WASHINGTON, D.C. — October 13, 2025 — Hip Hop Caucus proudly celebrates Dr. Alexa White, Think 100% Climate and Environmental Justice Policy Director, for being named among the 2025 Young, Gifted & Green 40 Under 40 honorees — a national recognition spotlighting Black, Latinx, and Indigenous environmental justice leaders under the age of 40 who are redefining the future of the climate movement.

Dr. White stands at the intersection of science, policy, and community organizing. As co-founder and executive director of the Aya Research Institute, she leads groundbreaking research that centers diversity in science and engineering, especially within environmental justice work. Her scholarship and advocacy with the University of Michigan’s Department of Ecology have positioned her as a leading agroecologist focused on global food systems, climate governance, and sustainable agriculture. She also applies that expertise on the ground, advancing food justice initiatives in Maryland that address access, equity, and resilience in local food systems—bridging the gap between academic research and lived community experience.

At Hip Hop Caucus, Dr. White guides the organization’s national policy portfolio under the Think 100% climate justice program, translating research into action that uplifts frontline communities. Reflecting on the honor, she shared that receiving the Young, Gifted & Green 40 Under 40 award “comes with gratitude and a clear purpose.” She continued, “Our communities deserve clean air, safe water, and dignified livelihoods. I will keep using science, research, advocacy, and organizing to turn that vision into policy.”

At Hip Hop Caucus, Dr. White’s recognition is both deeply earned and deeply felt. “To be identified and celebrated as ‘gifted’ is a great honor and yet the word still doesn’t hold a candle to what and who Dr. White is,” said Jasmine Gil, Associate Senior Director of Think 100%, Hip Hop Caucus. “She’s kind, intentional, and unwavering in her commitment to transcend this work we all do together. I know I speak for all of the Hip Hop Caucus when I say she makes this team proud.”

Dr. White’s recognition reflects Hip Hop Caucus’ mission to build power at the intersection of culture, policy, and environmental justice—lifting up young leaders who use their expertise and creativity to create a healthier, more equitable planet for all.

 

About the Young, Gifted & Green 40 Under 40 Awards

Young, Gifted & Green 40 under 40 is an annual list of Black, Latinx (non-white presenting), and Indigenous environmental justice leaders under the age of 40 from across the U.S. who are grappling with complex solutions to solve the Climate Crisis and dismantle Environmental Racism. Nominees  include educators, scientists, artists, policymakers, healthcare/public health professionals, faith-based leaders, mental health professionals, birth workers, farmers, social-justice advocates/activists, storytellers, journalists, entrepreneurs, technologists, chefs, clean-energy gurus, social media influencers — any individual making a major difference in environment justice.

About Hip Hop Caucus

Formed in 2004, the Hip Hop Caucus is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that leverages Hip Hop culture to encourage young people to participate in the democratic process. Through a collaborative leadership network, HHC addresses core issues affecting underserved communities. HHC programs and campaigns support solution-driven community organizing led by today’s young leaders.