I’m Linda Saleh, and I am truly honored to step into the role of BEA’s new Executive Director. I am excited to be taking on this role at such a pivotal moment in our history. As we begin what I hope to be a long and fruitful conversation together, I’ll take this opportunity to tell you a little about myself.

I am an activist and organizer, spending 15 years working within feminist and youth movements. Working alongside people who fight to advance a people-centered agenda has shaped who I am, what I believe in, and how I work. Time and time again, grassroots movements have shown me the value of radically reimagining the future and bringing boundless creativity to the question of what’s possible.

I joined BEA in 2021, and since then I’ve seen how much BEA has grown. Starting in the middle of a pandemic came with many challenges, but I’m proud of the relationships I’ve developed in this incredible community of visionary leaders. I’m also humbled by BEA’s collective impact this year alone: 

• We allocated $11.75 million to 89 grassroots organizations working on the frontlines for environmental justice in every part of the US.
• Our staff team has grown and continues to grow.
• We have a new 2022-2027 strategic plan.
• We are working to tell the story of our grassroots-driven change making through a new impact framework.
   

Linda has shown leadership from day one of helping guide BEA causes and missions by providing leadership to help us reach the finish line. Linda isn’t afraid of differences or conflict, helping mediate as we went through difficult points in our development, so I’m excited and proud to see her as executive director of BEA. I’m proud of BEA and I’m proud of Linda being our first executive director.
Dwaign Tyndall, Steering Committee Chair
Alternatives for Community & Environment Executive Director

We’re also recommitting ourselves to learning what it actually means to “build equity and alignment” in the environmental and intersecting justice movements. Developing the trust and capacity to engage in this learning will be crucial going forward. It will require us to navigate hard conversations across culture, identity, power, and influence. I’m driven to help us go farther and deeper in translating our values into tangible outcomes.

Next year will be BEA’s 10th anniversary. In this spirit, I’m deeply mindful of the legacy of those who came before, who saw the potential for an environmental movement that centers and uplifts grassroots leadership and the promise of what that movement could achieve. With that legacy, I’m excited to continue to learn and strategize with our members and grantees about how BEA can support you going forward. Let’s connect when you have a moment. I look forward to meeting you, and welcome your ideas, your partnership, and your imagination!

With sincere gratitude to the Steering Committee and to all of you for this opportunity, I look forward to working with and getting to know each of you over the coming days, months, and years.