Dr. Jonathan Foley is a leading climate and environmental scientist and Executive Director of Project Drawdown, a nonprofit advancing the world’s most effective climate solutions. As one of the world’s most-cited scientists, Jonathan advises governments, philanthropies, and business leaders on science-based climate action focusing on advancing solutions that are grounded in data, driven by collaboration, and designed to build a healthier, more sustainable future for all. Previously, he was the founding director of the Institute on the Environment at the University of Minnesota and executive director of the California Academy of Sciences. A respected thought leader, he has published in Nature, Science, and The New York Times, and his talks have reached millions worldwide.

Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson is a marine biologist, policy expert, and advocate shaping bold, hopeful visions for our climate future. She is co-founder of Urban Ocean Lab, a think tank focused on coastal cities, and author of, What If We Get It Right?: Visions of Climate Futures. Her work bridges science, culture, and policy to advance inclusive, sustainable climate solutions. Dr. Ayana has led groundbreaking efforts in ocean conservation, from co-founding the Blue Halo Initiative and directing the Waitt Institute’s successful island-wide ocean zoning in the Caribbean, to shaping U.S. federal ocean strategy at the Environmental Protection Agency and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. A Brooklyn native, she continues to champion the role of ocean and community in climate action as a writer, speaker, and strategist.

​Jennifer Kitt builds bridges between donors and transformative climate solutions. As president of Climate Lead, she mobilizes philanthropic resources to address the climate crisis, one of humanity’s greatest challenges. With over 20 years of experience working with philanthropists, corporations, and foundations, Jennifer serves as an advisor to donors and a trusted strategic partner for organizations working to address the climate crisis. She is focused on building a community to bring new donors into the climate space to fund high-impact, far-reaching solutions.

Fred Taylor founded and serves on the board of Sequoia Climate Foundation, which aims to leverage philanthropic investments to mitigate climate change at speed and scale. As an advocate for climate philanthropy, Fred believes that bold strategic giving plays a critical role in building a sustainable future.