Stanford mathematics student Belinda Castaneda spent her summer working with Nuestra Casa on the SAFER Bay Project, which aims to protect East Palo Alto neighborhoods from sea-level rise and storm flooding through engineered levees, floodwalls, and restored wetlands. As a Partnerships for Climate Justice in the Bay Area Fellow, she led community engagement efforts by canvassing neighborhoods, hosting pop-up events at parks and community centers, and designing bilingual outreach materials in English, Spanish, and Chinese. The team averaged 7-12 survey responses per two-hour session while having crucial conversations with residents about flood insurance, emergency preparedness, and the need for better coordination across cities. Castaneda also supported the Estuary Youth Council and developed facilitator scripts for Nuestra Casa’s Environmental Justice Academy workshops on air quality and water justice. Her work demonstrated how effective community engagement bridges scientific jargon with lived experiences, ensuring those most affected by climate change help shape protection plans. Read more about Belinda’s experience in her article: Summer of Environmental Advocacy: A Truer Equation for Public Service.
