Sydney Mathis has taken her childhood love of nature and transformed it into a powerful movement with the EGE Foundation, which focuses on empowering Black and brown youth through environmental education. Raised in Sacramento alongside her grandmother, Mathis developed a deep connection to the outdoors, catching tadpoles and exploring creeks, a passion that now fuels her mission.
The foundation offers programs that range from hands-on community cleanups to leadership development, allowing students to gain real-world experience while connecting with nature. Mathis’s journey from Oregon to Humboldt State University led her to discover a significant gap in representation within environmental careers, prompting her to create pathways for others who share her background. She’s not just raising awareness; she’s actively working to ensure the next generation sees themselves reflected in environmental careers.
Despite the challenges of securing funding, Mathis’s vision remains clear—she hopes to expand the foundation’s reach, increasing engagement in classes and activities that foster a love for the planet. With aspirations to create learning hubs in California, Texas, and even Uganda, her work demonstrates a powerful commitment to cultivating environmental stewards. In the end, her belief is simple: If we can inspire young people to love and protect the environment, we’re fostering a legacy that will benefit all of us.
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
