UNM's Himmelberger will serve on EPA's HBCU-MSI Advisory Council

The University of New Mexico will be represented in a new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advisory council aimed at fostering diversity, equity and inclusion within environmental policymaking and workforce development.

Heather Himmelberger, director of the Southwest Environmental Finance Center housed at UNM, will serve as vice chair on the EPA's inaugural Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU-MSI) Federal Advisory Council. She brings a unique perspective to the board having worked at UNM, a Hispanic-Serving Institution for 30 years, worked with all 10 EPA regions and traveled and worked across all 50 states and U.S. territories.

"We are at a time when the environmental workforce, and especially the water workforce, is facing significant challenges on all fronts - including the ability to secure workers at all levels of the sector and to obtain and maintain a more diverse employee base," Himmelberger said. "This board is a chance to explore ways in which EPA can help Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions and how these institutions can in turn help EPA. I am so honored to have this opportunity to participate in this new advisory committee in a leadership role and to share with others our successes as an MSI working with EPA and our challenges."

The HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council will provide independent advice and recommendations to EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan on strategies to help diversify the agency's workforce, support the professional development of environmental leaders, and ensure that HBCUs and MSIs receive the resources and support they need to thrive. The council's insights will be crucial in guiding the EPA's efforts to address environmental justice issues and enhance community engagement.

Himmelberger will serve a two-year term alongside 19 other individuals selected across industry, academia, nonprofits and government representing expertise in environmental and climate issues, workforce development and more.

"We are honored to have such a distinguished group of leaders join the first-ever HBCU-MSI Advisory Council," EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said. "Each member brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and a deep commitment to advancing environmental justice and helping to diversify contributions to environmental policies. Their unique perspectives will be invaluable as we continue to ensure that all communities have a voice in our shared work to protect public health and the environment, to empower the next generation of environmental leaders, and to support these vital institutions for generations to come."

Himmelberger is eager to explore how the council can support students at the represented institutions, like UNM.

"Our board will look at ways that EPA can provide opportunities for our universities and our students. I'm really looking forward to these discussions over the next few years with the agency and my fellow board members and hope that we can come up with actions that will be mutually beneficial," she said.

She is especially interested in developing the environmental workforce across the country and ensuring students from disadvantaged areas and backgrounds are aware of potential career paths, particularly in the water sector.

"We need to let our students know what the opportunities are and have EPA learn from these voices. Much of EPA's work right now is focused on small, disadvantaged communities who all too often were impacted by negative environmental consequences or were unable to access the resources and programs available to other communities. Expanding the workforce will better enable EPA to understand and serve all communities, including disadvantaged communities," she said.

Learn more and read about the other members of the HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Councilon the EPA's website.

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