EMeRGE
Environmental Justice Organization
EMeRGE employs a bottom-up, non-linear community engagement approach, ensuring that community members most affected by environmental injustices are directly involved in shaping solutions. The organization is recognized for its innovative reverse-engineered community engagement model, which begins with lived community experiences and builds programs, advocacy, and policy from those insights.
Our Mission
EMeRGE’s mission is to advance environmental justice by empowering frontline communities to lead the transition toward clean air, zero emissions, and 100% renewable energy through community-driven engagement, equitable investment, and transformative policy advocacy.
Our Vision
EMeRGE envisions a future where historically overburdened communities like Wilmington, are healthy, resilient, and thriving, with clean air, equitable access to green economic opportunities, and meaningful participation in environmental decision-making.
Our Commitment
- Community-driven environmental monitoring and data ownership
- Trusted, culturally competent outreach to connect residents to opportunities
- Workforce development pipelines into green jobs
- Policy advocacy that reflects lived community experience
Who We Are
EMeRGE is an environmental justice nonprofit organization based in Wilmington, California, the heart of the Port of Los Angeles. EMeRGE works to address disproportionate pollution impacts through community centered solutions that prioritize equity, health, and sustainability.
Reverse-Engineered Community Engagement
Programs are designed based on community input first, ensuring relevance, trust, and impact.
Grassroots Air Quality Monitoring
Community members, especially youth, are trained to collect and interpret air quality data, empowering local advocacy.
Policy Advocacy and Systems' Change
EMeRGE advances equitable policies supporting zero emissions, renewable energy, and community investment.
Workforce Development and Green Jobs Pathways
EMeRGE connects residents to training and employment opportunities in emerging clean energy sectors.
Organizational Structure
EMeRGE maintains a lean but highly effective organizational structure that prioritizes community leadership, youth engagement, and culturally competent outreach.
Magali Sanchez-Hall
Founder / Director
Omar Serrano
Assistant Director
Juan Razo
Youth Grassroots Air Quality Monitors Coordinator
Samuel George Delgadillo
Youth Project Coordinator
Maria Ramirez
Spanish-Speaking Community Organizer