JPB Fellow Na’Taki Osborne Jelks received the Damu Smith Environmental Achievement Award — This award recognizes cross-cutting collaborative work that has enhanced or increased understanding of economic security, ecological conservation, culture or health.
Dr. Na’Taki Osborne Jelks is a nationally-recognized leader in engaging urban communities and youth of color in environmental stewardship through hands-on watershed and land restoration initiatives, environmental education, and training. In 2001, Jelks co-founded the Atlanta Earth Tomorrow® Program, a National Wildlife Federation program that connects urban youth to nature, civic engagement, and leadership development. She is an Assistant Professor of Environmental and Health Sciences at Spelman College and the board chairperson for the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance, an organization that she helped found. She was named a White House Champion of Change in 2014.