Jerome Foster II
Executive Director at Waic Up, White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council Member
Jerome Foster II
Executive Director at Waic Up, White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council Member
Biography
Jerome Foster II is an environmental justice activist, social entrepreneur, and renowned public speaker. At 18, he made history becoming the youngest person ever to advise the White House by joining the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council to advise the United States President on how best to advance environmental justice. This was made possible by his founding of OneMillionOfUs, a charity that mobilized one million young people to vote in the 2020 Presidential Elections. From being one of the major organizers of the School Strike for Climate Movement, holding weekly climate strikes outside the White House for 80 weeks, Foster II is now the co-founder and Executive Director of Waic Up, an extension of OneMillionOfUs that uses art, journalism, and civic engagement to drive climate justice advocacy alongside his advisory work to the President of the United States of America.
Recognized as a modern history figure in the curricula of Cambridge University, Jerome has a long history of political advocacy. Growing up in Washington, DC, he began his journey at 14 by serving on the DC State Board of Education's Student Advisory Committee, where he worked to modernize high school graduation requirements. At 16, he became one of the youngest-ever Congressional interns for Civil Rights icon Congressman John Lewis. At 18, he made history as the youngest person appointed to a White House Federal Advisory Committee in U.S. history. Jerome also has a background in tech, having run a virtual reality development company that was featured nationally on ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX.
Jerome Foster II has also been recognized with numerous awards, including the United Nations Champion of the Earth Award, Business Insider Climate Action 30, Grist 50 Environmental Fixer Achievement, and being named a Bloomberg Green Champion. Due to his bold, pioneering work, Jerome continuously collaborates with media outlets and has been featured in TIME, Hulu, British Vogue, The Guardian, BBC, Forbes, and The Washington Post.
Speaker Videos
How Jerome Foster II Is Representing Gen Z in the White House | NowThis NEXT
Jerome Foster II: Next Generation Leaders
2024 Summer Conference: Keynote Session
Waic Up with Jerome Foster II: Youth Power for Climate & Justice
Your Attention Please: Initiative 29 - Jerome Foster | Hulu
Jerome Foster II & Jane Fonda at New York Climate Week alongside Sophia Kianni
Eddie Izzard, Xiye Bastida & Jerome Foster II Demand Climate Action | Global Citizen Festival 2023
Speech Topics
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
Jerome Foster II is at the forefront of integrating the essential principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion into various industries, recognizing the importance of both top-down and bottom-up approaches. He illuminates the intersections of systemic issues such as climate change and social inequality, highlighting how they disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Jerome's advocacy emphasizes the importance of embedding DEI practices into all aspects of organizational operations and decision-making processes. As a renowned public speaker, he ensures that marginalized voices are at the table and present in critical discussions, driving inclusive and equitable change across all sectors.
ESG, Environmental Corporate Responsibility & Purpose-Driven Investment
Jerome Foster II on Corporate Sustainability brings a fresh perspective to the conversation around Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, corporate responsibility, and purpose-driven investment; with almost a decade of experience guiding the public sector on best practices and strategic avenues to decarbonize and advance climate solutions. He is now bringing this expertise and experience to ensure businesses step up to transcend performative sustainability and commit to genuine solutions that address the climate crisis and social inequalities. By shares proven strategies that are successful in embedding ESG principles to enhance companies core operations and business model. Jerome shares how businesses must embrace this approach and lead the charge, or be left behind, as the world demands bold pioneers for positive change and true sustainability leadership.
Environmental Justice & Intersectional Environmentalism
“You cannot just slap a solar panel on the climate crisis” as Jerome would say. With a compelling narrative of anecdotal storytelling and robust sociological and scientific data, Jerome captivates audiences at all levels, making complex concepts accessible and relatable. Jerome Foster II delves into what it takes for our world to deliver on the ideals of environmental justice. He shines a spotlight on what communities at the frontlines of climate change and pollution need from institutions, governments, and companies in order to thrive; underscoring the urgent need for action. Jerome's innovative approach to environmental justice provides a powerful framework for unraveling the intricate layers of galvanizing solidarity and action across diverse movements and stakeholders.
Youth Engagement & Leadership
Jerome Foster II focuses on the critical importance of youth engagement and empowerment in driving societal change. Drawing from his own experiences as a young activist and social entrepreneur, Jerome discusses innovative strategies for inspiring and mobilizing young people to take action on issues such as environmental justice, social equity, and systemic reform. He explores effective methods for organizing movements, utilizing digital platforms for broader reach, and ensuring that young voices are heard in decision-making processes. This topic is ideal for conferences, educational institutions, and corporate events, providing audiences with valuable insights and practical approaches to harness the power of youth for creating a better future.