Bridging Environmental Justice with Sustainable Energy – State of the Planet

During her childhood in Atlanta, Georgia, Jada Johnson fell in love with nature. She’d spend countless hours exploring the outdoors with her siblings near the pond and forested areas by her home. But growing up in a predominantly Black and Brown community, she also witnessed environmental injustices firsthand, though she did not have the language to describe them at the time.

It was not until she attended Brown University, where she pursued environmental studies with a focus on environment and inequality, that she began to understand the systemic issues she had observed. Her academic journey—enriched by experiences abroad in Costa Rica and on organic farms in Hawaii—deepened her commitment to environmental justice and sustainable practices.

Now as a student in Columbia’s Master of Public Administration in Environmental Science and Policy (MPA-ESP) program, Johnson is channeling her passion for nature and equity into actionable change. Her work at consulting firm Guidehouse as an energy, sustainability and infrastructure consultant, coupled with her hands-on experiences in the field, has solidified her belief in the power of policy to drive meaningful, sustainable solutions for disadvantaged communities, which she discusses in the Q&A below.

How do you hope to integrate your experience in environmental justice with your work in the energy sector through the ESP program?

Before joining the ESP program, I also spent some time working with Solar Stewards, a social enterprise that focuses on making clean energy accessible to historically underserved communities. The organization helps private sector leaders and companies make strategic clean energy commitments, with the goal of directing revenue to those who need it most. My experience as a program coordinator was pivotal in shaping my passion for energy, specifically in ensuring that the benefits of the energy transition reach communities like the one I grew up in.

We’re at a critical point in addressing climate change, where more people are starting to understand just how serious the situation is. But what often gets overlooked is the fact that not everyone is benefiting equally from the shift to clean energy. The ESP program is helping me bridge the gap between ambitious sustainability initiatives and the equity gaps that still exist. I’m focused on making sure that as we move toward a greener future, we’re also uplifting the communities that have been left out for too long. It’s not just about clean energy; it’s about making sure that the energy transition is fair and inclusive.

What prompted you to return to school with the MPA-ESP program?

I wanted to make a tangible impact. While I’ve always been passionate about nature and energy, I realized my work as a consultant, though valuable, was missing a critical element—policy. I came to understand that knowledge without application is limited, especially when it comes to driving sustainable change. I wanted to be part of the process where meaningful policies are crafted to benefit both disadvantaged communities and the natural environment.

Another thing that drew me to the program was the aspect of working with a larger cohort that shared a similar passion for environmental science. Much of my work as a consultant was remote, which was quite isolating. The dynamic nature of being in person and learning through hands-on experiences are things I really enjoy. Working alongside someone in real time and bouncing ideas off each other is very different from sending a quick message or scheduling an off-camera call.

And of course, my friend and fellow Brown alum, Vasu Jayanthi, who is also an alum of the ESP class of 2024, helped guide me toward this program. Vasu helped me understand which program would be the best fit for my goals and gave me insights into what to expect, where to focus my energy and how to make the most of this experience. Her encouragement and advice reassured me that this program would not only help me develop the skills I need but also provide a supportive community of like-minded individuals.

What has been your favorite class thus far?
Hydrology with Beizhan Yan has been my favorite so far. The interactive labs combined with the ability to apply what we’re learning to a comprehensive project have made it really fulfilling. For our final project, my team is currently exploring how drought and agricultural production in California’s Central Valley impact groundwater, which has allowed me to push myself in data analysis. After receiving a certificate in data fluency when I was an undergrad, I was excited to apply and enhance my skills through projects such as this one. The hands-on nature of the work makes the concepts come alive in a way that’s both challenging and rewarding.

I’ve also really enjoyed ecology with Matthew Palmer. The energy in that class is always up, and the debates we have are a great way to engage with the material. Instead of just being lectured at, we’re actively participating, exchanging perspectives and really digging into the topics. It’s a dynamic environment that makes learning exciting.

What are your career interests and plans for the future?

I’m interested in a lot! I’m considering applying for a Fulbright to explore sustainability initiatives in other countries, particularly in energy or agriculture. I’m especially interested in going to Brazil or Colombia to see how these countries approach sustainability. I also wouldn’t be opposed to returning to Guidehouse, where I could continue to build on my experience in energy consulting with a deeper understanding of policy and global perspectives.