Amanda's Reflections

Amanda Pleasant-Brown, LT'25, Government Relations Administrator - Local Jurisdiction Lead, King County Metro

Mae Jemison, the first Black female astronaut, said that society as it exists now lacks the collective and social power to get us to the next star. As a dedicated public servant witnessing the dismantling of our institutions, the further erosion of public trust in government, and worsening social and political polarization, I have to say, I agree.



At our Environmental Possibility Day hosted at the Brightwater Treatment Plant, the fabulous Lindsey T.H. Jackson, LT’24, began our session with Mae’s observation and these questions: What is the next human potential that we are reaching for and how would you define it? What are you, as leaders, trying to move us toward? And have you ever experienced freedom? 

Understanding how we show up as leaders begins with inner work and shedding the layers of status and character performance we take on. These versions of ourselves disconnect us from our true selves—our source. The question I am still pondering is: Who am I beneath the identities that have been thrust on me? 

In the afternoon, we returned to thinking about our collective future. In stark contrast to the current federal administration, our panelists exemplified building trust in government and institutions.

The collaborative partnership between Miranda Perez of Environmental Coalition of South Seattle (ECOSS) and Angela Song of Seattle City Light embody how public and nonprofit organizations can come together to share power, expand civic engagement, and invite communities—especially those historically excluded—into decision-making processes typically reserved for technical experts and those with the most influence and power.

I left the day feeling hopeful. In many ways our class is reflective of the times. Turbulent. Unsettled. Wondering what is coming next in the world and restless to get there. I am immensely proud of the people that I get to share space with. They are working so hard on themselves and navigating this time, including losing program funding, livelihoods, and watching their industries crumble.

I believe that if we can come together, help and be accountable to one another through missteps, and welcome people back into community, then there is a path forward for society. Our world is a reflection of those who participate. We must all tap into our source to navigate this moment and get our society to the next star.

Ric's Reflections

Ric Cochrane, LT'25, Strategic Projects & Programs - Built Environment | Nature & Biodiversity | Waste, Amazon

When I first heard the term environmental justice a few years ago, I assumed it meant the environment would finally receive the legal and political attention it deserves. I now realize that environmental justice is deeply human centric—the same systems of oppression that harm the planet also harm people. Injustice has many branches, but common roots.

One of Leadership Tomorrow’s greatest strengths is its ability to bring leaders together to think holistically and align our energy toward a shared, actionable vision for a just society. Environment Possibility Day 2025 offered both compelling and surprising ideas for how we might do that.

Source: For me, the most powerful moment came from Lindsey T.H. Jackson, LT’24, who challenged each of us to “get to the source”—to do the hard work of examining how our identities and lived experiences shape how we engage with conflict. Each of us is driven by at least one form of injustice. There’s a delicate balance between using that as fuel and staying focused on a bold vision for the world we want. 

Trust: The panel featured public sector and nonprofit leaders who explored how to build community engagement into sustainability work, from EV charging infrastructure to renewable energy projects. They emphasized that authentic collaboration and trust are essential to delivering solutions that truly meet community needs.

This interplay of deep personal work and collective action is the wellspring of power. Power is liberation and connection, accountability and agency. It’s not the freedom to do whatever I want, but the ability to transform the world through the simultaneous processes of healing myself and forging unbreakable bonds with my community. 

This idea of power through connection is invigorating. In a world full of opposition, connection feels like a viable way forward—a form of hope that compels action. Together, we can build resilient, sustainable communities that reduce environmental harm and support our own wellbeing.