Investing in the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders: Educate, Advocate, Activate
by Pam Heatherington
The Environmental Center of San Diego is happy to announce that our very own executive director, Pam Heatherington, had the opportunity to publish an article for Happy Eco News detailing her passion and dedication for investing in the next generation of environmental leaders! Congratulations, Pam! Please see the link below to read the article:
The Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve at low tide marks the terminal point of the Environmental Center of San Diego’s Princess Street Coastal Access Project, a public trail that has been closed for more than 35 years and is now moving through the City of San Diego permitting process. Photo by John Heatherington.
Pam Heatherington – Fri 24 Jul 2026
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work with the Environmental Center of San Diego has been watching young people discover their capacity to lead.
Over the years, I have come to believe that environmental leadership is not something people are born with. It is nurtured through opportunity, mentorship, education, and community. When young people are given the chance to connect with experienced advocates, scientists, Tribal leaders, policymakers, and community organizers, something remarkable happens. They begin to see themselves as part of the solution. They move from asking, “What can be done?” to asking, “How can I help?” That shift transforms concern into action and interest into commitment.
People often ask what inspires someone to become an environmental leader. In my experience, it usually begins with a connection—to a place, a community, or a cause. It may be a favorite beach, a local canyon, a hiking trail, or a concern about climate change and the future. Whatever the starting point, leadership grows when people realize they have both the ability and the responsibility to make a difference.