Shadira Chester
Real name:
Shadira is a first-generation college graduate from Henderson, Kentucky with a B.A. in Economics from Berea College. As a Kentucky native and granddaughter of a former coal miner, Shadira is passionate about transitioning coal-dependent economies to more renewable energy sources.
Before college, Shadira encouraged peers to compost their food waste and developed a composting system in her high school cafeteria. The combination of service and education fueled her interest in community building and sustainable development.
In her free time, Shadira enjoys reading, meditating, and baking. She is excited to begin her career in conservation and clean energy with Canopy as a RAY Tree and Climate Fellow.