CEEJAC Members Retired

In Memory of Yolanda L. Stinson

Yolanda L. Stinson first became involved in organizing around environmental justice concerns in 1972 through the PYE (Protect Your Environment) club. Back then, communities were worried about automobile emissions and manufacturers emitting pollution; issues that continue to plague our communities today. She was a proud member of the Connecticut Coalition of Environmental Justice. Yolanda worked tirelessly to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, advocating for equality, justice, and representation. Her dedication and leadership within CCEJ resonated deeply with those she worked alongside, leaving a lasting impact on the pursuit of social justice.

Yolanda was nominated by her peers to serve on the CT Equity and Environmental Justice Advisory Council (CEEJAC) and I had the pleasure of appointing her back in June 2022. It was an honor to work alongside such a strong organizer who fought hard for her Bridgeport community.

To quote her daughter Zaikiya Felder, “Yolanda fought to get a seat at the table for those people impacted by the environment and economic rules, regulations, and laws that determine whether they live or die.”  She gained the knowledge of environmental injustices and climate change and learned to effectively use her voice to begin the change in urban communities. Yolanda’s aim was to learn and educate the other residents in her community that they too can “FIGHT FOR THE RIGHT” to live and breathe in a community that does NOT slowly kill them. We send our deepest sympathies to Yolanda’s family, to her friends, and to all those she gave a voice to. We will miss her presence, strength, and expertise on CEEJAC. Yolanda served on CEEJAC from 2022-2023.

Rev. Dr. Albert Bailey, EJ Community Representative (Hartford)

Taylor Mayes, Environmental Advocate Representative

Sharon Lewis, Environmental Advocate Representative

Leticia Colon de Mejias, Business Representative

Liany Arroyo, Municipality Representative (Hartford)

Kimberly Lesay, Department of Transportation Representative

Robert Hotaling, Department of Economic and Community Development Representative

Content last updated October 2024