The YCAA Interscholastic Conference

Danny DeBare: Chief of Staff at Environmental Advocates NY

Debbie Jaslow Shatz: Founding Member of the New York City Chapter of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA)

Emilie McGlone: United Nations Liaison, director of Peace Boat US, and founder of Parties4Peace

Justin Flagg: Director of Environmental Policy for the office of State Senator Liz Krueger

Karla Sosa: Manager for the Environmental Defense Fund New York – New Jersey State Affairs team

Laurel Zaima-Sheehy: Assistant Director, K12 and Continuing Education at the Columbia Climate School

Emma Kyzivat: M.A. in Climate and Society at Columbia Climate School

Following the conference, we received official recognition from NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani for our work in sustainable action

The YCAA Interscholastic Conference is a hub for mentorship and community where attendees connect with professionals and student activists alike to explore opportunities to advance climate ambitions.
Through guest speaker connections, educational workshops, and climate action showcases, the YCAA Interscholastic Conference will empower greater climate action citywide.
By sharing progress, exchanging strategies, and meeting like-minded peers, participants leave equipped to increase their impact.
Students Ambassadors and members of our partner schools are welcome to attend. Faculty members and administrators from our partner schools are also invited to join us. View our partner schools here. Become a partner school.
This conference is your chance to turn passion into action. By attending, you’ll gain insight into how student leaders are tackling climate challenges, discover new strategies for your own initiatives, and learn directly from experts shaping the future of sustainability.
Most importantly, you will be equipped with the tools, resources, and network to serve as a global leader of climate action.