2024 Greater Good - Emerging Leader Award Winners

Scarlett Schroeder entered the realm of IAP2 in 2022. As an Associate at Strategic Earth Consulting, Scarlett utilizes IAP2 teachings to prioritize, uplift, and incorporate community voices in various projects nestled at the intersection of marine science policy and community engagement. Scarlett has continually demonstrated her willingness to hear and experience different perspectives and to work collaboratively to develop strategies that honor expressed needs and reflect diverse world views.

In 2023, while attending the IAP2 North American Conference, Scarlett learned about the IAP2 Young Professionals Canada Chapter and wondered why there was no equivalent group for the USA Chapter. Motivated by this gap, Scarlett took the initiative to form a USA Young Professionals (YP) group. By the end of the conference, she had gathered a team of fellow young professionals to help her pave the way for this new group. Within a month, Scarlett had assembled a leadership team that met regularly to form this new group. She created a collaborative, respectful, and efficient environment, which allowed for a quick development of the team and materials. 

Scarlett’s heart is in her work with communities. She lovingly pushes Strategic Earth clients to more deeply consider issues of privilege, trust, and accessibility as they develop processes and events. She makes it a priority to center Tribal voices in intergovernmental convenings, build relationships as the first step to innovative problem solving, and ensure technical information can be understood by those who will be most impacted. In service to the field of public participation, Scarlett has contributed fresh energy, generated creative ideas, and provided exceptional support to IAP2 USA programs. Her innovative leadership and dedication have made a significant impact on the profession, embodying the spirit of the Greater Good - Emerging Leader Award. Scarlett's contributions have not only advanced public participation practices but have also inspired and mentored the next generation of professionals in the field.

Sergio Torres-Peralta is an emerging leader in community engagement and public participation, as evidenced by his recent work supporting the development of the first Austin/Travis County Food Plan.

Sergio joined the City of Austin’s Office of Sustainability Food Team in 2022, as work began on the first ever food planning process. In addition to digital and in-person engagement, Sergio created and oversaw a Community Food Ambassador (CFA) program. The program's vision was to help the Office of Sustainability food team build meaningful, long-lasting relationships with community members who would support co-creation processes with sustained participation and input.

Overall, Sergio led an effective public engagement and empowerment campaign rooted in the values of IAP2. Engagement efforts resulted in over 4,300 comments received, over 3,500 unique individuals engaged, and participation in 87 public events across the City of Austin and Travis County. Sergio has shared his approach and these results in various groups and was invited to present to the City of Austin’s Public Engagement Community of Practice. His innovations in public engagement and empowerment have sparked new ways of working across the city with internal and external partners. 

Recently, Sergio transitioned his grant-funded position with the Office of Sustainability into a full-time permanent position working with the City of Austin’s Communication and Public Information Office, where he leads their digital engagement strategy. 

Nehama Rogozen

Public Relations Officer at San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA)