address climate change in isolation—we must also tackle the systems of oppression that have caused these disparities. I am honored to be part of this transformative moment in our organization’s history and to serve alongside [Name] as we work to shift the power back to the people who are most impacted.”
A New Era for Climate Justice
In a world where environmental justice is more critical than ever, the leadership of [Name] and [Name] represents the next wave of advocacy rooted in solidarity, justice, and collective power. This transition symbolizes the continued commitment of [Organization Name] to amplify the voices of those who have been historically silenced, to challenge the systems that perpetuate environmental harm, and to ensure a healthier, more equitable future for all.
This announcement comes at a time of heightened urgency around climate change, racial justice, and economic inequality. With two leaders who bring not only a wealth of experience but a personal investment in the cause, [Organization Name] is poised to deepen its impact and extend its reach in advocating for policies that prioritize justice, community, and sustainability.
“We are proud to pass the torch to [Name] and [Name],” said [Founder’s Name], founder of [Organization Name]. “Their leadership is a testament to the strength of our organization, and I have full confidence that they will lead with integrity, vision, and an unwavering commitment to justice.”
Andrea Atkinson - Founder and former Executive Director, Announcement:
Dear friends of 1SW,
I believe deeply in honoring the cycles of the seasons. We find lessons and nourishment when we pay attention to the season we find ourselves in.
It is bittersweet to share the message that I am in the winter of my cycle with One Square World and am stepping down as Executive Director after a decade of dedication to this organization and its mission. During my sabbatical, it became clear that my cycle of work to birth and build this organization has come to a close, and it is time for me to let go of the vision and strategy and allow the organization to enter a new cycle.
I am profoundly proud of so much of the work that we have done. I am grateful for the lessons from the hard times, as well. Over the past ten years, we moved through so much together. From developing the first climate justice action plan for a city in the U.S. to practicing building new liberatory systems. From supporting the creation of a key ordinances to address climate change, to developing art and education that continues to change what it means to build deep democracy.
It’s my belief that our movements are ready to take on the challenges of our current political moment. I believe our mission is even more critical now. I leave the organization confident in my legacy and in the liberatory work that the 1SW team is poised to take on.
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be in community with you!
About One Square World
Founded in [Year], [Organization Name] is a grassroots, climate justice organization based in Boston, MA. For over [X] years, the organization has been dedicated to empowering communities of color and low-income neighborhoods disproportionately impacted by environmental degradation, pollution, and the effects of climate change. Through advocacy, organizing, and policy change, [Organization Name] works to create sustainable and equitable solutions to the environmental crises facing our communities.
