What makes Climate Reality unique from other environmental organizations, is that we focus on training members and the public to become leaders in their community. We build awareness and educate about the drivers, impacts, and solutions to the climate crisis, with a focus on local programs and local resilience. You do not need to have completed the Climate Reality Training Corps to join the Leadership Team (except for the Chair and Co-Chair roles).

If you’d like to join our leadership team or a working group, please fill out our interest form to get started.

Get Involved

Helena Birecki

Helena Birecki

Interim Chair & Climate Legislative Co-Lead

Helena deeply loves this beautiful, life-supporting world and the people and other beings who share it. She is boiling mad at exploitative industries, and determined to be part of real climate solutions— which start with climate justice.

Helena studied in the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources, trained in 2019 as a Climate Reality leader, and worked on messaging and coalition-building to pass the San Francisco All Electric New Construction Ordinance. She now lives in Portland and is also a Pilates teacher.

Amanda Duncan

Amanda Duncan

Climate Legislative Co-Lead

Amanda Duncan is a long-time Oregonian with a passion for protecting people and the planet from the devastating impacts of climate change. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a PhD in electrical engineering and worked at Intel Corp. for 28 years. She currently lives in Beaverton, Oregon.

Karen Harrington

Karen Harrington

Climate Legislative Committee Founder

Karen Harrington founded the Climate Reality Project Portland Chapter legislative committee in 2021.

Kelly Jensvold

Kelly Jensvold

Social Media Lead

Fighting climate change is my life’s mission.
I currently work in renewable energy as a Computer Aided Design Drafter.
My involvement with Climate Reality started in 2020 when I took Climate Reality’s very first virtual training.

Nick Keenan

Nick Keenan

Renewable Energy Lead

Victoria Martinez

Victoria Martinez

Communications Lead

I am a registered nurse with a passion for environmental advocacy at the legislation level. Recently moved from Los Angeles to Portland where I was involved in the local chapter.

Lynn Merrick

Lynn Merrick

Climate Education Lead

Bernadette Rodgers

Bernadette Rodgers

Climate Education Co-Lead

Bernadette trained with Climate Reality in 2018. She is a climate activist and science educator. Her activism focuses on nonviolent direct action (NVDA, including civil disobedience) and public outreach to grow the movement. Rise up for Mother Earth!