The 2026 Long Island Youth Climate Summit
Students for Climate Action and Renewable Energy Long Island held the 2nd annual Long Island Youth Climate Summit (LIYCS) on March 10, 2026 at Stony Brook University. You can find speaker information, photos, and other resources on this page. We are already looking forward to next year's Summit!
Thank You to our Sponsors and Underwriters!
Our Keynote Speakers
Adrienne Esposito
Adrienne Esposito
Adrienne Esposito
Adrienne holds a degree in Geology and Environmental Science. She is a co-founder and Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment and leads diverse environmental and public health campaigns including protection of drinking and surface water, remediation of plumes, stewardship of land and water, support for large scale rene
Adrienne holds a degree in Geology and Environmental Science. She is a co-founder and Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment and leads diverse environmental and public health campaigns including protection of drinking and surface water, remediation of plumes, stewardship of land and water, support for large scale renewable energy projects, fighting plastic pollution and more. Adrienne has been a significant part of the public education process that has propelled public commitment to clean water, clean air and public health protection. She is widely considered an expert on environmental protection issues and has received national, state and local awards.
Heather White
Adrienne Esposito
Adrienne Esposito
Heather White is the founder of OneGreenThing.org and author of Eco-Anxiety: Saving Our Sanity, Our Kids & Our Future (HarperCollins 2024), 60 Days to a Greener Life (HarperCollins 2024) and One Green Thing (HarperCollins 2022). Heather directed environmental education advocacy at the nation's largest conservation organization, served as
Heather White is the founder of OneGreenThing.org and author of Eco-Anxiety: Saving Our Sanity, Our Kids & Our Future (HarperCollins 2024), 60 Days to a Greener Life (HarperCollins 2024) and One Green Thing (HarperCollins 2022). Heather directed environmental education advocacy at the nation's largest conservation organization, served as executive director to an environmental health watchdog in Washington, DC, and led the nonprofit partner to Yellowstone National Park as President and CEO. Heather worked on Capitol Hill as energy and environment legislative counsel to U.S. Senator Russ Feingold (D-Wisconsin) and a presidential campaign staffer and recount attorney to Vice President Al Gore. She has served as adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center and the University of Tennessee College of Law. Heather graduated with a J.D. magna cum laude from the University of Tennessee College of Law and earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University of Virginia as an Echols Scholar. She's a frequent spokesperson in the national media on environmental issues and has been featured on Good Morning America, CBS, PBS, ABC, NBC News, and quoted in the New York Times, The Guardian, and Teen Vogue.
Ed Romaine
Adrienne Esposito
Ed Romaine
Edward P. Romaine began his term as Suffolk County Executive on January 1, 2024. Mr. Romaine began his career as a history teacher in the Hauppauge School District, where he taught for 10 years. In 1980, he entered public service as the Town of Brookhaven’s first Commissioner of Housing and Community Development and was later appointed Di
Edward P. Romaine began his term as Suffolk County Executive on January 1, 2024. Mr. Romaine began his career as a history teacher in the Hauppauge School District, where he taught for 10 years. In 1980, he entered public service as the Town of Brookhaven’s first Commissioner of Housing and Community Development and was later appointed Director of Economic Development. He served as a member of the Suffolk County Legislature, from 1986 through 1989, when he was elected as county clerk, remaining in that office until returning to the Legislature in 2005. Before being elected County Executive, he served as Brookhaven Town Supervisor for 12 years. Ed Romaine earned a B.A. in History from Adelphi University and an M.A. in History from Long Island University. He resides in Center Moriches, New York with his wife, Diane
"The Power of Innovation" Panelists
Andrea Bonilla
Andrea Bonilla
Andrea Bonilla
Andrea Bonilla is the East Coast Director of External Affairs for Vineyard Offshore, an offshore wind developer. Her role is to bolster the development of offshore wind projects, by implementing strategies to engage all stakeholders through genuine conversations and collaborations as we foster energy independence and reliability, transiti
Andrea Bonilla is the East Coast Director of External Affairs for Vineyard Offshore, an offshore wind developer. Her role is to bolster the development of offshore wind projects, by implementing strategies to engage all stakeholders through genuine conversations and collaborations as we foster energy independence and reliability, transition to renewable energy, and create family sustaining wages and opportunities for local businesses. Andrea’s professional experience ranges across a wide set of industries focused on stakeholder and community engagement, relationship building, government relations, labor relations, and economic & workforce development. She is a board member of the Long Island Association (LIA) and the Huntington Chamber of Commerce; was Chairwoman of the Town of Huntington’s COVID Small Business Recovery Task Force 2020-2022; and a graduate of the Class of 2016 of Leadership Huntington and the Huntington Greening Fellowship 2021. Most recently, Andrea was recognized by Long Island Business News as a 2022 40 under Forty honoree, a City and State 2024 Economic Development Trailblazer, and corporation of the year by the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2025. Andrea has an Arts Bachelor degree from Brown University in Latin American & Caribbean Studies and International Relations and lives in Huntington Station, NY.
Jonathan Cohen
Andrea Bonilla
Andrea Bonilla
Jonathan Cohen joined NYSEIA as Policy Director in May 2022, bringing more than a decade of experience in New York’s solar and storage industry and over 25 years of public policy advocacy. Before joining NYSEIA, Jonathan served in a range of leadership roles across residential and community‑scale solar and storage developers, including he
Jonathan Cohen joined NYSEIA as Policy Director in May 2022, bringing more than a decade of experience in New York’s solar and storage industry and over 25 years of public policy advocacy. Before joining NYSEIA, Jonathan served in a range of leadership roles across residential and community‑scale solar and storage developers, including helping to scale a start‑up solar company, managing community engagement and program development, and directing policy and government relations efforts. At NYSEIA, he leads the association’s policy strategy, working with state agencies, legislators, and industry partners to advance distributed solar and storage as essential tools for energy affordability, resiliency, and reliability. A lifelong civic leader, Jonathan has held multiple prominent community roles and remains deeply engaged in regional policy and public‑service initiatives. He lives on Long Island with his wife Carolyn, daughter Emma, and son Zachary.
Faith Laudano
Andrea Bonilla
Theresa Santoro
Faith Laudano is currently the Associate Director of the Long Island Clean Energy Hub. She is a project leader specializing in clean energy and community-based programs across Long Island. She assists in the overseeing of the Long Island Hub, a state- and utility-funded initiative that supports low- and moderate-income residents in access
Faith Laudano is currently the Associate Director of the Long Island Clean Energy Hub. She is a project leader specializing in clean energy and community-based programs across Long Island. She assists in the overseeing of the Long Island Hub, a state- and utility-funded initiative that supports low- and moderate-income residents in accessing energy efficiency technologies and workforce development programs. With a background in education and environmental studies, Faith brings a collaborative, people-centered leadership style to the Hub team. Faith is passionate about building efficiency and educating communities about the benefits of clean energy. Faith is a nature and animal lover. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, and tending to her houseplants and pet reptiles.
Theresa Santoro
Theresa Santoro
Theresa Santoro
Theresa Santoro is Senior Director of Community and Government Relations at the New York Power Authority, the nation’s largest state public power organization, focusing on southeast New York. She serves as a key liaison to elected officials, regional leaders, and community stakeholders, advancing NYPA’s mission to lead New York’s transiti
Theresa Santoro is Senior Director of Community and Government Relations at the New York Power Authority, the nation’s largest state public power organization, focusing on southeast New York. She serves as a key liaison to elected officials, regional leaders, and community stakeholders, advancing NYPA’s mission to lead New York’s transition to clean, affordable energy. Previously, Theresa held roles in both public and private sectors, including Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for Long Island in the Governor’s Office, where she managed major infrastructure, environmental, and public health initiatives. She holds degrees from Fordham and Stony Brook and is pursuing an MBA.
Lucia Yu
Theresa Santoro
Lucia Yu
Lucia Yu is the Senior Manager of Development at Key Capture Energy, where she oversees utility-scale battery energy storage project development throughout New York State. Before joining KCE, she worked at EDP Renewables as part of the project finance team, focusing on the origination of commercial-scale solar and solar‑plus‑storage proje
Lucia Yu is the Senior Manager of Development at Key Capture Energy, where she oversees utility-scale battery energy storage project development throughout New York State. Before joining KCE, she worked at EDP Renewables as part of the project finance team, focusing on the origination of commercial-scale solar and solar‑plus‑storage projects. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Davis, and holds a Master’s degree from Columbia University.
"Careers and Degrees in Climate and Energy" Panelists
Adam Charboneau, PhD
Adam Charboneau, PhD
Adam Charboneau, PhD
Adam Charboneau is an urban and environmental historian whose research interests lie at the intersection of public policy and planning, sustainability, and uneven development. His scholarship focuses on issues of social, economic, and environmental justice, gentrification, grassroots activism, and the production of space. Dr. Charboneau’s
Adam Charboneau is an urban and environmental historian whose research interests lie at the intersection of public policy and planning, sustainability, and uneven development. His scholarship focuses on issues of social, economic, and environmental justice, gentrification, grassroots activism, and the production of space. Dr. Charboneau’s published work has examined appropriations of abandonment, the marketing and media representation of local reclamation campaigns, and the social and environmental consequences of neoliberal governance. He is currently investigating redevelopment and sustainability in Long Island, New York, using area case studies as a means of experiential learning for undergraduates.
Caroline Grattan
Adam Charboneau, PhD
Adam Charboneau, PhD
Caroline Grattan is a Development Analyst at AES, where she supports clean energy development projects across the New York and New England region. She previously spent several years as an Environmental Consultant at both Langan Engineering & Environmental Services in New York City and Arcadis in Central New Jersey, where she focused on br
Caroline Grattan is a Development Analyst at AES, where she supports clean energy development projects across the New York and New England region. She previously spent several years as an Environmental Consultant at both Langan Engineering & Environmental Services in New York City and Arcadis in Central New Jersey, where she focused on brownfield redevelopment and environmental remediation projects. Caroline earned her B.S. in Environmental Science from Temple University in 2017, while balancing college athletics and genetics/genomics research. Her career reflects a transition from environmental consulting into renewable energy development, and she is passionate about helping students understand the wide range of career paths available in climate and energy.
Sydney LeGuillow
Adam Charboneau, PhD
Sydney LeGuillow
Sydney LeGuillow is the Government and Community Affairs Coordinator at Haugland Group, where she supports legislative outreach, community engagement, and policy research. She manages communications, outreach, and events with elected officials, government agencies, and community stakeholders. A graduate of Hofstra University with a B.A. i
Sydney LeGuillow is the Government and Community Affairs Coordinator at Haugland Group, where she supports legislative outreach, community engagement, and policy research. She manages communications, outreach, and events with elected officials, government agencies, and community stakeholders. A graduate of Hofstra University with a B.A. in Political Science and minors in Economics, International Affairs, and Global Studies, she brings a strong foundation in public policy and commitment to advancing infrastructure and workforce initiatives through strategic partnerships and data-driven advocacy. Sydney is passionate about securing a resilient future by addressing economic, environmental, and social issues, all which are uniquely captured in Haugland Groups mission of empowering people and progress while building critical infrastructure.
Chad Marvin
Ryan Stanton
Sydney LeGuillow
Chad Marvin is Clean Energy Workforce Development Manager for the Long Island Clean Energy Hub. In this role, Chad works with local leaders, governments, not-for-profits, as well as LI residents to help create and connect people to green job opportunities in clean energy. Chad has 10+ years of experience working on project implementation
Chad Marvin is Clean Energy Workforce Development Manager for the Long Island Clean Energy Hub. In this role, Chad works with local leaders, governments, not-for-profits, as well as LI residents to help create and connect people to green job opportunities in clean energy. Chad has 10+ years of experience working on project implementation at the international and domestic levels in the environmental sector. He is a graduate of the Yale School of the Environment's “Environmental Leadership Training Initiative” (ELTI) program, has his Master's in Sustainable International Development from Brandeis University, and has his BA in Environmental Humanities from Stony Brook University.
Ryan Stanton
Ryan Stanton
Ryan Stanton
Ryan Stanton is the Executive Director of the Long Island Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO the 4th largest Central Labor Council in the United States of America. The Federation is the voice for nearly 300,000 union members and their families across Nassau and Suffolk Counties, and consists of over 160 AFL-CIO local union affiliates representi
Ryan Stanton is the Executive Director of the Long Island Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO the 4th largest Central Labor Council in the United States of America. The Federation is the voice for nearly 300,000 union members and their families across Nassau and Suffolk Counties, and consists of over 160 AFL-CIO local union affiliates representing a wide range of union workers. He was instrumental in the success of the largest wastewater infrastructure expansion on Long Island in nearly fifty years. He remains an advocate for the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act, a public policy designed to expand Suffolk County’s wastewater infrastructure to protect our drinking water, bays, estuaries, and create good union jobs along the way. It’s currently on track to go before the public for approval, and if adopted, will secure and improve the quality of life for Long Island’s working families for generations. He has helped to increase access to affordable quality child care, supported funding for public schools and agencies, and actively advocates for a broad array of public policies that foster equitable and inclusive economic growth. He works with union leaders, elected officials, community allies, the business community and other key stakeholders to advance the needs of Long Island's working families. Prior to joining the Long Island Federation of Labor, Ryan served as: the Executive Assistant to Steve Israel, former Congressman and Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee; a field organizer for a successful multimillion dollar suburban County Executive’s race; and began his career in the Office of United States Senator Charles E. Schumer covering a ten county region in Central New York. Ryan earned a degree in Arabic Studies from Binghamton University’s Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies with a minor in Economic Finance that included a study abroad at the University of Alexandria (Egypt.) Since that time, he has graduated from the Cornell University, ILR Worker Institute’s-Union Leadership Institute, as well as Molloy College’s, Energeia Partnership, an academy of regional stewardship. He is a member of the Suffolk County Workforce Development Board, and is a member of United Way of Long Island’s Board of Directors. Ryan spends much of his personal time training for endurance sports in an effort to someday be able to run with his wife (who is much faster), thereby increasing their quality time. They currently live on Long island with their two young children and two dogs.
The Team Behind LIYCS
Melissa Parrott
Harrison Gifford Bench
Harrison Gifford Bench
Melissa Parrott is the Executive Director of Renewable Energy Long Island (reLI) and the Founder of Students for Climate Action (S4CA). She has been in the environmental education field for over 25 years. After receiving her degree from California State University, Long Beach, she focused her career in environmental education, attending
Melissa Parrott is the Executive Director of Renewable Energy Long Island (reLI) and the Founder of Students for Climate Action (S4CA). She has been in the environmental education field for over 25 years. After receiving her degree from California State University, Long Beach, she focused her career in environmental education, attending Harvard University for environmental policy. Melissa became the Director of Environmental Education for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, working directly with the Governor and the Education Commissioner to incorporate environmental education into the State standards and using the environment as an integrated context for learning throughout cross curricula. In 2015, Melissa was trained by former Vice President Al Gore and the Climate Reality Project (CRP) on climate science and communications. She is now a Mentor, Chairperson of the CRP: Suffolk Chapter, and an active Climate Reality Leader working with youth and climate action campaigns. Prior to joining reLI, Melissa was the Director of Education and Outreach for the Central Pine Barrens Commission.
Harrison Gifford Bench
Harrison Gifford Bench
Harrison Gifford Bench
Harrison Gifford Bench has served as the Deputy Executive Director of Students for Climate Action (S4CA) since 2020. He first joined S4CA (formerly the Suffolk Student Climate Action Committee) as a sophomore in high school and served as the President of the Sayville chapter. During his time with S4CA, he has spoken at countless public fo
Harrison Gifford Bench has served as the Deputy Executive Director of Students for Climate Action (S4CA) since 2020. He first joined S4CA (formerly the Suffolk Student Climate Action Committee) as a sophomore in high school and served as the President of the Sayville chapter. During his time with S4CA, he has spoken at countless public forums, met with dozens of elected officials, and mentored hundreds of youth activists – all to lobby for common sense climate and energy initiatives. Harrison was the first youth member of the Islip Town Environmental Council and is a certified Climate Reality Leader. In addition to working for S4CA, he is pursing a Juris Doctor from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University and a Master of Environmental Management from Yale School of the Environment. Harrison has interned with EPA, NOAA, the NY Department of Public Service, the SC Department of Environmental Services, both chambers of Congress, private law firms, and legal research centers at Pace. After graduation, he hopes to practice climate and energy law in New York State.
Daniel Busi
Harrison Gifford Bench
Danielle Moore
Daniel Busi is an environmental professional with special expertise in the sustainable design and operations of high-performance buildings. Daniel is the Program Manager at Renewable Energy Long Island. In addition to being a LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, LFA, and Fitwel Ambassador, he is educated in GPRO: Operations & Maintenance, an accredited
Daniel Busi is an environmental professional with special expertise in the sustainable design and operations of high-performance buildings. Daniel is the Program Manager at Renewable Energy Long Island. In addition to being a LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, LFA, and Fitwel Ambassador, he is educated in GPRO: Operations & Maintenance, an accredited International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) installer, and OSHA-10 certified. Among Mr. Busi’s primary responsibilities are organizational planning, grant support, and nonprofit management. He currently works as a Senior Sustainability Project Manager at Cushman & Wakefield. Mr. Busi earned a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science with a concentration in green building design and community development from the University of Vermont. He is an expert skier, world traveler who has visited 45 countries, and is currently teaching himself Spanish, hoping one day to become bilingual.
Danielle Moore
Danielle Moore
Danielle Moore
Danielle Moore grew up on Long Island, where early experiences in its diverse ecosystems shaped her commitment to environmental stewardship. She earned her B.A. in Sustainability Studies from Stony Brook University and her M.S. in Environmental Justice from the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability. Danielle has
Danielle Moore grew up on Long Island, where early experiences in its diverse ecosystems shaped her commitment to environmental stewardship. She earned her B.A. in Sustainability Studies from Stony Brook University and her M.S. in Environmental Justice from the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability. Danielle has held numerous conservation roles across Long Island and worked with the New York City Department of Sanitation. She has also supported numerous environmental justice efforts in Michigan. Today, she serves as Program Coordinator for Renewable Energy Long Island. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and spending time outdoors
Sophia Dimont
Danielle Moore
Sophia Dimont
Sophia Dimont is Sustainability Studies student at Stony Brook University, concentrating in Societies, Economics, and Governance track. She serves as a senator on the Undergraduate Student Government, allocating budgets to student organizations and advocating for stronger campus sustainability initiatives.
At Students for Climate Action, S
Sophia Dimont is Sustainability Studies student at Stony Brook University, concentrating in Societies, Economics, and Governance track. She serves as a senator on the Undergraduate Student Government, allocating budgets to student organizations and advocating for stronger campus sustainability initiatives.
At Students for Climate Action, Sophia works as a Program Coordinator. In this role, she writes letters to the editor to local newspapers, testifies at town hearings, and meets with New York legislators to advocate for renewable energy on Long Island. She is also responsible for co-hosting biweekly meetings with S4CA’s high school members and guiding them through advocacy action items and civic engagement opportunities
Outside of advocacy work, Sophia competes on her university’s sailing team and enjoys arts and crafts projects.
Thank You to our Dedicated Staff & Volunteers!
Thank you to Melissa Parrott, Harrison Bench, Dan Busi, Danielle Moore, Rachel Pereira, Sophia Dimont, Wilson Lin, Jess Kutsenko, Anna Pushkar, Eliana Park, Melissa Calcagno, Anna Giulia Polli, Shaelyn Herold, Blu Vallejo, and others for your help at the Summit!