Annel Hernandez

Focus areas: environmental justice, environmental policy, climate policy, climate resiliency, urban policy

Annel Hernandez teaches environmental justice and climate resiliency at SIPA. Annel is the Associate Director of the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance. She works on city and statewide climate policy issues, focusing on local advocacy and research that further equitable investments in coastal resiliency, green infrastructure, renewable energy, and resilient energy systems. Annel also works on various coalition campaigns to push for more aggressive climate legislation with equity as a central focus. She has been actively researching the benefits of an integrated climate resiliency approach and developing pathways to implementation in frontline communities. Previously, Annel worked with the NYC Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and the Urban Climate Change Research Network at the Earth Institute. A lifelong New Yorker and current resident of Bushwick, Brooklyn, she serves on the Board of Newtown Creek Alliance and BK Rot. Annel received her BA in Political Science and Latino Studies from Fordham University, and her MPA in Energy and Environment from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.

Education

• MPA in Energy and Environment, Columbia University
• BA in Political Science and Latino Studies, Fordham University  

Honors and Awards

• Rachel’s Network Catalyst Award for Women Environmental Leaders of Color
• New York Lawyers for the Public Interest Felix Fishman Awards for Extraordinary Advocacy