We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Rogers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
I work in the realm of Environmental Justice – bringing equity to communities most impacted by Climate Change. This is done by supporting and resourcing access to green infrastructure in homes and communities as well as jobs and entrepreneurial support in the green infrastructure industry.

What people might not be aware of is how important federal programming has been in moving forward on the projects that can mitigate pollution of all kinds that affect our health, rebuild or reinforce our homes and other buildings to not only protect us in the face of changing weather expectations but help offset the costs, and to implement community size projects needed to protect our families, homes, and planet. Recent cuts to federal departments (like EPA, DOE, and USDA) and program funding have decimated this industry and the considerable progress we have made over recent years.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve spent over 20 years working at the intersection of environmental justice, sustainability, and economic development. As a Sustainability Strategist, I support entrepreneurs, communities, nonprofits, and small businesses in building green infrastructure and launching projects that center both environmental impact and community resilience.

My work has ranged from developing waste diversion and recycling initiatives in Detroit, supporting green community infrastructure in Chicago, to launching urban farming programs in Denver that trained hundreds and created green jobs in neighborhoods most impacted by food insecurity. What sets me apart is my ability to link sustainability with economic opportunity—helping communities not just survive but thrive.

This journey hasn’t been easy. It’s taken persistence, collaboration, and a deep belief in the power of local leadership. I’ve learned that lasting change comes from centering community voices, building cross-sector partnerships, and refusing to give up—especially when progress feels under threat.

What I want the world to know is this: environmental justice is about more than protecting the planet. It’s about equity, opportunity, and rebuilding systems that care for people and place—together.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Spending a week in Colorado presents so many options! The first thing I would do is carve out a couple of days to spend in the mountains. A trip to a hot springs gets priority – Glenwood Springs is easy but finding a more out of the way spot can be more relaxing. I love going to the San Luis Valley, especially Crestone for hikes, walks, and interesting people. If we only have time for a day trip, we would drive to either Echo Lake (stopping to visit with the buffalo herd in Genesee, of course) or Garden of the Gods.

In Denver I would look for outdoors events like music in the park or the Botanic Gardens. I would take them to my favorite coffeehouses – Convivio on 38th Ave. at Yates or Mob Coffee at Tennyson and 40th.

Most important, if the visitor is from out of state, I would take them on a tour of Colorado mexican food. Aquascaliente on Wadsworth and 42nd or La Cochinita on 29th at Yates St.

A meal at my favorite restaurant, Parisi on Tennyson at 44th, would definitely be on the schedule.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to ShoutOut to the people in the environmental justice arena who have worked tirelessly to bring all of us into the green economy. The EPA, DOE, USDA, and all the federal agencies staff who have not only lost their jobs but watched their lifetimes of work be erased. The nonprofit environmental justice organizations who have fought to build healthier lives for the communities to whom they are committed who have lost the funding for programs they have spent decades developing. Environmental justice advocates and activists who look to the horizon feeling they need to start all over again, from square one.
To all of you (us), we can do this. We can rebuild. Our work won’t disappear as long as we hold on to one another and work together.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-rogers-sustainability/

Other: Substack: https://substack.com/@lisarogers747272

Image Credits
Lisa Rogers

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