Mildred McClain
2027 ALI Fellow

Mildred McClain brings to ALI decades of leadership in environmental justice, community organizing, education, and policy advocacy across the U.S. South and the African diaspora. Mildred founded and leads Harambee House/Citizens for Environmental Justice, where she advances community-driven approaches to climate resilience, public health, environmental protection, and civic participation. Her work has included building grassroots coalitions, convening the Southeast Environmental Justice Summit, shaping environmental justice policy at the national level, and creating leadership and capacity-building programs for youth and frontline communities. Mildred also held leadership roles focused on hunger, prison reform, education, and community empowerment and has worked extensively with federal agencies, universities, policymakers, and local organizations to advance equitable environmental and public health solutions. She continues to serve on national environmental justice councils and networks and speaks widely on climate justice, civil rights, and intergenerational leadership.