With decades of experience in advancing equitable and just environmental and climate solutions, Shamar Bibbins became managing director of Kresge’s Environment Program in fall 2024 following the retirement of its longtime leader Lois DeBacker. In a new Q&A, learn more about Bibbins and her career journey, what inspires her and how she is thinking about her work today. 

Q: What inspired you to become involved in environmental and climate justice work?

A: I come from a long line of educators, activists and public servants who instilled in me a strong belief in the power of people to effect change. Growing up in Detroit during a time of profound divestment, I saw firsthand how disinvestment impacts a community’s health and wellbeing — decaying the built environment and dimming people’s brilliance. By the time I left for college, I was determined to focus on reinvesting in the people and places that have been left behind.

It was during my undergraduate years studying social movements and environmental law that my passion for environmental justice grew. I realized I wanted to pursue a career in public policy to improve the lives of underrepresented groups by addressing the structural inequities in environmental and economic policies.

Throughout my academic journey, I immersed myself in studying environmental justice. Whether conducting research for my senior thesis or interviewing environmental activists through my Fulbright Fellowship, I was continually inspired by the people on the front lines — those David-versus-Goliath struggles against powerful polluting industries.

These community members fought relentlessly for the health, safety and dignity of their families, demanding clean air and safe water. Their courage motivated me to continue pushing for change.

Q: How has your thinking changed over time and how are you thinking about the work today?

A: Nearly 30 years ago, my senior thesis, Race, Class, and Environmental Policy, detailed the hard-fought victories and ongoing struggles of the environmental justice movement. Unfortunately, the communities in “Cancer Alley” that I profiled at that time are still fighting for their lives today. These communities, located along an 85-mile stretch of the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, live side by side with more than 200 fossil fuel and petrochemical operations.

While my commitment to centering equity and justice in environmental and climate policies has remained steadfast, my understanding of the work has evolved. Today, I believe that deeper investments in community-driven approaches to advancing environmental and climate solutions are more critical than ever. The voices and leadership of affected communities, together with committed change agents in government and other sectors, are essential in shaping policies that will truly address the systemic inequalities that persist.

Q: During your career, have there been any “a-ha” moments you’d like to share, and what did you learn/take away from them?

A: After a strong academic foundation focused on race and class analysis in environmental law and policy, I initially chose a different path early in my career. Rather than pursuing my long-held plan to work in public policy within the environmental sector, I decided to leverage my varied talents. I ventured into sports public relations and international television, and later studied theater, working in the film and television industry for several years.

When I eventually transitioned back into the environmental field, it took me years to fully embrace and apply the communications, media and storytelling skills I had developed. In 2017, I was invited to co-host a preconference institute on storytelling and just transition at a large funder meeting. The session was an opportunity to partner with filmmakers, cultural curators and community-based advocates to explore some of the films and visual media that were being developed in partnership with local communities to help tell stories of just transitions to clean, renewable, equitable and resilient economies.

It was a liberating “a-ha” moment that allowed me to fully embrace my creative background, which has since become a tremendous asset to my work. One piece of advice I give to people early in their careers is to take risks and be open to unconventional paths. Don’t be afraid to pursue multiple interests and talents, as everything you do will ultimately prepare you for what’s next — even if it’s not immediately clear.

Q: In turbulent times, what gives you hope?

A: During challenging times, I draw hope from my deep belief in the power of people to create change. I find inspiration in reflecting on the fortitude of those who came before me — particularly my grandmothers, mother and other women elders in my family who guided me — all who persevered through struggles far greater than what we currently face today. Their determination reminds me that we have the strength to overcome adversity and continue fighting for a better future.