Lilian Molina

Lilian Molina is a seasoned leader in the fields of social and racial justice, with over two decades of experience in organizing and capacity building for climate, environmental, and racial justice initiatives at both local and national levels. A Mestiza Palestinian, born in Honduras and raised in Chicago, Lilian's journey into the world of social justice began in 2007 as the Youth Coordinator with the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO). It was here that she first immersed herself in the principles and practices of the Environmental Justice (EJ) Community, setting the foundation for her lifelong commitment to these causes.

In 2009, Lilian embarked on a transformative path as the inaugural Environmental Justice Director of the Energy Action Coalition (EAC), the hub of the Youth Climate Movement. During her 3.5-year tenure at EAC, she played a pivotal role in weaving racial justice and equity into the fabric of the coalition's programs and campaigns. Notable achievements include leading the Frontline Community Leadership training at Power Shift 2011, a groundbreaking event that brought together over 350 young individuals from directly impacted communities. Lilian also oversaw the launch of the Frontline Environmental Justice Fellowship and worked closely with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create opportunities for youth engagement in federal decision-making processes.

In 2012, her collaborative efforts with the EPA resulted in a historic youth EJ meeting involving members of 10 of the 17 government agencies from the Inter-Agency Workgroup on EJ, a testament to her dedication to amplifying youth voices in shaping environmental policies. Her impact extended beyond EAC, as she later joined Greenpeace USA to establish the Movement Support Hub, which opened doors for grassroots groups and alliances committed to environmental, climate, and racial justice. Her relentless advocacy also led to Greenpeace's divestment from international banks supporting the Keystone XL pipeline and the allocation of resources to support the Standing Rock camp.

Lilian's diverse background in campaign planning, strategic partnerships, and her unwavering commitment to social justice and racial equity have positioned her as a dynamic and influential figure in the field. She is recognized for her expertise in converting strategic plans into actionable initiatives, motivating and coaching teams, and fostering consensus and conflict resolution. Lilian has been a catalyst for change, training thousands of young individuals in Anti-Oppression and Anti-Racism using the EJ Principles, the Jemez Principles, and the rich history of the EJ Movement through innovative popular education workshops.

Throughout her career, Lilian has consistently demonstrated her dedication to community engagement, strategic partnerships, and network building. Her contributions extend to national movement building, capacity and coalition building, leadership development, and project management. She has managed and coached teams, coordinated diverse stakeholders, and played key roles in managing distributed campaigns and driving change management efforts.

She continues to advocate for dismantling structural racism in any space she’s in. Her commitment to fostering collaboration, inspiring teams, and advancing racial and environmental justice remains unwavering.

Outside of her professional accomplishments, Lilian's most challenging and rewarding campaign is her role as a mother, nurturing two fierce, gentle, and feminist sons aged 7.5 and 8.5. Her dedication to creating a just and equitable world extends even to her family life.

Lilian Molina is a visionary force for change, dedicated to the principles of social justice, racial justice, environmental justice, and climate justice. Her remarkable journey continues to inspire and empower individuals and communities across the nation.