. Nicholas Vallejo | CCPC
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Nicholas Vallejo
Recycling Specialist, Environmental Services Department

City of San Diego

After graduating with a degree in Sustainability & Communications from San Diego State University, Nick decided to dedicate his life to combating climate change with real, practical solutions. He soon became trained as a Climate Reality Leader under Vice-President Al Gore’s The Climate Reality Project. With their partnership, he created social campaigns that brought awareness to the urgency of the environmental crisis and ways individuals could make a positive change. In 2022, Nick joined the California Climate Action Corps and was paired with the City of San Diego to assist in their efforts in reducing food waste and increasing food recovery to businesses and residents alike. In the future, Nick plans on starting his own non-profit committed to continuing the search and action for practical solutions to climate change.

SESSIONS

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Climate and Sustainability Work

This panel, moderated by Nick Vallejo, explores the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in climate and sustainability work—specifically within the City of San Diego. Panelists include Melissa Languren from the Planning Department, Megan Kendall from the Environmental Services Department, Cassandra Smith from the Stormwater Department, and Yey Morales from the Human Resources Department’s Division of Race and Equity. Together, they will share how DEI is operationalized across departments through policy, public engagement, data analysis, and intentional service delivery. The panel will also address historic environmental disparities in San Diego, how tools like the Climate Equity Index guide City decision-making, and why equity must be foundational—not an afterthought—in climate action. Attendees will gain insight into the challenges, opportunities, and collaborative efforts shaping a more just and sustainable San Diego.