Raised in the east side of Houston, Nery experienced environmental injustice their entire life. If the constant traffic of 18-wheelers didn’t contaminate the air, the stench of local refineries and chemical plants poisoned the community instead, not to mention the landfill.

Nery uses that as inspiration every day in their role as EJ Organizer through campaigns like #CloseParishCoal led by Air Alliance and the Climate Justice Campaign led by CEER. In these campaigns, the concerns of BIPOC communities are at the forefront of Nery’s work as they advocate for clean air, water, and land for all. By raising awareness of the environmental injustices our communities face in our day-to-day, the goal is to empower Latine and allied communities to take action and use our right to vote.

Aside from focusing on environmental justice, Nery likes to celebrate the green spaces Houston already has to offer. They enjoy trails on the Bayou Greenways and the “Land Bridge and Prairie” at Memorial Park, as well as enjoying foods from places such as Mexico and South India.